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304L Stainless Steel

304L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of the popular 304 grade, designed specifically to enhance weldability and corrosion resistance without requiring post-weld annealing. With a composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, 304L is highly valued for its superior corrosion resistance, especially in applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions. As a versatile alloy, Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP, based in Khetwadi, Mumbai, India, supplies 304L stainless steel across multiple industries, including food processing, construction, and chemical processing.

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Chemical Composition of 304L Stainless Steel

Element Content (%)
Iron (Fe) Balance
Chromium (Cr) 18.0 – 20.0
Nickel (Ni) 8.0 – 12.0
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.03
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.03
Nitrogen (N) ≤ 0.10

Technical Specifications of 304L Stainless Steel

Physical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Density 8.0 g/cm³ 0.29 lb/in³
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa 28,000 ksi
Thermal Expansion 17.2 µm/m°C 9.6 µin/in°F
Melting Range 1399 – 1454 °C 2550 – 2650 °F

Mechanical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Tensile Strength 485 – 620 MPa 70,000 – 90,000 psi
Yield Strength 170 MPa 25,000 psi
Elongation at Break 40% 40%
Hardness (Rockwell B) ≤ 92 HRB ≤ 92 HRB

Electrical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Electrical Resistivity 0.72 µΩ·m 28.3 µΩ·in

Thermal Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Thermal Conductivity (100°C) 16.2 W/m·K 9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity 0.5 J/g·K 0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 17.2 µm/m°C 9.6 µin/in·°F

304L Stainless Steel Product Specifications by Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP

Product Type Standards Sizes Types Applications
Sheets & Plates ASTM A240, ASME SA240 Thickness: 0.3mm – 150mm, Width: up to 2000mm Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled Food processing equipment, chemical storage tanks
Pipes & Tubes ASTM A312, ASTM A269 Diameter: 6mm – 1200mm Seamless, Welded Plumbing, heat exchangers, structural applications
Bars ASTM A276, ASTM A479 Diameter: up to 100mm Round, Square, Hex Fasteners, mechanical components
Angles, Channels, Beams ASTM A484, EN 10088-3 Custom sizes available L-Angles, U-Channels, I-Beams Architectural frameworks, supports
Fittings ASTM A403 Size: 1/2″ – 72″ Buttweld, Socket Weld Chemical, petrochemical industries

Processing and Fabrication Properties of 304L Stainless Steel

  • Forming: 304L stainless steel is highly formable and suitable for complex shapes without intermediate annealing.
  • Welding: Excellent weldability without the need for post-weld annealing, making it ideal for welded assemblies.
  • Cold Working: Work hardening occurs during cold forming; annealing may be necessary to reduce internal stresses.
  • Heat Treatment: Cannot be hardened by heat treatment; solution annealing can be performed at 1010–1120°C.
  • Machining: Good machinability with sharp tooling and coolant, as it tends to work harden.

Applications of 304L Stainless Steel

304L stainless steel is valued for its corrosion resistance, especially after welding. Typical applications include:

  • Food Processing: Storage tanks, processing equipment, and piping.
  • Architecture: External and internal decorative applications.
  • Chemical Industry: Storage vessels, transportation of chemicals, and pumps.
  • Automotive: Exhaust manifolds, trim, and brackets.

304L Stainless Steel vs. 304 Stainless Steel

While 304 and 304L are similar, 304L’s low carbon content provides better resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding. This makes 304L more suitable for structures that cannot undergo heat treatment, such as those in food processing, chemical industries, and marine environments. However, where higher mechanical strength is critical, standard 304 is preferred.