304l stainless steel material properties
304 and 304L stainless steels are also known as 1.4301 and 1.4307 respectively.
Corrosion Resistance: 304 resists corrosion well in many settings. Yet, it can face pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride - rich areas and stress corrosion cracking above 60°C.
Heat Resistance: It withstands oxidation up to 870°C (intermittent) and 925°C (continuous). Avoid continuous use at 425 - 860°C; opt for 304L. For 500 - 800°C high - strength needs, choose 304H.
Fabrication: Use dedicated tools and clean work areas to prevent cross - contamination from easily corroded metals.
Cold Working: 304 hardens quickly. Intermediate annealing may be needed during cold working, and a final annealing optimizes corrosion resistance.
Hot Working: Heat to 1149 - 1260°C for hot - working like forging, then cool rapidly.
Machinability: It machines well. Keep cutting edges sharp, make proper cuts, use chip breakers, and lots of coolants/lubricants.
Heat Treatment: 304 can't be heat - hardened. Anneal by heating to 1010 - 1120°C and rapid cooling.
Weldability: 304 welds excellently. Use 308 (304) or 308L (304L) as filler. Heavy 304 welds may need post - weld annealing, not needed for 304L. Use 321 if post - weld heat treatment is impossible.
Corrosion Resistance: 304 resists corrosion well in many settings. Yet, it can face pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride - rich areas and stress corrosion cracking above 60°C.
Heat Resistance: It withstands oxidation up to 870°C (intermittent) and 925°C (continuous). Avoid continuous use at 425 - 860°C; opt for 304L. For 500 - 800°C high - strength needs, choose 304H.
Fabrication: Use dedicated tools and clean work areas to prevent cross - contamination from easily corroded metals.
Cold Working: 304 hardens quickly. Intermediate annealing may be needed during cold working, and a final annealing optimizes corrosion resistance.
Hot Working: Heat to 1149 - 1260°C for hot - working like forging, then cool rapidly.
Machinability: It machines well. Keep cutting edges sharp, make proper cuts, use chip breakers, and lots of coolants/lubricants.
Heat Treatment: 304 can't be heat - hardened. Anneal by heating to 1010 - 1120°C and rapid cooling.
Weldability: 304 welds excellently. Use 308 (304) or 308L (304L) as filler. Heavy 304 welds may need post - weld annealing, not needed for 304L. Use 321 if post - weld heat treatment is impossible.