Product Specification

304L Stainless Steel Plate Low Carbon Austenitic Grade for Superior Weldability and Corrosion Resistance

304L Stainless Steel Plate – Low Carbon Austenitic Grade for Superior Weldability and Corrosion Resistance

Product Overview

304L stainless steel plate is the low-carbon variant of the world’s most widely used austenitic stainless steel—Type 304. Engineered to eliminate carbide precipitation during welding, 304L offers exceptional weldability without post-weld annealing, making it the preferred choice for heavy-gauge fabricated components, chemical processing equipment, food & beverage systems, architectural structures, and cryogenic applications.

Compliant with international standards including ASTM A240/A240M, ASME SA-240, EN 10088-2 (1.4307), and UNS S30403, our 304L plates deliver reliable corrosion resistance in mild to moderately aggressive environments, excellent formability, and long-term durability—without the risk of intergranular corrosion in welded assemblies.

Available in thicknesses from 3 mm to 100 mm and standard or custom dimensions, our inventory supports global industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects requiring a cost-effective, high-performance stainless solution.

Why Choose 304L Over Standard 304?

The key difference lies in carbon content:

By limiting carbon to 0.03% or less, 304L prevents chromium carbide (Cr₂₃C₆) formation at grain boundaries during welding—eliminating intergranular corrosion and ensuring integrity in corrosive service.

Key Advantages

✅ Superior weldability – no post-weld heat treatment needed
✅ Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric, aqueous, and mildly acidic environments
✅ Excellent toughness down to cryogenic temperatures (–196°C / –320°F)
✅ Non-magnetic in annealed condition (slight magnetism may develop after cold working)
✅ High ductility and formability – ideal for bending, deep drawing, and spinning
✅ Cost-effective compared to higher-alloyed grades like 316L or duplex steels

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition (Typical – wt%, per ASTM A240)

UNS Number: S30403 | EN Designation: 1.4307

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Corrosion Resistance Profile

304L performs well in:

• Atmospheric exposure (urban, rural, coastal—though not ideal for severe marine splash zones)
• Organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic)
• Dilute inorganic acids (phosphoric, nitric—below 10% concentration)
• Alkaline solutions
• Food processing media (dairy, beer, wine, juices)
• Freshwater and potable water systems

Available Product Details

All plates are fully traceable with heat numbers and stored indoors to prevent surface contamination.

Common Industrial Applications

Ideal for welded fabrications where post-weld annealing is impractical or cost-prohibitive.

Fabrication Guidelines

• Welding: All common methods (TIG, MIG, SMAW, SAW). No preheat or post-weld heat treatment required. Use ER308L or E308L filler metals.
• Machining: Moderate machinability (rated ~45% of 1212 steel). Use sharp tools, slow speeds, and ample coolant.
• Forming: Excellent cold formability. Anneal if extensive deformation causes work hardening.
• Heat Treatment: Solution anneal at 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid quenching (water or air).

Quality Assurance

Every batch includes:

• Mill Test Certificate (chemical composition & mechanical properties)
• Positive Material Identification (PMI) via XRF or OES
• Optional ultrasonic testing (UT) for critical applications
• Full compliance with ASTM A240, ASME, and EN 10088-2

We supply material from ISO-certified mills in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Sustainability & Lifecycle Value

304L is:

• 100% recyclable
• Energy-efficient over its lifecycle due to low maintenance
• Non-toxic and safe for food/pharma contact (meets FDA, EC1935/2004)

Its balance of performance, availability, and affordability makes it a sustainable choice for decades-long service.

Order Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 piece (cut-to-size); 1 metric ton (mill order)
• Lead Time: 3–7 days (stock items); 3–5 weeks (mill production)
• Custom Services: Laser/waterjet cutting, shearing, edge milling, beveling, labeling
• Packaging: Seaworthy wooden crates with VCI paper and moisture barrier
• Shipping: Global delivery (FOB, CIF, DDP options)

Contact us for a free quote, material sample, or technical consultation on your next project.

Conclusion

For applications demanding reliable corrosion resistance, outstanding weldability, and proven performance, 304L stainless steel plate remains the gold standard in low-carbon austenitic stainless steels. Whether you're building a food processing tank, a cryogenic vessel, or an architectural structure, 304L delivers safety, efficiency, and longevity—without compromise.

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