Stainless Steel Grades: 304 and 304L

Stainless steel is a versatile material that can be produced to special requirements. One of the main reasons it is used so widely is its resistance to corrosion and oxidation, which prevents serious problems such as rust. Another important reason for its popularity is its pleasing appearance. Because stainless steel can be produced to suit customers' needs, it comes in a great many varieties.

Thanks to the special alloying elements added during production, stainless steel performs very well even at high temperatures. This high performance has steadily expanded its range of applications, and customers are able to rely on the material under virtually any conditions. Stainless steel performs equally well at low temperatures, and it is shaped according to where and how it will be used.

304 Stainless Steel

Grade 304 stainless steel is one of the basic stainless grades and the most widely used of them all. It is chosen by many buyers because its chemical composition, weldability, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance offer excellent value for the price. In addition to being readily available on the market, it is easy to form and weld, which makes it one of the most frequently specified grades. Its corrosion resistance is higher than that of grade 303. Grade 304 belongs to the austenitic stainless family. Because it can be used in virtually every everyday setting, it has become part of daily life, with widespread use in the automotive industry, household appliances, the food industry and petrochemicals.

304L Stainless Steel

Grade 304L stainless steel is the low-carbon version of 304, with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. Its properties are virtually identical to those of grade 304, and it is recommended wherever extensive welding is involved. There is no harm in using grade 304 instead of 304L, but where heavy welding is required, 304L is the better choice because it prevents carbide precipitation.