When should 304L be chosen over 304?

When welding thick sections or when post weld heat treatment is not possible.

Does 304L sacrifice strength compared to 304?

Its tensile strength is slightly lower, but still sufficient for most industrial applications.

What is the difference between 304 and 304L?

304L has lower carbon content, which improves weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

Stainless Steel 304L

Material Type：Metal
Material Name：Stainless Steel 304L
Alternative Names：UNS S30403 | EN 1.4307 | ASTM A240
Process Compatibility：CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Welding, Forming

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Description

304L is the low-carbon version of Stainless Steel 304. The lower carbon content (≤0.03%) improves resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, eliminating the need for post-weld heat treatment. It maintains similar strength and corrosion resistance to standard 304 in most environments, while being easier to fabricate for welded structures.

Lead Time:	< 10 days
Wall Thickness:	0.75 mm
Tolerances:	±0.005″ (±0.125mm)
Max Part Size:	200 cm x 80 cm x 100 cm

Classification of Metal Performance Parameters

Mechanical Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength	485
	Yield Strength	170
	Young’s Modulus / Elasticity	200
	Elongation at Break	40
	Hardness	HB 160
	Fatigue Strength	170
Physical Properties	Density	8
	Corrosion Resistance	Excellent
	Magnetism	Non-magnetic
	Weldability	Excellent
	Impact Toughness	High
Thermal Properties	Maximum Service Temperature	870
	Thermal Expansion Coefficient	17.3
	Thermal Conductivity	16.2
	Creep Resistance	Moderate
Electrical Properties	Electrical Resistivity	72
	Electrical Conductivity	3
	Dielectric Strength	N/A
Processing & Surface Treatment	Machinability	Good
	Surface Finish Compatibility	Excellent
	Formability	Excellent
Special Properties	Biocompatibility	Yes
	Flame Retardancy	Yes
	UV Resistance	Moderate
	Recyclability	Yes

Introduction to Stainless Steel 321

What

Stainless Steel 304L (UNS S30403) is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel derived from 304. The reduced carbon content minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, which otherwise could cause intergranular corrosion. This makes 304L ideal for heavy-gauge welded components in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, where corrosion resistance and cleanliness are critical.

Advantages

Better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding
Good weldability without post-weld annealing
Similar corrosion resistance to 304 in most environments
Versatile and widely available

Applications

Chemical processing equipment
Food and beverage storage tanks
Pharmaceutical production machinery
Structural components requiring heavy welding

FAQ

Q When should 304L be chosen over 304?

A
When welding thick sections or when post weld heat treatment is not possible.
Q Does 304L sacrifice strength compared to 304?

A
Its tensile strength is slightly lower, but still sufficient for most industrial applications.
Q What is the difference between 304 and 304L?

A
304L has lower carbon content, which improves weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

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Stainless Steel 304L

Introduction to Stainless Steel 321

FAQ

Q When should 304L be chosen over 304?

Q Does 304L sacrifice strength compared to 304?

Q What is the difference between 304 and 304L?

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