Grade 304 / 304l Stainless Steel Specification

Grade 304 / 304L stainless steel has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The only difference between them is the carbon content. Type 304 has a maximum carbon of 0.07% .Type 304L has maximum carbon of 0.030 %. This range of carbon in the steels affects the corrosion resistance. 304 / 304L is available in sheet, sheet coil, plate, plate coil, round bar, processed flat bar and tubular products for further manufacturing.

 

Grade 304 / 304L Stainless Steel is used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications, including:

Construction material in building bridges, dams, roads, airports, canals, and buildings

Nuts, bolts, screws, and other fasteners in the marine environment

Food processing equipment, particularly in beer brewing, milk processing, and winemaking

Architectural trim and molding

Automotive and aerospace structural use

Chemical containers, including for transport

Heat exchangers

Woven or welded screens for mining, quarrying & water filtration

 

EURONORM: 1.4301

ASTM/ASME: UNS S30400

BS 304S31

AFNOR Z2 CN 18-10

EN, DIN,UNI X5CrNi 18-10

Grade 304

Alloy 304

Type 304

 

EURONORM: 1.4307

ASTM/ASME: UNS S30403

BS 304S11

AFNOR Z2 CN 18-9

EN, DIN,UNI X5CrNi 18-9

Grade 304L

Alloy 304L

Type 304L

 

Resistance to moderately aggressive organic acids is a result of the 9 to 11% nickel that the 304 alloys contain.

Resistance to corrosion in oxidizing environments is a result of the 18 to 19% chromium that the 304 alloys contain.

At times, grade 304L may show a lower corrosion rate than the higher carbon Alloy 304; otherwise, the 304 and 304L may be considered to perform uniformly in most corrosive environments.

Grade 304L is preferred for use in environments sufficiently corrosive to cause intergranular corrosion of welds and heat-affected zones on susceptible alloys

 

Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 1600°F and in continuous service to 1690°F.

Continuous use of 304 in the 800-1580°F range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important.

Grade 304L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be heated into the above temperature range.

 

	C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Ni
304	0.07max	2.0max	1.00max	0.045max	0.03max	min: 17.5 max: 19.5	min: 8.0 max: 10.5
304L	0.03max	2.0max	1.00max	0.045max	0.03max	min: 17.5 max: 19.5	min: 8.0 max: 10.5

 

Grade	Tensile Strength ksi (min)	Yield Strength 0.2% ksi (min)	Elongation %	Hardness (Brinell) MAX	Hardness (Rockwell B) MAX
304 / 304L	75	30	40	201	92

 

Property	304 Stainless Steel	304L Stainless Steel	Notes / Common Value
Density	8.0 g/cm³	8.0 g/cm³	Identical
Melting Point	~1400-1450°C	~1400-1450°C	Identical
Specific Heat Capacity	~500 J/kg·K	~500 J/kg·K	Identical
Thermal Conductivity	~16.2 W/m·K	~16.2 W/m·K	At 100°C
Thermal Expansion	~17.2 μm/m·°C	~17.2 μm/m·°C	20-100°C range
Electrical Resistivity	~0.72 μΩ·m	~0.72 μΩ·m	At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity	~193 GPa	~193 GPa	Identical

 

We provide a comprehensive range of stainless steel grades, including the widely used 304 and 316 series, as well as specialized grades such as 430, 201, duplex, and super austenitic steels, tailored to meet diverse industrial and environmental requirements. Whether you need corrosion-resistant solutions for marine applications, food-grade compliance, high-temperature durability, or custom specifications, our expert team is ready to assist.

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As a professional stainless steel product manufacturer, we possess a complete modern production line encompassing precision slitting, laser cutting, CNC bending, automatic welding, and sophisticated surface treatment. Leveraging advanced processing equipment and a rigorous quality control system, we specialize in producing high-quality stainless steel products that meet international standards, including industrial components, building materials, household goods, and special customized parts.

To ensure that our stainless steel products are protected from scratches, impacts, and corrosion during transportation and storage, we provide professional packaging solutions: precision surfaces are protected with electrostatic protective film or peelable anti-corrosion coatings; pipes and plates are secured with waterproof wrapping film and custom-made corner protectors; standard parts are packaged in anti-rust bags and blister trays; and outer cartons are clearly marked with moisture-proof and "this side up" labels. All packaging adheres to export standards, balancing protection, environmental friendliness, and ease of unpacking, guaranteeing that products arrive in perfect condition to our global customers.