304L (1.4307) Stainless Steel

It is generally okay to use 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.

Usage areas

304L quality stainless steel can be used easily in all environments where 304 quality 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.