304, 304H and 304L all possess the same nominal chromium and nickel content and thus possess the same corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and weldability. The difference between 304, 304H and 304L is the carbon content which is >0.03, >0.05 and <0.03 respectively.
Chemical Composition Limits | |||||||
C | SI | Mn | Cr | Ni | N | S | P |
≤ 0.08 | ≤1.0 | ≤2.00 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-10.5 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.035 |
Material | Tensile Strength | 0.2 % Yield Strength | Elongation A5(%) |
(MPa) | (MPa) | ||
304 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥ 40 |
· Kitchen sinks, consumer durables
· Chemical containers, including for transport
· Food processing equipment, particularly in beer brewing, milk processing, and wine making
· Fasteners and flange manufacturing
· Architectural applications such as roofing and cladding, doors and windows
· Automotive and aerospace components
· Heat exchangers
The stainless steel alloys AISI 304 and AISI 304L are the best known and most widely used chromium-nickel steels. Their excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and low carbon content make these austenitic steels particularly suitable for applications requiring welding.