Materials & grades
904L stainless steel: equivalents 1.4539 (X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5), N08904 and SUS890L
904L is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel with about 20 % chromium, 25 % nickel, 4.5 % molybdenum and 1.5 % copper. It resists sulphuric and phosphoric acid and chloride pitting better than 316L, and the counterparts are 1.4539 (X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5) in Europe and SUS890L in Japan.
Names by standard
What it is called in each region
| Region | System | Designation | Standard | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | AISI/ASTM | 904L | ASTM A240 (plate, sheet, strip); B625 (plate, sheet, strip); B677 (seamless tube) | Same material |
| UNS | N08904N-series UNS number. The grade is covered by ASTM A240 and by the nickel-alloy specification B625. | — | Same material | |
| UK | BS (withdrawn) | 904S13Withdrawn British name listed by Outokumpu and Atlas. Deutsche Edelstahlwerke list no British grade. New orders use EN 10088. | — | Equivalent |
| EU | EN 10027-1 name | X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5Nitrogen up to 0.15 % is allowed, against 0.10 % in ASTM A240; silicon, phosphorus and sulphur limits are tighter. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent |
| EN 10027-2 number | 1.4539Material number of X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent | |
| DIN 17440 (legacy) | X1NiCrMoCuN25-20-5Older name for 1.4539 with an N in the symbol, as listed by Atlas Steels and Rosswag. Superseded; use the EN name. | — | Closest equivalent | |
| Japan | JIS G 4304 / G 4305 / G 3463 | SUS890LNippon Steel and Nose list SUS890L against 904L and the composition ranges match. Aperam and Deutsche Edelstahlwerke list no JIS grade, so treat the match as closest. | — | Closest equivalent |
On equivalence
- 904L versus 316L: 904L has about twice the nickel and more than twice the molybdenum of 316L and adds copper. It is chosen where 316L pits or corrodes in acid or chloride.
- 904L versus 2205: they are different families. 2205 is duplex (austenitic-ferritic) with much higher strength; 904L is fully austenitic and non-magnetic (SIJ Acroni). Which resists a given medium better depends on the medium. See the 2205 entry.
- EN 10088 tightens the analysis against ASTM A240: silicon ≤0.70 % (1.00 %), sulphur ≤0.010 % (0.035 %), chromium 19–21 % (19–23 %) and nickel 24–26 % (23–28 %), but allows nitrogen to 0.15 %.
- IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 lists no 904L-type grade, and no Indian designation was found for it elsewhere, so none is listed here. Order to ASTM A240 / ASME SB-625 or EN 1.4539.
- Sources disagree on two names. Outokumpu and Atlas list 904S13 while Deutsche Edelstahlwerke list no British grade; Nippon Steel and Nose list SUS890L while Aperam and Deutsche Edelstahlwerke list no JIS grade.
