Metals & alloys · Ferrous alloys

AISI 304L stainless steel

A low-carbon austenitic stainless grade used where weldability, formability and resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding are more important than maximum strength.

Family: Stainless Steel
Record: Flagship
Conditions: 3
Sources: 1

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Overview

Material class: Metals & alloys
Category: Ferrous alloys
Family: Stainless Steel
Product forms: Sheet/plate, Bar/rod

Composition

Constituent	Min	Max	Typical
C		0.03	0.02
Cr	18	20	18.5
Ni	8	12	8.5
Mn		2	1.5
Si		1	0.5
N		0.1	0.05
Fe			Balance

Properties and conditions

Engineering properties

Property	Value	Unit	Condition
Density	8.0	g/cm³	Representative; verify product form and condition
Elastic modulus	193	GPa	Representative; verify product form and condition
Thermal conductivity	16.2	W/m·K	Representative; verify product form and condition
Yield strength	≥170	MPa	annealed; common plate minimum
Tensile strength	≥485	MPa	annealed; common plate minimum
Elongation	≥40	%	annealed; product dependent

Conditions

deformation

Cold worked

Cold-reduced condition; strength and magnetic response depend on reduction.

heat treatment

Solution annealed

Low-carbon austenitic reference condition.

joining

Welded / HAZ reference

Weld and heat-affected-zone condition; process and filler must be stated.

Processing and use

Processing

Low carbon reduces sensitization risk but does not eliminate the need for correct welding practice.
Passivation and surface finish strongly influence corrosion performance.

Applications

Welded vessels and piping
Food and pharmaceutical equipment
Cryogenic components
General corrosion-resistant fabrication

Selection considerations

Chloride pitting resistance remains limited relative to molybdenum-bearing grades.
Cold work can substantially raise strength and magnetic response.

Open in an analysis tool

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Standards and related materials

Standards and designations

System	Designation	Note
UNS	S30403
EN	1.4307 / X2CrNi18-9
ASTM	A240/A276/A312	depending product form

Related materials

AISI 304 stainless steelLow carbon variantRelated stainless grades; not interchangeable without checking product specification and service.AISI 316L stainless steelRelated austenitic stainlessRelated austenitic stainless grades with different Mo and corrosion context.

Sources and context

Sources

Outokumpu Core range data sheetExisting reference

Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.

Supply and sustainability

Broad global availability across flat, long and tubular product forms.

Long service life, repairability and mature stainless scrap loops support circular use.

Strategic context

Established engineering material with documented processing–performance relationships.