304L Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, and Plate - AMS 5511, 5513

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304L stainless steel (AMS 5511), is a variation of stainless steel 304 with a lower-carbon content. Type 304L maximum carbon content is 0.03%. It also has lower mechanical properties than 304. United Performance Metals purchases 304L stainless steel dual certified as 304 and 304L. 

Inventory Size Ranges for 304L

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Characteristics of 304L

This grade resists corrosion and is often used in the food industry. It also demonstrates good fabrication qualities, good strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures, and excellent formability. 

Working with 304L

Type 304L materials can be used in the welded condition as opposed to the annealed condition and still maintain resistance to corrosion and lend themselves to many types of fabrication.

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

Chemical Composition Percentage of 304L
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

  • 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
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Temperature RangeMean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
°C°Fmm/mm/°Cin/in/°F · 10?
20 - 10068 - 21216.6 · 10-69.2 · 10-6
20 - 87068 - 160019.8 · 10-611 · 10-6
Thermal Conductivity
Temperature RangeW/m · KBtu/(hr/ft²/in/°F)
°C°F
10021216.39.4
50093221.412.4
Specific Heat
°C°FJ/kg °KBtu/lb/°F)
0-10032-2125000.12
Electrical Resistivity
°C°FMicrohm-cmMicrohm-in.
20687228.3
1002127830.7
2003928633.8
40075210039.4
600111211143.7
800147212147.6
900165212649.6

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical Properties and Yield Strength of 304L
Property302, 304304L
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)5555
Hardness RockwellB82B80

Datasheet

304l-datasheet.pdf (3.3 MB)

Additional Info

Additional information about 304L

The most common Austenitic grade is Type 304/304L. All other grades are developed from the 18-8 base by adding alloying elements to provide special corrosion-resistance, improved properties or better weldability. Type 304/304L makes up over 60% of all the stainless steel made in world today. 

The wide usage of 304/304L stainless steel in food and beverage and pharmaceutical applications reflects the corrosion resistance qualities of these materials. These industries demand that materials do not release significant quantities of contaminants into the product. They must also be easily cleaned. For example, liquid blending and storage tanks are readily cleaned, providing proper hygiene in food prep as well as food and beverage handling.  Commercial dishwashing detergents eliminate 97% of microorganisms adhering to stainless steel surfaces. Flavor and color are kept intact, with no impact from contact with the tank material.

Another innovative use of 304/304L can be found in architectural planning. Sustainable engineering provides for a building's longevity and safety. Design guidance for stainless steel structures incorporates the ability to hold up against the most severe natural disasters and even considers the resilience to withstand what we consider normal weather impact over time.  One example of sustainable engineering can be found in the National Archives of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. This impressive structure was designed to withstand flooding and seismic events. The characteristics of nickel-containing Type 304L used in the structure provide safe-keeping for the country's most precious historical documents.