904L Stainless Steel Plate Price 2025

904L plate remains a premium, corrosion-resistant austenitic alloy whose 2025 market price sits substantially above common grades such as 304/316L because of its high nickel, molybdenum and copper contents; typical bulk offers in mid-2025 range roughly from USD 2,000 to USD 6,000 per metric ton depending on origin, product form, thickness, and order size — with China factory FOB offers often at the lower end and European mill stock at the higher end. Buyers should balance lifecycle resistance requirements against premium metal cost and choose certified suppliers that can furnish mill test certificates and PMI traceability.

What is 904L?

904L is a superaustenitic stainless steel specified under UNS N08904 (sometimes listed as 1.4539 in European numbering). It is formulated with elevated nickel, molybdenum and copper to deliver enhanced resistance to reducing acids, chloride stress-corrosion cracking and general corrosion in chloride-bearing environments. The alloy is supplied in low-carbon condition for good weldability and to avoid carbide precipitation during fabrication.

Chemical composition and why it matters

We summarize the essential chemistry that gives 904L its performance edge:

• High nickel (≈23–28%): stabilizes the austenitic matrix, improves toughness and local corrosion resistance.

• Chromium (≈19–23%): supplies passive film formation for oxidation and general corrosion resistance.

• Molybdenum (≈4–5%): boosts resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media.

• Copper (≈1–2%): significantly improves resistance to reducing acids such as sulfuric acid.

• Very low carbon (≤0.02%): reduces susceptibility to sensitization during welding.

These alloying additions are the primary drivers of material cost (particularly nickel and molybdenum), and they are also why 904L is chosen where 316L or 317L would fail.

Key mechanical and physical properties

We typically quote the following characteristic ranges for plate stock used in pressure vessels, heat exchangers and structural components:

• Density: ~8.0 g/cm³.

• Tensile strength (annealed): roughly 500–700 MPa depending on cold work specification.

• Yield strength (0.2% offset): typically 200–350 MPa.

• Elongation: usually ≥30% in annealed sheet/plate.

• Hardness: typically in the 160–220 HB range depending on processing.

Exact mechanical values must be taken from the mill test certificate (MTC) for a given heat and plate thickness; we always request the MTC when comparing offers.

Corrosion performance & comparison with other grades

904L outperforms 316L and many standard austenitics in several aggressive environments:

• Seawater and chloride exposure: better general and crevice resistance than 316L due to higher molybdenum and nickel.

• Sulfuric acid and reducing acids: copper addition gives 904L a distinct advantage versus ordinary stainless steels.

• Stress corrosion cracking (SCC): lower SCC susceptibility than lean austenitics in certain chloride environments because of higher nickel content.

That said, 904L is not universally superior to duplex or high-nickel alloys for every scenario — designers must match metallurgy to chemistry, temperature and mechanical stress. For marine and many chemical processing applications where welding and fabrication are needed, 904L often provides the most cost-effective balance of performance and manufacturability.

Typical applications

We see 904L plate used widely in:

• Chemical processing vessels and piping handling sulfuric, phosphoric and other reducing acids.

• Heat exchangers and evaporators where chloride and acid exposures coexist.

• Seawater cooling systems, desalination components and marine structural parts subject to severe pitting environments.

• Pharmaceutical and food process equipment when high corrosion resistance and weldability are required.

• Architectural and decorative applications where premium durability is expected.

These sectors favor 904L when service life and maintenance cycles justify the alloy premium.

Forms, finishes and plate specifics you should request

For plate procurement, we recommend specifying:

• Thickness & tolerances: common ranges for 904L plate are from 1.5 mm up to 100+ mm depending on mill capability. Specify ASTM/EN thickness tolerances in the purchase order.

• Surface finish: 2B / BA / No.1 / No.4 are typical. For welded fabrications that will be pickled later, No.1 or annealed finishes are common.

• Edge condition: mill edge, sheared, or bevelled depending on welding needs.

• Delivery condition: annealed + solution treated, with MTC and traceable heat number.

• Certifications: ASTM A240 (or EN 1.4539 equivalent), mill test certificate (EN 10204/3.1 or 3.2 where requested), PMI report if needed.

Specifying these items up front reduces price ambiguity and prevents disputes about quality at receipt.

Price drivers and 2025 market context

We monitor a few primary factors that drove 904L pricing in 2025:

1. Nickel and molybdenum raw material costs: both elements have strong influence; changes in metals markets materially shift offers.

2. Regional supply and capacity: domestic availability, import volumes and local tariffs create wide regional spreads.

3. Product form and thickness: plate is heavier and more costly per piece than thin sheet or coil; thick plate fabrication and rolling cost more.

4. Order quantity and lead time: MOQ, lot size and stock availability determine whether a buyer pays factory FOB vs. premium mill stock.

5. Currency and shipping: USD/CNY exchange rates and freight rates influence landed price in a buyer’s country.

Global price comparison — indicative mid-2025 ranges

Notes on table: these ranges are indicative offers and published supplier listings in 2025 — real quotes depend on exact plate thickness, surface finish, certifications and order quantity. Chinese factory FOB offers frequently appear at the lower end of the bands, while small-lot European or US certified stock carries a premium.

