What is 304L Stainless Steel Plate?

304L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. This lower carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization during welding, which helps prevent corrosion along welded joints.

Advantages of 304L Stainless Steel Plate

1. Excellente résistance à la corrosion

   • Resists oxidation, acids, alkalis, and most chemicals.

   • Low carbon content prevents sensitization in welded areas, reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion.

2. Outstanding Weldability

   • Low carbon content (≤0.03%) minimizes the risk of corrosion at weld joints.

   • Suitable for various welding methods such as TIG, MIG, and spot welding.

3. Good Formability

   • Can be cold-bent, stamped, stretched, or rolled into different shapes and sizes.

   • Ideal for complex structural components and decorative elements.

4. High Toughness and Ductility

   • Excellent impact resistance, even at low temperatures.

   • High elongation (≥40%), reducing the risk of cracking during processing.

5. Heat Resistance

   • Can be used continuously up to ~870°C without significant oxidation or deformation.

   • Suitable for high-temperature equipment and pressure vessels.

6. Faible entretien

   • Naturally corrosion-resistant, no coating or frequent maintenance required, resulting in long service life.

7. Aesthetic and Decorative

   • Available in multiple surface finishes, including 2B cold-rolled, NO.4 brushed, and mirror finish.

   • Suitable for both industrial applications and architectural or interior design projects.

Advantages of 304L vs 304 Stainless Steel

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Density: ~8.0 g/cm³

• Melting point: 1400–1450°C

• Tensile strength: 485 MPa (typical)

• Yield strength: 170 MPa (typical)

• Elongation: ≥40%

Mechanical Properties of 304L Stainless Steel Plate

304L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, which gives it good corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties, especially in welded applications. Below are the typical mechanical values:

Notes on Mechanical Behavior

• 304L has excellent ductility, making it easy to form, roll, and bend.

• Its low carbon content (≤0.03%) reduces sensitization during welding, maintaining strength and corrosion resistance along welded joints.

• While tensile strength is slightly lower than 304 due to reduced carbon, elongation and toughness are improved.

• Performs well under cyclic loading and in cryogenic conditions due to the austenitic microstructure.

Surface Finish Options

• 2B finish: Smooth, standard cold-rolled finish

• No.1 finish: Hot-rolled, rougher finish for industrial use

• No.4 finish: Brushed or polished for aesthetic applications

• Mirror finish: Highly reflective for decorative use