304L Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, and Plate - AMS 5511, 5513
304L stainless steel is the low‑carbon version of 304, offering excellent corrosion resistance, outstanding weldability, and strong formability, making it one of the most widely used stainless steels across industrial, architectural, and food‑grade applications. Its reduced carbon content (≤0.03%) prevents carbide precipitation during welding, which helps maintain corrosion resistance in heat‑affected zones. 304L is an austenitic “18‑8” stainless steel containing roughly 18–20% chromium and 8–12% nickel, giving it a smooth, non‑magnetic structure with high toughness even at low temperatures. It is typically used in the annealed condition, where it offers excellent formability and ease of fabrication. Overall, 304L is valued for its versatility, cleanliness, and reliability in welded or corrosive service environments.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Datasheet
- Additional Info
- FAQs
Inventory Size Ranges for 304L
| Type | Thickness | AMS Standards | ASTM | UNS | ASME | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coil | 0.016" - 0.125" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 276, ASTM A 479, ASTM A 484 | UNS S30403 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Sheet | 0.016" - 0.125" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 276, ASTM A 479, ASTM A 484 | UNS S30403 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Plate | 0.1875" - 2.000" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 276, ASTM A 479, ASTM A 484 | UNS S30403 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Precision Reroll Strip | 0.0008" - 0.015" | Get a Quote |
Advanced Inventory Size Ranges for 304L
| Type | Size Range | Specifications | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Platform | 0.500" - 5.000" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513, ASTM A 240, ASTM A 666, UNS S30400 | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of 304L
304L is an 18-8 austenitic stainless steel with lower carbon than standard 304. The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, improving corrosion resistance. This alloy is nonmagnetic in the annealed condition and becomes slightly magnetic after cold working. 304L offers excellent general corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric environments, freshwater, food processing environments, and mild chemical exposure. Because of its low carbon, this alloy is less susceptible to intergranular corrosion after welding. 304L provides good oxidation resistance and heat resistance and is useful at temperatures up to ~1600°F (870°C) intermittent and up to ~1700°F (925°C) continuous.
Working with 304L
304L machines similarly to standard 304, but like all austenitic stainless steels, it work-hardens quickly. When machining, use sharp carbide tooling, keep feeds high and speeds moderate, apply plenty of coolant to control heat, and avoid dwelling or rubbing the tool on the material. Because 304L is softer than many martensitic grades, it machines smoothly when parameters are dialed in. One of the defining advantages of 304L is its weldability, which does not require post-weld annealing for most applications and is able to maintain corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone. 304L has outstanding formability and deep drawing capabilities, as well as excellent toughness, even at cryogenic temperatures.
Other industry standards we comply with:
- W.NR 1.4307
- PWA-LCS
- GE Aircraft Engine (GT193)
- GE Aviation S-SPEC-35 AeDMS S-400
- RR SABRe Edition 2
- DFARS Compliant
Common Trade Names
- ATI 304L (™ Allegheny Technologies)
- Type 304L Steel
Industry Applications for 304L
- Aerospace structures
- Base plates and fasteners
- Food and beverage industry
- Heat exchangers
- Fasteners like nuts and bolts used in corrosive marine environments
- Textiles and acidic dyes
- Processing equipment where corrosion at welded joints is a concern
- Containers for chemicals or transport
Chemical Composition
The table below includes data about the chemical composition of grade 304L stainless steel
| Element | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | - | 0.030 |
| Mn | Manganese | - | 2.00 |
| P | Phosphorus | - | 0.045 |
| S | Sulfur | - | 0.03 |
| Si | Silicon | - | 0.75 |
| Cr | Chromium | 18.000 | 20.000 |
| Ni | Nickel | 8.000 | 12.00 |
| N | Nitrogen | - | 0.10 |
