The performance difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel

The name stainless steel comes from its composition of alloying elements and its ability to resist rust and corrosion in the environment to which it is exposed. There are many types of stainless steel, each with a specific application, but one characteristic they all have in common is that all stainless steels contain at least 10% chromium.

304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, and it is also called 18-8 stainless steel because it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
304 stainless steel physical properties:
Density: 0.803g/cm3
Resistivity: 72microhm-cm (20°C)
Specific heat: 0.50kJ/kg-K (0-100℃)
Thermal conductivity: 16.2 W/mk (100°C)
Elastic modulus (MPa): 193×10 3 tension
Melting point range: 2550-2650°F (1399-1454°C)
304 stainless steel has good forming and welding properties, as well as strong corrosion resistance and strength. It also has very nice drawability. It can be formed into various shapes, and contrary to 302 stainless steel, it can be used without annealing.
Common uses of 304 stainless steel are food industry applications. It is ideal for brewing, milk processing and winemaking as well as for pipelines, yeast pans, fermenters and storage tanks.
304 stainless steel material can also be found in cooking appliances such as sinks, countertops, coffee makers, refrigerators, stoves, and various utensils. It can withstand corrosion caused by various chemicals in fruit, meat and milk. Other areas of use include construction, chemical containers, heat exchangers, mining equipment, marine nuts, bolts and screws. 304 stainless steel is also used in mining and water filtration systems and dyeing industries.
304L stainless steel is an ultra-low carbon version of the 304 stainless steel alloy. The lower carbon content in 304L stainless steel can reduce harmful carbide precipitation caused by welding. Therefore, 304L stainless steel can be welded in harsh corrosive environments without annealing.
The mechanical properties of 304L stainless steel are slightly lower than standard 304 stainless steel, but because of its versatility, this type of stainless steel is also widely used. Like 304 stainless steel, it is commonly used in beer brewing and brewing, and is also suitable for uses outside the food industry, such as chemical containers, mining and construction. It is suitable for metal parts such as nuts and bolts exposed to salt water.