Which is better, 304 or 304L?

Overview of SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L

SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L are austenitic stainless steels with a SA 240 GR 304 density of 8.00 g/cm³ and SS 304 non magnetic properties in the annealed state. The primary difference lies in their carbon content:

• SA 240 GR 304: Contains up to 0.08% carbon, offering higher strength for structural applications.
• SA 240 GR 304L: Has a lower carbon content (≤0.03%), improving weldability by reducing the risk of sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation).

Both grades are versatile, used in applications like plat stainless 304, SA 240 GR 304 pipe, and food processing equipment. Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 and sa 240 gr 304l plates are certified for quality.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The chemical compositions of SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L are nearly identical, except for carbon content:

• Key Difference: SA 240 GR 304L’s lower carbon content reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion during welding, making it ideal for welded structures.

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

Mechanical Properties Comparison

The mechanical properties of SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L differ slightly due to carbon content:

Source: ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards, as of October 14, 2025. Cold-working can increase strength for both grades.

Corrosion Resistance

Both grades offer excellent corrosion resistance in:

• Atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mild acids (e.g., food-grade applications).
• General environments, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304.

However:

• SA 240 GR 304L: Superior in welded applications due to lower carbon, preventing sensitization and intergranular corrosion in corrosive environments.
• SA 240 GR 304: Slightly more prone to sensitization during welding, requiring careful heat control or post-weld annealing.

For chloride-heavy environments, consider sa 240 gr 316l.

Weldability

• SA 240 GR 304: Good weldability with ER308 fillers, but higher carbon (≤0.08%) can lead to sensitization in welded zones, requiring low heat input (<2.0 kJ/mm) or annealing.
• SA 240 GR 304L: Excellent weldability with ER308L fillers, as low carbon (≤0.03%) minimizes carbide precipitation, often eliminating the need for post-weld treatment.

For welded applications like SA 240 GR 304 pipe, 304L is preferred.

Cost Comparison

As of October 14, 2025, SA 240 GR 304L is typically 0-5% less expensive or comparable to SA 240 GR 304 due to higher production volumes for welding applications:

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

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

For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 304h.

Which is Better?

• Choose SA 240 GR 304if:
  • Your application requires higher strength (e.g., structural components).
  • Welding is minimal or controlled with low heat input.
  • Cost is a factor and weldability is not critical.
• Choose SA 240 GR 304Lif:
  • Your application involves welding, especially in corrosive environments (e.g., chemical or food processing).
  • Avoiding sensitization and post-weld treatment is a priority.
  • Slightly lower strength is acceptable for cost savings (SS 304 sheet price is often lower for 304L).

For chloride-heavy environments, consider sa 240 gr 317l.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel supplies certified SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 304L plates at competitive prices, with custom sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304. Our inventory includes dual-certified SA 240 TP 304/304L plates. For quotes or to learn what is SA 304, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.