| Fe | Iron | - | Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.29 lb/in3 (8.03 g/cm3) |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tension | 29 x 106 psi (200GPa) |
| Magnetic Permeability | H/m Annealed 1.02 Max @ 200 H |
| Temperature Range | Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | mm/mm/°C | in/in/°F · 10? |
| 20 - 100 | 68 - 212 | 16.6 · 10-6 | 9.2 · 10-6 |
| 20 - 870 | 68 - 1600 | 19.8 · 10-6 | 11 · 10-6 |
| Temperature Range | W/m · K | Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | ||
| 100 | 212 | 16.3 | 9.4 |
| 500 | 932 | 21.4 | 12.4 |
| °C | °F | J/kg °K | Btu/lb/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-100 | 32-212 | 500 | 0.12 |
| °C | °F | Microhm-cm | Microhm-in. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 68 | 72 | 28.3 |
| 100 | 212 | 78 | 30.7 |
| 200 | 392 | 86 | 33.8 |
| 400 | 752 | 100 | 39.4 |
| 600 | 1112 | 111 | 43.7 |
| 800 | 1472 | 121 | 47.6 |
| 900 | 1652 | 126 | 49.6 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 302, 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength, psi (MPa) | 42 (290) | 35 (241) |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi (MPa) | 90 (621) | 85 (586) |
| Elongation % in 2 in. (50.8 mm) | 55 | 55 |
| Hardness Rockwell | B82 | B80 |
Datasheet
Additional Info
A Brief History of 304L
304L stainless steel emerged as part of the development of the 300‑series austenitic stainless steels, which became widely adopted in the mid‑20th century for their corrosion resistance and formability.
304L is the low‑carbon variant of 304, created to solve a specific problem: carbide precipitation during welding, which reduces corrosion resistance. The “L” designation means low carbon, with a maximum of 0.03% carbon.
How 304L Was Developed
304L was engineered by modifying the chemistry of standard 304 stainless steel. Development goals included reducing carbon content to prevent chromium carbide precipitation during welding, improve weldability, and maintain corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of 304. It retains the classic 18% chromium / 8% nickel composition that defines 304‑series stainless steels.
Early Applications of 304L
Because of its improved weldability and corrosion resistance, early uses of 304L centered on industries that required cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and reliable welded structures. Applications included food processing equipment, chemical processing tanks and piping, architectural components, pharmaceutical and sanitary systems, and kitchen equipment and appliances.
How 304L is Used Today
304L remains one of the most widely used stainless steels in the world, thanks to its versatility and reliability.
- Industrial: Piping, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, condensers
- Architecture: Railings, facades, trim, decorative elements
- Food and Beverage: Food storage, dairy equipment, sanitary tubing, tanks
- Appliances: Kitchen equipment, sinks, large appliances
Your Trusted Supplier of 304L Stainless Steel
United Performance Metals supplies 304L stainless steel in coil and sheet sizes 0.016" - 0.125", plate sizes 0.1875" - 2.000", and precision rerolled strip sizes 0.0008" - 0.015". 304L is best used for food processing equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical tanks, piping and tubing, heat exchangers, and kitchen equipment and appliances.
UPM Advanced Solutions offers 304L for build plates in sizes 0.500" - 5.000". 304L is commonly used in metal additive manufacturing because of its stability at high temperatures, resistance to distortion, clean welding, and predictable machining behaviors during repeated thermal cycles.
Product FAQs
The "L" stands for low carbon. 304L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, compared to 0.08% in standard 304. This reduces carbide precipitation during welding and improves corrosion resistance in welded structures.
304L has a lower carbon content, better weldability, lower risk of intergranular corrosion, and slightly lower strength due to reduced carbon. Choose 304: when welding is required, especially for thick sections, and when corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone is critical.
Yes, 304L is one of the easiest stainless steels to weld. Its low carbon content prevents chromium carbide formation in the heat-affected zone, eliminating the need for post-weld annealing in most cases.
No, 304L cannot be hardened by heat treatment, only by cold working.