The 304 precision seamless tube is a high-precision seamless pipe manufactured primarily from 304 stainless steel. Renowned for its excellent surface quality and tight dimensional tolerances, it is widely used in industries requiring high precision and performance—such as chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing. As a widely used austenitic stainless steel, 304 offers superior corrosion resistance and formability, making it ideal for both pipeline systems and structural applications.
Key Features of 304 Precision Seamless Tubes
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
304 stainless steel exhibits outstanding resistance to corrosion, particularly in humid, chemical, and atmospheric environments.
High Dimensional Accuracy
Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, these tubes feature tight tolerances in both outer diameter and wall thickness, meeting the strict requirements of precision applications.
Smooth Surface Finish
The high surface finish reduces the likelihood of contamination buildup, which is critical in sanitary and high-purity environments.
Strong Mechanical Properties
304 stainless steel offers excellent strength and toughness, making it suitable for demanding high-pressure and high-stress conditions.
High Temperature Resistance
304 stainless steel maintains mechanical integrity at elevated temperatures—performing reliably up to 870°C continuously, and withstanding short-term exposure up to 925°C.
Resistance to Oxidation and Chemicals
The alloy provides high resistance to oxidation, acids, and alkalis, making it suitable for corrosive industrial environments.
Specifications of 304 Precision Seamless Tubes
Outer Diameter: Typically ranges from 6 mm to 325 mm. Custom smaller or larger sizes are available for special applications.
Wall Thickness: Usually between 0.3 mm and 20 mm, depending on application and manufacturing process.
Length: Standard lengths are 6 meters; customized lengths are available upon request.
Manufacturing Process of 304 Precision Seamless Tubes
Raw Material Selection
High-quality 304 stainless steel plates or strips are chosen to ensure consistent chemical composition and reliable performance.
Cold Drawing or Hot Rolling
Tubes are produced through cold drawing (for higher precision and surface quality) or hot rolling processes depending on application needs.
Annealing
Post-drawing annealing relieves internal stress, enhances corrosion resistance, and improves ductility and mechanical strength.
Precision Machining
Strict controls ensure tight tolerances in outer diameter, wall thickness, and length. Surface finishing techniques further enhance quality.
Inspection and Testing
Each production stage undergoes rigorous quality control, including dimensional checks, visual inspections, and nondestructive testing such as ultrasonic or X-ray examinations.
Advantages of 304 Precision Seamless Tubes
Superior Precision: Tight dimensional tolerances and excellent surface quality meet the demands of high-end precision applications.
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Performs reliably in chemically aggressive and moist environments.
Excellent Heat Resistance: Maintains structural and mechanical integrity under elevated temperatures.
Good Fabrication Characteristics: Easily bendable, weldable, and machinable for a wide range of processing requirements.
Factors Influencing Market Price
Raw Material Costs
Fluctuations in prices of key alloying elements such as nickel and chromium directly impact production costs.
Market Demand
Demand variations in sectors like chemical processing, food production, and pharmaceuticals influence pricing dynamics.
Manufacturing Process
Cold-drawn tubes, which require more precision and advanced processing, tend to be more expensive than hot-rolled alternatives.
Tube Specifications
Products with smaller diameters or thicker walls typically involve more complex processing, affecting price.
Logistics and Transportation
Long-distance shipping and large-volume orders can significantly affect the final selling price.
Applications of 304 Precision Seamless Tubes
Chemical Industry
Used in pipelines, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels for transporting corrosive fluids and gases.
Food & Beverage
Approved for use in food-grade pipelines due to its hygienic properties and easy-to-clean surface.
Pharmaceuticals
Applied in drug manufacturing equipment and fluid transport systems where purity and non-reactivity are essential.
Machinery Manufacturing
Ideal for producing high-precision machine components and equipment requiring long-term stability.
Aerospace Industry
Used for structural parts, ducts, and cooling systems, where strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance are critical.
Automotive Industry
Common in exhaust systems, cooling lines, and fuel delivery systems due to its strength and durability under harsh conditions.