Stainless Steel 2304
UNS S32304 · EN 1.4362, X2CrNiN23-4 · GB 022Cr23Ni4N · also Alloy 2304
2304 (UNS S32304, 1.4362, X2CrNiN23-4, 022Cr23Ni4N, Alloy 2304) is a low-molybdenum duplex stainless with about 23 % Cr and 4 % Ni, supplied hot or cold rolled and annealed.
Values for the Solution Annealed condition
2304 tempers and conditions
2304 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. Solution Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
plate (1D) | Standard duplex plate condition for tanks, pressure vessels and structural work above ~5 mm thickness. | 450 | 660 | 31 | 21 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
generic mill-annealed condition per ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2 | Commercial synonym for the solution-annealed delivery condition; use when the datasheet simply says 'annealed'. | 455 | 680 | 30 | 22 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Solution AnnealedDefault 950–1050 °C, rapid quench (mill annealed plate/sheet/bar) | Standard as-delivered condition for all product forms; balanced 50/50 ferrite-austenite with best corrosion and toughness. | 460 | 680 | 30 | 22 HRC | — |
autogenous / matched-filler weld metal and HAZ, no post-weld anneal | Represents typical fabricated joint properties; use 2205-type over-alloyed filler (ER2209) to restore austenite balance and corrosion resistance. | 470 | 690 | 22 | 24 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
sheet/coil (2B / 2D) | Thin sheet and coil for pressed parts, façades and tubing feedstock; slightly higher strength and better surface than plate. | 490 | 700 | 29 | 24 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
annealed then cold drawn | Choose for higher-strength small-diameter bar, shafting and fasteners where extra yield strength and tight tolerance are needed. | 650 | 850 | 20 | 29 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 2304 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Cold Worked Tube | Cold Worked / Cold Pilgered Tube | Supply form |
What is 2304?
2304 (UNS S32304, 1.4362, X2CrNiN23-4, 022Cr23Ni4N, Alloy 2304) is a low-molybdenum duplex stainless with about 23 % Cr and 4 % Ni, supplied hot or cold rolled and annealed. Corrosion resistance is close to 316L (score 74) but strength is much higher — 460 MPa yield, 680 MPa tensile, 30 % elongation and 240 HB — in plate, sheet, bar and tube for tanks, bridges and cladding. Service is limited to 300 °C, machinability is 35, and forming needs about twice the press force of 304; move to 2205 or 2507 where more pitting resistance is required. 2304 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F). 2304 has a yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) — stronger than 73% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 2304 used for?
- Storage tanks
- Bridges
- Architectural cladding
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 74/100, better than 78% of stainless steel grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 77% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
2304 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2304-Solution Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
2304 has a density of 7.75 g/cm³ (0.28 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,385°C (2,525 °F).
Mechanical17
2304 has a yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) — stronger than 73% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
2304 is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 16 W/m·K (9.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 13 µm/m·K (7.22 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2304 conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (74/100), better than 78% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2304 takes about 46 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 88% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
2304's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability good (55/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 2304 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 2304
Is 2304 easy to machine?
Machine like 2205 but ~20% easier: rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, low speed/high feed, generous flood coolant, positive rake, and avoid dwelling to prevent work hardening.
Can 2304 be welded?
Good weldability with GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW using ER2209/E2209 over-alloyed filler or 1.4362 filler with N-bearing shielding gas; keep heat input 0.5–2.0 kJ/mm, interpass <150 °C, no preheat, no post-weld heat treatment.
Can 2304 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-formable but needs roughly twice the press force and larger bend radii than 304 with significant springback; hot work 950–1150 °C followed by solution anneal and quench.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 2304. Every 2304 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 150 / 180 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair55 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better72 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
2304 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Clow carbon to avoid carbide sensitisation | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 2.5 | 1.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0 |
| Cr | 21.5 – 24.5 | 23 |
| Nilean nickel content | 3 – 5.5 | 4.2 |
| Mo | 0.05 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Naustenite stabiliser, boosts strength and PREN | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Cu | 0.05 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 2304?
Pickle and passivate after welding (paste or bath) to restore the passive film; grinds and polishes to bright finishes, no anodizing; shot-blasting must use iron-free media.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 2304 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S32304
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4362X2CrNiN23-4
- GB (China)
- 022Cr23Ni4N
- Trade names
- Alloy 2304
How much does 2304 cost?
2304 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
2304 — frequently asked
What is 2304 used for?
2304 is typically used for storage tanks, bridges and architectural cladding. In short: mid-range duplex stainless.
What is the yield strength of 2304?
2304 has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 680 MPa (98.6 ksi) — stronger than 73% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 2304 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). Machine like 2205 but ~20% easier: rigid setups, sharp coated carbide, low speed/high feed, generous flood coolant, positive rake, and avoid dwelling to prevent work hardening.
Can 2304 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). Good weldability with GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW using ER2209/E2209 over-alloyed filler or 1.4362 filler with N-bearing shielding gas; keep heat input 0.5–2.0 kJ/mm, interpass <150 °C, no preheat, no post-weld heat treatment.
What surface finishes work on 2304?
Pickle and passivate after welding (paste or bath) to restore the passive film; grinds and polishes to bright finishes, no anodizing; shot-blasting must use iron-free media.
Can 2304 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-formable but needs roughly twice the press force and larger bend radii than 304 with significant springback; hot work 950–1150 °C followed by solution anneal and quench.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2304?
2304 is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 2304 cost?
2304 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 2304?
Yes — 2304 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip (UNS S32304) — ASTM International (2023)
- EN 10088-1/-2 — Stainless steels, grade 1.4362 — CEN (2014)
- ASTM A789/A790 — Duplex stainless steel tube and pipe — ASTM International (2021)
- Outokumpu Forta LDX / 1.4362 (2304) data sheet — Outokumpu (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Practical Guidelines for the Fabrication of Duplex Stainless Steels — IMOA (2014)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.