304L | Intamet Ltd

304L / 1.4301

304L is a low carbon stainless steel with high corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and weldability.

Stainless steel 304L is a type of stainless steel that contains lower carbon content than its standard 304 grade counterpart. This lower carbon content makes it less prone to carbide precipitation during welding, which improves its corrosion resistance. 304L stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in applications that are exposed to salt water or other corrosive elements. It is also highly resistant to corrosion in the presence of organic and inorganic chemicals. This makes it ideal for use in a wide range of industries including construction, medical equipment, food processing, and marine.

304L stainless steel has good formability and weldability. It can be easily fabricated and formed into various shapes and is easy to be welded using standard welding methods. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require a high degree of flexibility and versatility.

One of the most common applications of 304L stainless steel is in construction, particularly in the construction of buildings and infrastructure. It is used in a wide range of building components, including handrails, structural supports, and architectural cladding. Additionally, 304L stainless steel is also commonly used in kitchenware and medical equipment. It is non-toxic and non-magnetic, making it suitable for use in food processing equipment and surgical instruments.

Other common applications include automotive and aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas exploration and production, and power generation. 304L stainless steel is also used in the production of coins and jewelry, due to its resistance to tarnishing.

Overall, 304L stainless steel is a versatile material that offers excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability, and is suitable for use in a wide range of industries and applications.

Chemical Composition of 304L / 1.4301

Carbon: 0.03% max
Manganese: 2.00% max
Phosphorus: 0.045% max
Sulfur: 0.03% max
Silicon: 1.00% max
Chromium: 18.0-20.0%
Nickel: 8.0-12.0%
Nitrogen: 0.1% max
Iron: Balance

It is an alloy that contains a lower carbon content than 304 stainless steel, which makes it less susceptible to intergranular corrosion. It is also known as "low carbon" or "L" grade stainless steel.

Some of the physical properties of 304L stainless steel include:

Density: 8.0 g/cm3
Melting point: 1450-1510°C (2642-2750°F)

And some of the mechanical properties of 304L stainless steel include:

Tensile strength: 515 MPa (74,000 psi)
Yield strength: 205 MPa (29,700 psi)
Elongation: 40%
Hardness (Brinell): 217
Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa (28 x 106 psi)
Poisson's Ratio: 0.29
Shear Modulus: 77 GPa (11.2 x 106 psi)

Please note that these properties can vary depending on the specific conditions under which the material is produced and used.

Also 304L is a versatile alloy that can be used in a wide range of applications, it is resistant to corrosion and has excellent formability and weldability.

Physical & Mechanical Properties of 304L / 1.4301

Variants of 304

There are several variants of stainless steel 304, some of the most common include:

304L: This variant of 304 stainless steel has a lower carbon content, making it less susceptible to intergranular corrosion. It is also known as "low carbon" or "L" grade stainless steel.
304H: This variant of 304 stainless steel has a higher carbon content, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications. It is also known as "high carbon" or "H" grade stainless steel.
304N: This variant of 304 stainless steel has higher nitrogen content which improves its strength and toughness.
304LN: This variant of 304L stainless steel has higher nitrogen content which improves its strength and toughness.
304Cu: This variant of 304 stainless steel contains copper, which improves its corrosion resistance.
304F: This variant of 304 stainless steel contains sulfur, which improves its machinability.

All of these variants maintain the excellent corrosion resistance and formability of 304 stainless steel while also offering additional properties that make them well-suited for specific applications.