304 304L Data Sheets 1 28 13 PDF

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
AISI 304 AISI 304L
Stainless Steel Structural Shapes: 304 and 304L Austenitic (Chromium-Nickel)
INTRODUCTION
There are many grades of austenitic stainless steels, the most popular of which are 304 and 304L. Those
two account for about half of the total stainless steel production in the United States. Those are the two
grades we will address on this data sheet. Other grades include 316 316L, 317, 317L, 321, 347. Stainless
Structurals can manufacture shapes in almost any of the austenitic grades, plus nickel, duplex and exotic
alloys. If you need a particular grade, ask your sales representative.
Stainless Structurals shapes are stripped from plate with lasers, laser fused together, straightened,
ground, de-twisted and passivated. They are produced to ASTM-A-1069, which also includes a number of
other specifications.
Austenitic (18-8) stainless steel alloys possess significant beneficial properties. They are strong, light,
ductile, aesthetically pleasing and readily available in a variety of forms. They resist corrosion and
oxidation; fabricate and clean easily; and prevent contamination of products. They have also exhibited
good strength and toughness when exposed to cryogenic conditions.
Stainless Structurals offers two variations of the 18-8 stainless steels:
AISI 304 (S30400)
AISI 304L (S30403)
Of the two types, 304 is the most widely used alloy, followed by 304L. 304L is typically used for welded
applications that must resist intergranular corrosion. The essential difference is in the carbon content,
which is required to be lower in 304L than 304. These two grades are frequently supplied dual certified as
304/304L. This means that the carbon content, which is expressed as a maximum in both grades, is in
compliance with the maximum carbon content called for by each specification. In addition the dual
certified material meets the minimum mechanical properties, which are required to be higher in 304.
Therefore, the dual certification means the material is in full compliance with both specifications, providing
the higher minimum strength requirements for one grade along with the better intergranular corrosion
resistance of the other.
stainless-structurals.com
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
Some popular applications of these two grades are in food processing, appliances and dairy. Standards
and specifications have been developed to guide the manufacture, construction and use of these grades.
The guidelines are listed herewith.
SPECIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

The following table provides the list of US specifications for the two popular grades.
Table 1: ASTM and ASME Specifications
Product Form
Specification
ASTM
ASME
Plate, Sheet and

Strip
A 240
SA-240
Laser Fused
Structural Shapes
A1069
The specifications stipulate allowable stresses for the various product forms of the alloys. Within the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section II, Part D), the allowable stresses are given for 304 for
use up to a maximum temperature of 1500F (816C); and 304L up to 800F (426C).
In addition to ASTM and ASME, the National Sanitation Foundation accepts all alloy variations for food
preparation and storage; and the Dairy and Food Industries Supply Association (Sanitary Standards
Committee) approves all variations for contact with dairy products.
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
PROPERTIES
This section outlines the chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties of 304 amd 304L.
1.0 Chemical Composition

ASTM A240 provides the typical chemical compositions for the 18-8 stainless steel variations. Refer to
Table 2 below.
Table 2: Typical Chemical Compositions
Percentage (%) Weight
Periodic
Element
304
304L
Chromium
17.5
19.5
17.5
19.5
Nickel
8.0
10.5
8.0
12.0
Manganese
2.00
2.00
Silicon
0.75
0.75
Carbon
0.07
0.030
Nitrogen
0.10
0.10
Phosphorus
0.045
0.045
Sulfur
0.030
0.030
Maximum value, unless range is specified
2.0 Physical Properties

The physical properties of austenitic stainless steel alloys are given below.
2.1 General
The following are accepted general physical properties of austenitic stainless steel alloys:
3
Density
0.285 lb/in
(7.90 g/cm )
Melting Range
2550 - 2590F (1399 - 1421C)
Modulus of Elasticity
29 Mpsi
(200 GPa)
(in Tension)
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
2.2 Thermal
The following are accepted thermal properties of the alloys:
Specific Heat:
F
Btu/lb/F
J/kg.K
32 - 212
0 - 100
0.12
500
Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:

Temperature Range
F
Coefficients
in/in/F
cm/cm/C
-6
68 - 212
20 - 100
9.2 x 10
68 - 212
20 - 100
11.0 x 10
-6
16.6 x 10
-6
19.8 x 10
-6
Thermal Conductivity
Temperature Range
Btu/hr.ft.F
W/m.K
100
9.4
16.3
500
12.4
21.4
212
932
Although other metals exhibit higher thermal conductivities, the stainless steel alloys are able to more
efficiently transfer heat through the maintenance of smooth, clean surfaces.
2.3 Electrical
Electrical resistivity properties include:
Temperature Range
Microhm-in
Microhm-cm
20
28.3
72
212
100
30.7
78
392
200
33.8
86
752
400
39.4
100
1112
600
43.7
111
1472
800
47.6
121
1652
900
49.6
126
68
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
2.4 Magnetic
Austenitic stainless steel alloys are not typically magnetic in the annealed condition (magnetic
permeability <1.02 at 200H). While cold work will increase the magnetic permeability, Stainless
Structurals shapes are manufactured from annealed material.
Magnetic Permeability
Percent Cold
Work
304
304L
1.005
1.015
10
1.009
1.064
3.0 Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel alloys are as noted below.
3.1 At Room Temperature
ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240 require the following minimum properties for plate, sheet and strip forms
of the annealed alloy variations. A1069 laser fused structurals are in compliance.
Table 3: Minimum Mechanical Properties
Property
Minimum Mechanical Properties

