What's the difference between grade 304 and 304L stainless steel?

304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel are common stainless steel materials, with the main difference being their carbon content and usage.

1. Chemical composition: The main difference between 304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel is the carbon content. 304L has a lower carbon content than 304, usually below 0.03%, which helps reduce carbonization during welding and improves weldability.

2. Weldability: Due to the low carbon content of 304L stainless steel, it is easier to handle in the welding process, reducing the risk of carbonization during the welding process and thus improving the welding performance.

3. Corrosion resistance: 304 and 304L stainless steel have basically the same corrosion resistance, both have excellent corrosion resistance, and are suitable for use in various environments, such as chemical and food processing fields.

4. Application areas: Due to the better weldability of 304L stainless steel, it is usually used in occasions that require welding processing, such as pharmaceutical equipment, food processing equipment, chemical containers, etc; 304 stainless steel is widely used in fields such as construction, decoration, and automotive parts that do not require welding.