Chemical composition
Composition limits, mass %
| Element | 904L (N08904)USA · ASTM A240 | X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 (1.4539)EU · EN 10088-2 (cast analysis) | SUS890LJapan · JIS G 4303 (bar), as tabulated in the Nose reference sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.020 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤0.70 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.035 | ≤0.010 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 19.0–23.0 | 19.00–21.00 | 19.00–23.00 |
| Ni | 23.0–28.0 | 24.00–26.00 | 23.00–28.00 |
| Mo | 4.0–5.0 | 4.00–5.00 | 4.00–5.00 |
| Cu | 1.0–2.0 | 1.20–2.00 | 1.00–2.00 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.15 | — |
Mechanical properties
Strength and hardness
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnnealedSpecified minimums, plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240); hardness is a maximumASTM A240 prints 31 ksi [220 MPa] (ATI, Atlas Steels, Outokumpu); ASME SB-625 also lists 71 ksi tensile and 31 ksi yield (Rolled Alloys) | ≥490 MPa≥71 ksi | ≥220 MPa≥31 ksi | ≥35 % | ≤90 HRB |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Specified, hot rolled plate up to 75 mm, transverse testEN 10088-2, via Euro Inox tables | 520–720 MPa75–104 ksi | ≥220 MPa≥32 ksi | ≥35 % | — |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Specified, cold rolled strip up to 8 mm, transverse testEN 10088-2, via Euro Inox tables | 530–730 MPa77–106 ksi | ≥240 MPa≥35 ksi | ≥35 % | — |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Deutsche Edelstahlwerke bar specification, longitudinal test; hardness is a maximumDeutsche Edelstahlwerke datasheet 1.4539 (impact energy ≥100 J ISO-V at 25 °C) | 530–730 MPa77–106 ksi | ≥230 MPa≥33 ksi | ≥35 % | ≤230 HB |
| Solution treatedSpecified, JIS table in the Nose reference sheet (it gives reduction of area, so it is the bar standard JIS G 4303; plate limits in JIS G 4304 / G 4305 were not read); hardness is a maximumJIS, via Nose Stainless reference sheet (reduction of area ≥40 %) | ≥490 MPa≥71 ksi | ≥215 MPa≥31 ksi | ≥35 % | ≤187 HBW (≤90 HRBW) |
| Hot rolled plate, 10–20 mmOutokumpu typical values for 904L, transverse, not a specificationOutokumpu Steel Grades, Properties and Global Standards, Table 6 | 600 MPa87 ksi | 260 MPa38 ksi | 50 % | — |
In practice
Behaviour, heat treatment and uses
Characteristics
- Copper of 1–2 % adds resistance to hot phosphoric acid and dilute sulphuric acid (Rolled Alloys). Deutsche Edelstahlwerke report resistance to sulphuric acid at 20 °C in all concentrations, and to 50 °C below 60 % or above 90 %.
- Pitting resistance equivalent (PREN) of 32.2–39.9 by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke's range. Aperam quotes a minimum of 34 and SIJ Acroni a minimum of 35 for their plate, so use the figure on the mill certificate.
- Resists chloride pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking better than 316L, and is resistant to sea water up to about 70 °C (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
- Carbon of 0.020 % or less keeps it resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding without a post-weld anneal (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, SIJ Acroni).
- Fully austenitic and non-magnetic in all conditions (SIJ Acroni). Deutsche Edelstahlwerke list it for use from –60 °C to 400 °C.
- Tends to hot cracking when welded. Weld with a matching or nickel-based filler, keep heat input low and the interpass temperature at or below 150 °C (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
- Machinable only with care because of the high alloy content; average forgeability (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
Heat treatment
- Solution annealing: 1060–1150 °C (1940–2100 °F) with rapid cooling in air or water (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke). SIJ Acroni uses 1095–1140 °C for plate and JIS gives 1030–1180 °C.
- Minimise time at 600–900 °C. Brittle intermetallic phases such as sigma form there and reduce toughness and corrosion resistance (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
- Forging: pre-heat to 1150–1180 °C and forge between 1180 and 950 °C, then cool rapidly in air or water (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
- No hardening treatment exists. Strength rises only with cold work.
Impieghi tipici
- Sulphuric and phosphoric acid production, storage and transport
- Pickling equipment, utility scrubbers and tubesheets
- Pulp and paper, and seawater cooling equipment
- Oil and gas production and offshore modules
- Pharmaceutical and medical equipment; watch cases and jewellery
Stainless steels
Similar grades compared
| Classe | C % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Tensile, first listed condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 904L / 1.4539 | ≤0.020 | ≤2.00 | 19.0–23.0 | 23.0–28.0 | ≥490 MPa |
| 201 / 1.4372 | ≤0.15 | 5.50–7.50 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 301 / 1.4310 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 303 / 1.4305 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.0 | 17.0–19.0 | 8.0–10.0 | 650 MPa |
| 304 / 1.4301 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 304L / 1.4307 | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | ≥485 MPa |
| 309 / 309S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 22.0–24.0 | 12.0–15.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 310 / 310S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 24.0–26.0 | 19.0–22.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 316 / 1.4401 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 316L | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥485 MPa |
Composition from the US standard where one exists, otherwise the first standard listed on each grade's page. Strength conditions differ between grades; open a grade for its full table.
