304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is the most common steel grade, as a widely used steel, has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties; stamping, bending and other hot work ability, no heat treatment hardening phenomenon（Non-magnetic, convenient use temperature -196℃～800℃）

304 Stainless Steel Applications

Household goods (1 or 2 types of tableware, cabinets, indoor plumbing, water heaters, boilers, bathtubs)

Auto parts (windshield wipers, mufflers, molded products)

Medical apparatus, building materials, chemicals, food industry, agriculture, ship parts.

304L stainless steel

304L stainless steel in the L is actually Low Carbon, full name 304Low Carbon Stainless Steel. as low carbon 304 steel, in the general state, its corrosion resistance is similar to 304 steel, but after welding or stress relief, its resistance to inter-granular corrosion is excellent; in the absence of heat treatment, it can also maintain good corrosion resistance. It can be used at -196℃～800℃.

Comparison of the chemical composition of 304 / 304L stainless steel

The difference between 304/304L stainless steel

304/304L stainless steel difference of properties

In the general state, 304L stainless steel corrosion resistance is similar to 304 stainless steel, but after welding or stress relief, 304L stainless steel excellent resistance to grain boundary corrosion, 304L stainless steel is a low carbon stainless steel, mainly suitable for welding process. In welding, 304L stainless steel lower carbon content makes in the heat-affected zone near the weld precipitated carbide reduced, effectively improving the stainless steel resistance to inter-granular corrosion, extending the service life of stainless steel weld. The use of 304L stainless steel can effectively reduce welding corrosion.

304/304L stainless steel difference of prices

Price 304L stainless steel price is higher than 304 stainless steel, TISCO 304L stainless steel price order than 304 price 300-500 yuan / ton.

304/304L stainless steel difference of hardness

According to the hardness standard, 304 stainless steel contains slightly higher carbon content, 304 stainless steel hardness is better than 304L stainless steel, because the level of carbon content directly affects the hardness of stainless steel.