How much does 904L stainless steel pipe cost?

Jan 13, 2026

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When it comes to sourcing high - quality stainless steel pipes, 904L stainless steel pipes are often at the top of the list for many industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance and durability. As a supplier of 904L Stainless Steel Pipe, I am frequently asked about the cost of these pipes. In this blog, I will delve into the factors that influence the price of 904L stainless steel pipes and give you a better understanding of what you can expect to pay.

Composition and Properties of 904L Stainless Steel

Before discussing the cost, it's important to understand what makes 904L stainless steel unique. 904L UNS N08904 is a super austenitic stainless steel with a high nickel and copper content. This composition gives it outstanding resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and many organic acids. It also has good formability and weldability, making it suitable for various applications such as chemical processing, food and beverage production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Factors Affecting the Cost of 904L Stainless Steel Pipes

Raw Material Costs

The price of raw materials is one of the most significant factors influencing the cost of 904L stainless steel pipes. The high nickel and copper content in 904L stainless steel means that fluctuations in the global market prices of these metals can have a direct impact on the final cost of the pipes. For example, if there is a sudden increase in the demand for nickel in the electric vehicle battery industry, the price of nickel will rise, and this will be reflected in the cost of 904L stainless steel pipes.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of 904L stainless steel pipes also affects their cost. Producing high - quality 904L pipes requires advanced manufacturing techniques and strict quality control. The pipes need to be carefully rolled, welded (if applicable), and heat - treated to ensure they meet the required standards. Any additional processing steps, such as surface finishing or precision sizing, will add to the overall cost.

Pipe Dimensions and Specifications

The dimensions and specifications of the 904L stainless steel pipes play a crucial role in determining their price. Larger diameter pipes or pipes with thicker walls generally cost more than smaller, thinner ones. This is because more raw material is required, and the manufacturing process may be more complex. Additionally, pipes with special specifications, such as non - standard lengths or custom - made shapes, will also have a higher price due to the additional manufacturing challenges.

Market Demand and Supply

Like any other product, the law of supply and demand affects the cost of 904L stainless steel pipes. If the demand for these pipes is high and the supply is limited, the price will increase. Conversely, if there is an oversupply in the market, the price may drop. Seasonal factors, economic conditions, and industry trends can all influence the balance between supply and demand.

904L UNS N08904 factory904L UNS N08904 suppliers

Cost Comparison with Other Stainless Steel Pipes

To put the cost of 904L stainless steel pipes into perspective, it's useful to compare them with other types of stainless steel pipes. For example, 254SMo UNS S31254 is another super austenitic stainless steel that is often used in similar applications. While both 904L and 254SMo offer excellent corrosion resistance, 254SMo has a higher molybdenum content, which gives it even better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in certain environments. Generally, 254SMo stainless steel pipes are more expensive than 904L pipes due to their higher alloy content and better performance in some aspects. You can find more information about 254SMo UNS S31254 on our website.

Typical Price Range

It's difficult to give an exact price for 904L stainless steel pipes as it depends on all the factors mentioned above. However, as a rough guide, the price of 904L stainless steel pipes can range from a few dollars per kilogram for standard - sized pipes to significantly higher amounts for large - diameter, thick - walled, or custom - made pipes. For more detailed and up - to - date pricing information, you can visit our website 904L UNS N08904.

Tips for Reducing Costs

If you are looking to purchase 904L stainless steel pipes while keeping costs down, here are some tips:

  • Plan Ahead: By planning your purchases in advance, you can take advantage of more stable raw material prices and avoid last - minute price hikes.
  • Optimize Pipe Specifications: Work with your engineering team to ensure that the pipe specifications are exactly what you need. Avoid over - specifying, as this can lead to unnecessary costs.
  • Buy in Bulk: Purchasing larger quantities of 904L stainless steel pipes can often result in volume discounts. However, make sure you have the storage capacity and a real need for the additional pipes.

Conclusion

The cost of 904L stainless steel pipes is influenced by a variety of factors, including raw material costs, manufacturing processes, pipe dimensions, and market demand and supply. While these pipes may be more expensive than some other types of stainless steel pipes, their excellent corrosion resistance and durability make them a worthwhile investment for many industries.

If you are interested in purchasing 904L stainless steel pipes, I encourage you to contact us for a detailed quote. Our team of experts can help you select the right pipes for your specific application and provide you with the most competitive pricing. We are committed to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service. Let's start a conversation about your 904L stainless steel pipe needs today.

References

  • ASM Handbook Volume 13A: Corrosion: Fundamentals, Testing, and Protection
  • Stainless Steel World Magazine
  • Nickel Institute Publications
James Anderson
James Anderson
James is a technical consultant at Jiangsu Daqianshun Metal Products Co., Ltd. He has a deep understanding of the production technology of metal pipes. He provides technical guidance to the production team, helping to solve various technical problems and improve production efficiency.
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