304 and 304L stainless steel contrast

1, stainless steel 304 and 304L have different chemical element content, the former has lower carbon content;

2, stainless steel 304 and 304L in specific use scenarios (especially welding state) performance difference, the former has better intergranular corrosion resistance.

304L is low carbon 304 steel, in general state, its corrosion resistance is similar to 304 steel, but after welding or stress elimination, its resistance to grain boundary corrosion is excellent; In the case of no heat treatment, can also maintain good corrosion resistance, the use of temperature -196℃ ~ 800℃.

Among high alloy steels, austenitic stainless steel is considered to have the best weldability. 304 and 304L stainless steel are typical austenitic stainless steels.

In the welded state, the lower carbon content minimizes carbides precipitation in the heat-affected zone near the weld, which may lead to intergranular corrosion (welding erosion) of stainless steel in some environments.

Therefore, 304L is a better choice for low carbon materials that remove stress in aggressive environments that may cause intergranular corrosion. It can be said that 304L is a variant of 304 stainless steel with lower carbon content, which is more suitable for welding occasions.