Domande e risposte
Common questions
What is the equivalent of 904L stainless steel?
1.4539 (X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5) in Europe, UNS N08904 in the US, SUS890L in Japan (listed by Nippon Steel and Nose) and 904S13 in old British standards. There is no Indian IS 1570 grade.
What is the difference between 904L and 316L?
904L carries about 25 % nickel, 4.5 % molybdenum and 1.5 % copper against 10–14 %, 2–3 % and none in 316L. That gives far better resistance to sulphuric and phosphoric acid and to chloride pitting, at higher cost.
Is 904L better than 2205 duplex?
It depends on the medium. 2205 is a duplex grade with much higher strength. 904L is fully austenitic and non-magnetic and is used for sulphuric acid service. Check corrosion data for the actual medium and temperature.
Is 904L weldable?
Yes, with care. It tends to hot cracking, so weld with a matching or nickel-based filler, keep heat input low and avoid weaving. Low carbon means no post-weld anneal is needed (Deutsche Edelstahlwerke).
Is 1.4539 the same as 904L?
They are close equivalents. Both are 20Cr-25Ni-4.5Mo-1.5Cu steels with 0.020 % carbon at most. EN 1.4539 has tighter limits on silicon, phosphorus and sulphur and a narrower chromium and nickel range.
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Related references
References
Sources
- Outokumpu: Steel Grades, Properties and Global Standards — Cross-reference of EN, ASTM, UNS and JIS names with the superseded British, DIN and French names; EN and ASTM minimum properties for plate; Outokumpu typical values.
- Atlas Steels, Product Reference Manual Section 9: stainless steel properties and equivalent grades — UNS, old British BS, Euronorm and JIS cross-reference, with ASTM A240 composition and specified mechanical properties. States that cross-references are approximate.
- Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (Swiss Steel Group): 1.4539 data sheet (rev. 4539-0) — Analysis, PRE range, bar mechanical properties, solution annealing, forging, welding and corrosion data.
- SIJ Acroni: SINOXX 4539 technical data sheet (2024) — Plate specification, guaranteed minimum values, PREN minimum and solution annealing range.
- Aperam: 904L / 1.4539 — Typical composition, minimum PREN of 34 and the standards the grade is listed against.
- Rolled Alloys: 904L data sheet (Bulletin 1743US) — UNS N08904 composition and ASME SB-625 minimum properties.
- Euro Inox: Stainless Steel: Tables of Technical Properties (2nd edition, 2007; Cedinox copy) — EN 10088 cast-analysis limits and minimum mechanical properties by product form for the EN grade, with the matching AISI/ASTM name.
- Nose Stainless: steel types, composition and mechanical properties (JIS reference sheet) — JIS composition, solution-treatment range, 0.2 % proof stress, tensile strength, elongation, reduction of area and hardness for the stainless plate grades, including SUS316Ti, SUS347 and SUS890L.
- Nippon Steel: stainless steel pipe and tube grade list (catalog P007) — Names 316Ti, 347, 347H and 904L against UNS, EN and JIS (SUS316Ti, SUS347, SUS347H, SUS890L) with tube composition and minimum strength.
- ATI: 904L superaustenitic stainless steel (UNS N08904) — ASTM A240 / ASME SB-625 composition and minimum 71 ksi (490 MPa) tensile, 31 ksi (220 MPa) yield, 35 % elongation, 90 HRB.
- Atlas Steels: Stainless Steel 904L Grade Data Sheet (27 April 2021) — ASTM A240M composition and 490 / 220 MPa minimums, PRE of 35, UNS, Euronorm and SS cross-reference (no JIS or BS listed).
Values summarize published limits and typical data. The governing standard and the current edition control; check them before specifying.