Nickel 904L

Nickel 904L Supplier & Features

If you are looking for a metal with strong resistance to corrosion, then Nickel 904L is the answer.

Uses of Nickel 904L – Wiring, Oil Refinery Components, Gas Scrubbers, Seawater Cooling, Paper Processing, and Acid processing plants. Nickel 904L is a fully austenitic nickel with additives and a low carbon content. It is non-magnetic with excellent formability, toughness, and weldability.

As a proud supplier of Nickel 904L, we would be glad to assist with any inquiries.

Nickel 904L Characteristics

Corrosion Resistance – 904L has a higher Nickel and chromium count, making it ideal for corrosion resistance. However, it still has a high amount of iron, which gives it the majority of its strength.

Chemical Composition – The primary elements are Nickel and Chromium, which at a minimum represent ~23% and ~20% minimum. This means that corrosion resistance is the highest. Furthermore, in descending order: MO (4%), Co(2.5%), MN(2%), Si(1%), and Cu(1-2%). Then you are going to balance it with Iron, which means it will range between~+47%.

Weldability/Machinability – The metal exhibits exceptional treatability and is effortlessly moldable and machinable, depending on specific requirements. Additionally, its balanced nature allows for precise adjustments to be made with ease.

The Rolex Difference – Rolex, which had previously only used 904L nickel for certain parts of its watches, recently transitioned to completely 904L. This was because they needed a metal with a higher resistance to wear and tear and corrosion that they weren’t getting with 316L.

Not Sure What You’re Looking For?

Stainless Shapes is an experienced Nickel and Stainless Steel Alloy supplier. If you are not sure if Stainless 904L is right for you, contact us! We have a dedicated sales team full of sales experts who know every aspect of the field in Florida and Illinois. If you want to make sure you are receiving the best material for your operation, then call us, and we can talk you through your job and what the next best steps will be. Just call us today at (800) 748-9811

  • METAL WEIGHT CALCULATOR
    Select Your Metal:
    Select a Shape:
    Number of Pieces:
    Enter size information:
    Calculated Weights
    Approx. weight in lbs*
    *These weights should be used for estimation purposes only. Plate weight does not allow for kerf.
  • Calculator to get ID from OD and Wall of stainless steel tube
    OD:
    Wall:
    ID Calculated
    Calculator to get Wall from OD and ID of stainless steel tube
    OD:
    ID:
    Wall Calculated
    *These results should be used for estimation purposes only.

Contact us now!

Whether you need a few feet or full truckloads, StainlessShapes.net delivers quality 304 stainless I beams. Standard and custom sizes available with fast shipping across the U.S. and expert service and quotes in under 24 hours.

 

    Furthermore, for a prompt and accurate quote, call us today.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, Alloy 904L (UNS N08904) is classified as a super-austenitic stainless steel. However, its high nickel content (23-28%) places it well above standard stainless grades. Some designate it as a nickel alloy due to this high nickel percentage, but it is more accurately a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with very high alloy content.

    904L designates a super-austenitic stainless steel with high nickel (23-28%), high chromium (19-23%), significant molybdenum (4-5%), and copper (1-2%). The L indicates the low-carbon variant (<0.020% C) used to prevent weld sensitization.

    Stainless steel does contain nickel in austenitic grades -- 8-22% nickel is typical. People with nickel allergies should note that stainless steel contains nickel, though the surface passivation significantly reduces nickel ion release. 904L has higher nickel than standard 304 or 316.

    Rolex uses 904L steel for their watch cases and bracelets because it offers better polish retention and corrosion resistance than standard 316L. 904Ls higher nickel, molybdenum, and chromium content produces a harder surface that takes and maintains a higher-quality mirror finish.

    There is no nickel-free stainless steel in the conventional 300-series austenitic grades. Ferritic grades (430, 444) contain very little or no nickel and may be tolerated by nickel-sensitive individuals. Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) and cobalt-chromium alloys are the primary nickel-free alternatives for medical implants.

    Several luxury watch brands use 904L steel, most notably Rolex across their entire Oyster collection. Some Tudor models and specialty watchmakers seeking similar polish quality have also adopted 904L or super-austenitic stainless.

    The fundamental difference between nickel alloy and stainless steel is composition: stainless steel has iron as the primary element with chromium (min 10.5%) and typically 8-22% nickel; nickel alloys have nickel as the primary element (typically 40-70%+). Their corrosion and temperature performance profiles overlap but differ significantly at extremes.

    Rolex uses their proprietary designation Oystersteel for their 904L alloy. The alloy itself is standard 904L (UNS N08904) that Rolex specifies with tight controls on composition and surface finish to achieve the distinctive Rolex polish quality.

    904L significantly outperforms 316L in pitting and crevice corrosion resistance due to its higher molybdenum, nickel, and chromium content. 904Ls PREN (pitting resistance equivalent number) is approximately 36-40 versus approximately 24-26 for 316L. This makes 904L the preferred grade for aggressive acidic and chloride environments where 316L would pit.

    The main disadvantages of 904L are high cost (much more expensive than 316L due to high nickel and molybdenum), harder to machine than standard stainless steels, and overkill for applications where 316L is adequate. It is specified when 316L fails in service -- not as a general upgrade.

    Call Now Button