304 (1.4301) Stainless Steel

304 (1.4301) Stainless Steel

304 grade stainless steel is one of the basic types of stainless steel and is the most widely used. This stainless steel grade; It is preferred because its chemical composition, mechanical properties, weldability and corrosion-oxidation resistance are very good compared to its price. This stainless steel quality is one of the most preferred stainless grades due to its easy availability in the market, easy shaping and easy welding. The corrosion resistance of materials of this quality is higher than 303 quality stainless steels. 304 quality stainless is in the group of austenitic stainless steels

304 quality stainless steel is the most widely used stainless steel in the world. In addition to its ease of production, its ability to be used in different ways in many environments is the reason why this quality stainless steel is the most common stainless steel in the world.
Even if it is not suitable for extremely harsh environments, 304 quality stainless, which is one of the most superior stainless grades in terms of price-performance under standard conditions, has become a part of daily life, especially with its use in almost every field in daily life.

304L (1.4307) Stainless Steel

304L quality stainless steel is the version of 304 quality stainless steel with less than 0.03% carbon content. This stainless steel quality, which is almost identical to 304 quality stainless in terms of its basic properties, is recommended instead of 304 quality in places where welding is intense. There is no harm in using 304L instead of 304 quality, and 304 quality stainless material instead of 304L quality. However, in places where welding is intense, 304L quality stainless steel will be preferred in terms of preventing carbon carburization. This quality, which has a low carbon content, is minimally affected by the extreme temperature that occurs during welding and minimizes carbon carburization. In summary, it is important for 304L quality to contain less carbon for easier welding, but there is no harm in using 304 quality instead of this quality.
Carbon carburization in stainless does not affect the mechanical properties of the weld in the short term, but the resistance to corrosion decreases due to heat in the welded parts, and as a result, rust begins to appear in the welded parts in the long term. In order to prevent this problem, stainless steel grades represented by “low carbon”, that is, “L”, should be preferred.

The machinability of 304L grade stainless steel is slightly easier than 304. The absence of 304L quality chromium carbides is the most important reason for its easy processing.

304L Grade Stainless Steel Usage Areas

It can be used easily in all environments where 304 grade stainless steel is used. Unless the material is restricted by specifications and similar methods, 304L is the most important alternative to 304 quality stainless. 304L stainless is frequently used in environments where chemicals are present, petrochemicals, and household appliances. In addition, it is a stainless steel quality that is among the indispensable in industrial kitchens, automotive and automotive sub-industry and food industry. This stainless steel quality, which is not suitable for places with a temperature higher than 700 degrees, appears in many areas of our daily life.

304/304L Chemical Composition

304/304L Mechanical Properties