Stainless Steel 304L vs. 304: A Detailed Comparison

Overview of Stainless Steel 304 vs. 304L

• Stainless Steel 304 (SA 240 GR 304): A chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with up to 0.08% carbon, offering higher strength for structural applications like pressure vessels and architectural panels.
• Stainless Steel 304L (SA 240 GR 304L): A low-carbon variant of 304 with ≤0.03% carbon, designed for superior weldability by reducing the risk of sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation), ideal for welded applications like chemical tanks and food processing equipment.

Both grades share a density of 8.00 g/cm³ and non-magnetic properties in the annealed state, making them suitable for applications requiring SA 240 304 non magnetic characteristics, such as plat SS 304 3mm and plate 2 mm SUS 304. Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 and sa 240 gr 304l plates are certified for quality.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The key difference between stainless steel 304 and 304L is the carbon content, with minor variations in nickel:

• Carbon: 304L’s lower carbon (≤0.03% vs. ≤0.08%) reduces sensitization during welding, enhancing corrosion resistance in welded zones.
• Nickel: 304L’s slightly higher nickel range (up to 12%) improves corrosion resistance and formability.
• Chromium: Identical in both, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance via a passive oxide layer.

For detailed specs, refer to our SS 304 data sheet.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

The mechanical properties of stainless steel 304 and 304L differ slightly due to the carbon content:

*Source: ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards, as of October 15, 2025.

• Tensile Strength: 304’s higher carbon content provides slightly higher tensile strength (515 MPa vs. 485 MPa), making it preferable for load-bearing applications.
• Yield Strength: 304’s yield strength (205 MPa) is higher than 304L’s (170 MPa), offering better resistance to deformation.
• Elongation and Hardness: Both grades are equally ductile and machinable, supporting forming for applications like plat stainless 304.

Cold-working can increase strength in both grades (e.g., tensile up to 900 MPa for 304), but reduces ductility.

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

Both stainless steel 304 and 304L offer excellent corrosion resistance in:

• Atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mild acids (food-grade applications).
• General environments, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304 due to higher nickel content.

Key differences:

• 304L: Superior in welded applications, as its low carbon content prevents sensitization, maintaining corrosion resistance in weld zones, especially in corrosive environments like chemical processing.
• 304: Slightly more prone to sensitization during welding, requiring controlled heat input or post-weld annealing to maintain corrosion resistance.

Both are less resistant to chloride-induced pitting compared to SA 240 GR 316L, which contains molybdenum. For chloride-heavy environments, explore sa 240 gr 316l.

Weldability Comparison

• 304: Good weldability with ER308 or ER308L fillers, but higher carbon (≤0.08%) increases the risk of sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation) in welded zones, potentially reducing corrosion resistance unless annealed.
• 304L: Excellent weldability due to low carbon (≤0.03%), minimizing sensitization and often eliminating the need for post-weld annealing. Preferred for welded applications like SA 240 GR 304 pipe or chemical tanks.

For critical welds, explore sa 240 gr 304l.

Cost Comparison

As of October 15, 2025, stainless steel 304L is typically 0-5% less expensive or comparable to 304 due to higher production volumes for welding applications:

*Sources: Procurement Resource (Q2 2025), IMARC Group (June 2025).<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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Gangsteel offers SA 240 GR 304 at $1.60/kg FOB and SA 240 GR 304L at $1.50/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton).

Applications

• Stainless Steel 304: Preferred for non-welded structural applications (e.g., plat SS 304 3mm, architectural panels, pressure vessels) where higher strength is needed. Competitive SS 304 plate price for general uses.
• Stainless Steel 304L: Ideal for welded applications (e.g., food processing tanks, SA 240 GR 304 pipe, chemical equipment) due to superior weldability and corrosion resistance post-welding.

For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 304h. For chloride-heavy environments, consider sa 240 gr 317l.

Which is Better?

• Choose Stainless Steel 304for:
  • Applications requiring higher strength (e.g., structural components, pressure vessels).
  • Non-welded or low-weld applications with controlled welding conditions.
  • Cost-effective solutions where weldability is not critical.
• Choose Stainless Steel 304Lfor:
  • Welded applications in corrosive environments (e.g., chemical tanks, food processing).
  • Projects requiring minimal post-weld treatment to avoid sensitization.
  • Slightly lower cost in some markets due to welding demand.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L plates with competitive SS 304 plate price, starting at $1.50/kg FOB for 304L and $1.60/kg FOB for 304 (MOQ 1 ton). Our 600+ ton inventory includes custom sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304 and dual-certified SA 240 TP 304/304L plates for versatility. We support global delivery for applications from plat stainless 304 to heavy plates. For quotes or to learn more about stainless steel 304 and 304L, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.