How we price a 904L plate quotation (what to ask suppliers)

When we solicit quotes, we verify the following items to make offers comparable:

• Exact chemistry and UNS number (UNS N08904 / 1.4539).

• Thickness, width and length of plate required; whether full-hard, annealed or solution treated.

• Surface finish (e.g., 2B, No.1) and any cold rolling or heavy plate rolling specs.

• Certifications: EN 10204 3.1/3.2, PMI, intergranular corrosion tests if applicable.

• Quantity, delivery INCOTERM (FOB/CIF/DDP), and lead time.

• Packing and documentation needed for customs.

We also request the mill heat number and representative MTC before confirming the order.

Fabrication notes — welding, forming, machining, pickling

We advise fabricators as follows:

• Welding: 904L is readily welded in the solution-annealed condition; filler metals are chosen to match corrosion resistance — commonly nickel-based consumables or matching 904L filler wires. Post-weld solution annealing is sometimes used for critical corrosive services.

• Forming: good ductility allows bending and cold forming, but minimum bend radii depend on thickness. Pre-heat is typically unnecessary; avoid excessive cold work to reduce hardening.

• Machining: 904L is more work-hardening than 304/316; select sharp tooling, higher feed rates and coolant to avoid built-up edge.

• Pickling / passivation: local chemical cleaning improves surface finish and restores passive film after welding. For severe service, final passivation testing should be performed.

Quality assurance and inspection we insist on

For high-value purchases we always require:

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC), EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2, showing chemical and mechanical tests.

• Positive material identification (PMI) or certified chemistry report.

• Non-destructive testing where required: UT or RT for pressure applications, dye penetrant for surface defects.

• Traceability: heat number stamped on plate pieces and matched to documentation.

• Third-party inspection if project requires owner approval.

These steps reduce risk and are standard for chemical, petrochemical and marine procurement.

Typical lead times and MOQ expectations

We regularly see:

• Factory production for non-stock items: 4–8 weeks depending on plate thickness and mill schedule.

• Stock items from distributors: 1–3 weeks but at higher per-ton prices.

• MOQ: Chinese factory FOB offers often start at 1 metric ton; larger mills may require higher minimums for plate orders. Always confirm the supplier’s MOQ and whether they can cut to specified lengths.

Cost vs. lifecycle tradeoff — when to choose 904L over alternatives

We recommend 904L when:

• Projected corrosion rates or repair costs make higher initial alloy cost justifiable.

• Applications expose material to reducing acids (e.g., sulfuric) or mixed chlorides and acid where 316L fails prematurely.

• Welded fabrications must avoid sensitization and have long fatigue life under corrosive media.

If exposures involve high chloride at elevated temperatures or extremely aggressive halide chemistries, duplex stainless steels or high-nickel alloys (e.g., 6-Mo austenitics or nickel alloys) should be reviewed as alternatives — often with different cost profiles.

Practical purchasing checklist

We provide a compact checklist to include with your RFQ:

1. UNS / grade: 904L (UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539).

2. Plate geometry: thickness, width, length, tolerances.

3. Surface finish and edge condition.

4. Delivery condition: solution annealed, heat number required.

5. Certifications: MTC EN 10204 3.1/3.2, PMI, NDT as needed.

6. Packing, incoterm and shipment port.

7. Quantity and lead time.

8. Acceptance criteria and inspection plan.

This list helps suppliers give apples-to-apples quotations and speeds procurement.

Common pitfalls we see (and how to avoid them)

We caution buyers against:

• Accepting price-only offers without MTC and traceability — cheaper steel can be off-spec.

• Failing to specify surface finish and edge condition — these affect fabrication cost later.

• Overlooking post-weld treatment needs for critical corrosion services.

• Assuming 904L is always the best choice — sometimes duplex or nickel alloys are better long-term.

FAQs

1) What is a reasonable price per kilogram for 904L plate in 2025?
Reasonable bulk factory FOB pricing in 2025 often lies between USD 1.8 and USD 6.0 per kg, depending on origin, certification and product form. For small certified lots from European/US stock, expect the higher end. Always get MTC and a formal quote for final comparison.

2) Is 904L worth the extra cost compared with 316L?
If your service involves reducing acids, mixed chloride/acid environments or you're seeking lower SCC risk and longer maintenance intervals, 904L commonly justifies the extra up-front cost. If exposure is mild or budget constrained, 316L or duplex steels might be more economical.

3) How should I specify 904L plate for pressure vessel fabrication?
Specify UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539, the exact plate thickness and width, solution-annealed delivery condition, required surface finish, and EN 10204 3.1/3.2 mill test certificate. Indicate NDT and any post-weld heat treatment requirements.

4) Can 904L be welded with standard stainless fillers?
Welding is straightforward but we recommend fillers that match corrosion performance, often nickel-based or matching 904L filler wires. Monitor heat input and consider post-weld solution annealing for critical services.

5) How do market metal prices affect the 904L plate price?
Nickel and molybdenum price fluctuations strongly affect final 904L cost because they represent a significant portion of alloy value. When nickel or molybdenum spike, suppliers increase offers, and conversely prices soften when base metal markets retreat.