Type 304L is austenitic stainless steel grade commonly used in stainless steel casting, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304L has a carbon maximum is 0.030. It is the standard “18/8 stainless” that is commonly found in food industry. Alloys 304L is the most versatile and widely used alloy in the stainless steel casting. Ideal for a wide variety of home and commercial applications, alloys 304L exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and has a high ease of fabrication, outstanding formability.
Chemical Composition:
- C: Max 0.03
- Cr: 18 – 20
- Mn: Max 2
- Ni: 8 – 12
- P: Max 0.045
- S: Max 0.03
- Si: Max 1
Corrosion Resistance:
- Resistance to corrosion in oxidizing environments is a result of the 18 to 19% chromium that the 304 alloys contain.
- Resistance to moderately aggressive organic acids is a result of the 9 to 11% nickel that the 304 alloys contain.
- At times, alloy 304L may show a lower corrosion rate than the higher carbon Alloy 304; otherwise, the 304, 304L, and 304H may be considered to perform uniformly in most corrosive environments.
- Alloy 304L is preferred for use in environments sufficiently corrosive to cause intergranular corrosion of welds and heat-affected zones on susceptible alloys.
Heat Resistance:
- Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 1600°F and in continuous service to 1690°F.
- Continuous use of 304 in the 800-1580°F range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important.
- Grade 304L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be heated into the above temperature range.
CFS Stainless Steel Foundry can make custom stainless steel castings with a series of grades, such as 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 17-4PH, 2205 duplex stainless steel, etc. Any inquiry on 304L or other grades stainless steel castings, pls contact cathy.sales01@cnool.net