Type 304 and 304L Stainless Steel

Stainless steel takes its name from its ability to resist rusting thanks to the interaction between its alloying components and the environment to which they're exposed. Numerous types of stainless steel serve a variety of purposes and many overlap. All stainless steels are comprised of at least 10% chromium. But not all stainless steels are the same.

 

Type 304 stainless steel is good for food industry use, with strong corrosion resistance.

Type 304L stainless steel is low in carbon, good for welding without harming the metal.

Both 304 and 304L stainless steel are used beyond the food industry in mining and construction.

 

Each type of stainless steel is graded, usually in a series. These series classify the different types of stainless from 200 to 600, with many categories in between. Each comes with distinct properties and falls into families including:

austenitic: non-magnetic

ferritic: magnetic

duplex

martensitic and precipitation hardening: high strength and good resistance to corrosion

Here, we explain the difference between two common types found on the market - 304 and 304L.

 

Type 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel. It is also known as "18/8" stainless steel because of its composition, which includes 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304 stainless steel has good forming and welding properties as well as strong corrosion resistance and strength.

This kind of stainless steel also has good drawability. It can be formed into a variety of shapes and, in contrast to type 302 stainless, can be used without annealing, the heat treatment that softens metals. Common uses for type 304 stainless steel are found in the food industry. It's ideal for brewing, milk processing, and wine-making. It's also suitable for pipelines, yeast pans, fermentation vats, and storage tanks.​

Type 304 grade stainless steel is also found in sinks, tabletops, coffee pots, refrigerators, stoves, utensils, and other cooking appliances. It can withstand corrosion that can be caused by various chemicals found in fruits, meat, and milk. Other areas of use include architecture, chemical containers, heat exchangers, mining equipment, as well as marine nuts, bolts, and screws. Type 304 is also used in mining and water filtration systems and in the dyeing industry.

 

Type 304L stainless steel is an extra-low carbon version of the 304 steel alloy. The lower carbon content in 304L minimizes deleterious or harmful carbide precipitation as a result of welding. 304L can, therefore, be used "as welded" in severe corrosion environments, and it eliminates the need for annealing.

This grade has slightly lower mechanical properties than the standard 304 grade, but is still widely used thanks to its versatility. Like Type 304 stainless steel, it's commonly used in beer-brewing and wine-making, but also for purposes beyond the food industry such as in chemical containers, mining, and construction. It is ideal for use in metal parts such as nuts and bolts that are exposed to salt water.

 

Element	Type 304 (%)	Type 304L (%)
Carbon	0.08 max.	0.03 max.
Manganese	2.00 max.	2.00 max.
Phosphorus	0.045 max.	0.045 max.
Sulfur	0.03 max.	0.03 max.
Silicon	0.75 max.	0.75 max.
Chromium	18.00-20.00	18.00-20.00
Nickel	8.00-10.50	8.00-12.00
Nitrogen	0.10 max.	0.10 max.
Iron	Balance	Balance

 

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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Each batch of exported stainless steel products adheres to the most stringent testing standards: from spectral analysis of raw materials to ensure precise composition, to surface polishing precision inspection for mirror-like smoothness; from salt spray testing to verify corrosion resistance lifespan, to physical performance testing that guarantees strength and toughness. We possess a complete laboratory testing system and third-party authoritative certifications, ensuring every product not only complies with international ASTM, JIS, and EN standards but also delivers a "zero-defect" commitment, providing you with complete peace of mind throughout your procurement process.

Our factory is equipped with advanced automated production lines and CNC processing equipment. Every step-from precision slitting and laser cutting to surface polishing and forming welding-follows strict production processes and international standards. An experienced technical team and a rigorous quality control system are integrated throughout, ensuring full traceability from raw materials to finished products and consistent quality stability. We not only possess large-scale production capabilities but also offer flexible customization, transforming durable stainless steel through exquisite craftsmanship into reliable products that meet the demands of global customers.