Stainless Steel 304-L

What is 304 & 304-L?

Type 304 is a variation of the basic 18-8 grade, Type 302, with a higher chromium and lower carbon content. Lower carbon minimizes chromium carbide precipitation due to welding and its susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. In many instances, it can be used in the ”as-welded“ condition, while Type 302 must be annealed in order to retain adequate corrosion resistance.

Type 304L is an extra low-carbon variation of Type 304 with a 0.03% maximum carbon content that eliminates carbide precipitation due to welding. As a result, this alloy can be used in the ”as-welded“ condition, even in severe corrosive conditions. It often eliminates the necessity of annealing weldments except for applications specifying stress relief. It has slightly lower mechanical properties than Type 304.