Introduction
Stainless Steel 304 pipe fittings are essential components used in piping systems across diverse industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and construction. With its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, Grade 304 has become a staple for reliable and hygienic connections.
Mcneil Instruments is a leading manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of stainless steel 304 pipe fittings in India. With a commitment to quality, precision, and performance, Mcneil offers a complete range of SS 304 fittings designed to meet both domestic and international demand.
Understanding Stainless Steel 304: The “18/8” Advantage
Stainless Steel 304 gets its “18/8” nickname from its chemistry: approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This balanced composition offers a combination of corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and hygiene, ideal for demanding environments.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The chromium content forms a protective oxide film on the surface, shielding the material against humidity, acids, and chlorides.
- Good Formability and Weldability: SS 304 can be readily shaped into elbows, tees, reducers, and other connection types, and it welds cleanly with minimal post-processing.
- High Strength and Durability: Capable of withstanding moderate pressures and temperatures, SS 304 fittings are reliable for long-term use.
- Hygienic Properties: The non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and sterilize, making it a preferred choice for sanitary applications.
What Is a 304 Pipe Grade?
The term 304 pipe grade refers to pipes and fittings made of stainless steel conforming to international standards (e.g., ASTM A403 WP304) and designed to precise dimensions, mechanical properties, and performance criteria. Below are key specifications and charts related to SS 304 fittings.
Stainless Steel 304 Pipe Fittings Sizes & Dimensions
| Fitting Type | Range | Schedule |
| Elbows, Tees | ½″ to 12″ (15 to 300 mm) | Sch 10–160 |
| Reducers, Caps | Same range | Sch 10–160 |
| Couplings, Unions | ½″ to 4″ (15 to 100 mm) | Sch 10–160 |
Stainless Steel 304 Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max |
| Chromium | 18.0% | 20.0% |
| Nickel | 8.0% | 10.5% |
| Carbon | — | 0.08% |
| Manganese | — | 2.0% |
| Phosphorus | — | 0.045% |
| Sulfur | — | 0.03% |
ASTM A403 WP304 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Min. Value |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | 40% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 92 |
Pressure Rating for SS 304 Fittings
| Fitting Size | Schedule 40 Rating | Schedule 80 Rating |
| ½″ | 1,480 psi (10.2 MPa) | 2,540 psi (17.5 MPa) |
| 1″ | 1,220 psi (8.4 MPa) | 2,020 psi (13.9 MPa) |
| 2″ | 1,130 psi (7.8 MPa) | 2,000 psi (13.8 MPa) |
SS 304 vs SS 304L Fittings
| Feature | SS 304 | SS 304L |
| Carbon Content | Up to 0.08% | Up to 0.03% (lower) |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
| Intergranular Corrosion | Moderate | Very Low (better) |
Manufacturing Process
Stainless steel 304 pipe fittings undergo a multi-stage manufacturing process:
- Raw Material Sourcing: Precision-grade SS 304 is sourced from reputable mills with full traceability.
- Forging / Casting: Fittings are hammered or cast into blanks based on the required shape—elbows, tees, caps, etc.
- Machining & Forming: CNC machining and forming processes refine the fittings to precise dimensions and wall thickness.
- Heat Treatment: Annealing is performed to restore ductility and corrosion resistance after forming.
- Quality Assurance: Every batch is tested for chemical composition, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and pressure integrity.
- Final Inspection & Packaging: Fittings are checked, individually marked, cleaned, and packed for export-ready condition.
Mcneil Instruments: Your Trusted SS 304 Pipe Fittings Solution
When you choose Mcneil Instruments, you gain access to:
- ASTM A403 WP304 certified fittings
- A comprehensive product range of elbows, tees, reducers, caps, couplings, and unions
- Strict quality control protocols, including hydrostatic testing and dimensional accuracy
- Robust supply chain management for timely delivery in India and abroad
- Technical support to assist with material selection and application requirements
- Competitive pricing with consistent quality and after-sales service
Our commitment is to excellence from sourcing raw materials to shipping the final product.
Ensuring Quality and Compliance
Before selecting a supplier, verify that they offer:
- Certifications: ASTM, ASME, ISO
- Material Traceability through Mill Test Certificates (MTCs)
- Pressure Ratings and mechanical test results
- Packaging Standards for safe transit and storage
- Reputation & References from previous clients
Conclusion
Stainless steel 304 pipe fittings are trusted for their corrosion resistance, strength, and hygiene. However, not all fittings are manufactured to the same standards. Choosing a supplier like Mcneil Instruments ensures that you receive authentic, certified, and high-performance SS 304 fittings backed by technical expertise.
Contact Mcneil Instruments today to explore a wide selection of ASTM A403 WP304 fittings tailored to your project needs.