304
304L
0.2% Offset Yield Strength:

psi
30,000
25,000
MPa
205
170
psi
MPa
75,000
515
70,000
485
Percent Elongation in
2 in. or 51 mm
40.0
40.0
201
92
201
92
Ultimate Tensile Strength:
Hardness, Max.:
Brinell
RB
1
In accordance with ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240
3.2 Cold Work

As the alloys are cold worked (deformed) at room temperature or thereabout, partial transformation of
austenite (in the alloys) to martensite can occur. As this happens, the alloys tend to increase in yield and
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
ultimate strength while decreasing in elongation. Austenitic stainless structural shapes are not supplied in
the cold worked condition. .
3.3 Properties at Low and Elevated Temperatures

The effects of low and elevated temperatures on short-term tensile properties are displayed below. Creep
and stress ruptures should be considered at temperatures equivalent to or higher than 100F (538C).
Typical information is as follows.
Table 4: Tensile Properties at Varying Temperatures
Test Temperature
0.2%Yield Strength
Tensile Strength
Elongation
psi
(MPa)
psi
(MPa)
Percent in 2" or
51 mm
-423
-253
100,000
690
250,000
1725
25
-320
-196
70 000
485
230 000
1585
35
-100
-79
50 000
345
150 000
1035
50
70
21
35 000
240
90 000
620
60
400
205
23 000
160
70 000
485
50
800
427
19 000
130
66 000
455
43
1200
650
15 500
105
48 000
330
34
1500
815
13 000
90
23 000
160
46
3.4 Impact Resistance

Stainless steel, in the annealed condition, shows very high resistance to impact even at cryogenic levels.
This makes it a candidate for applications such as earthquake resistance, LNG facilities and cryogenics.
Typical results from Charpy V-notch impact tests are provided as follows:
Charpy V-Notch Energy

Absorbed
Temperature
F
Foot-pounds
Joules
75
23
150
200
-320
-196
85
115
-425
-234
85
115
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
3.5 Fatigue Strength

The fatigue strength, or endurance limit, represents the maximum amount of stress below which the
material is unlikely to fail after 10 million cycles in the air environment. For the austenitic stainless steels,
this figure is typically 35% of the tensile strength. A number of factors affect fatigue strength. A smooth
surface will provide greater strength than a rough or corroded surface. Fatigue strength is dependent on
many factors, so the quoted value can vary significantly.
4.0 Corrosion Resistance

4.1 General Corrosion
All variations of the austenitic stainless steel alloys show desirable resistance to corrosion within
moderately oxidizing and reducing environments. This resistance is due to the high chromium content in
these alloys, in which a microscopic layer of chromium oxide seals the surface.
As a consequence, the applicability of the alloys range from food processing equipment and utensils in
food, beverage and dairy industries, to heat exchangers, piping, tanks and other process equipment for
human consumables. The alloys are used to contain household and industrial chemicals; and are used in
non-marine environments as architectural and structural materials such as handrails and building
facades.
Examples of 304/304L resistance to oxidizing (acidic) environments is given below
% Nitric Acid
Temperature
F (C)
Corrosion Rate
Mils/Yr (mm/a)
10
300 (149)
5.0 (0.13)
20
300 (149)
10.1 (0.25)
30
300 (149)
17.0 (0.43)
Other laboratory data for 304 and 304L in the table below illustrate that these alloys are also resistant to
moderately aggressive organic acids such as acetic, citric and even reducing acids such as phosphoric.
The relatively high nickel content of these alloys helps provide resistance to moderately reducing
environments. The more highly reducing environments such as boiling dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric
acids are too aggressive for these materials. Other grades such as 316/316L should be considered.
Boiling 50 percent caustic is likewise too aggressive for 304/304L. Consult your sales representative if
you need assistance.
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
General Corrosion in Boiling Chemicals

Corrosion Rate, Mils/Yr (mm/a)
Boiling
Environment
304
304L
20% Acetic Acid: Base Metal

Welded*
0.1
1.0
(<0.01)
(0.03)
0.1
0.1
(<0.01)
(<0.01)
45% Formic Acid, Base Metal
55
(1.4)
15
(0.4)
Welded*
52
(1.3)
19
(0.5)
10% Sulfamic Acid, Base Metal

Welded*
144
144
(3.7)
(3.7)
50
57
(1.3)
(1.4)
1% Hydrochloric, Base Metal

Welded
98
112
(2.5)
(2.8)
85
143
(2.2)
(3.6)
20% Phosphoric Acid, Base Metal

Welded
<1.0
<1.0
(<0.03)
(0.03)
65% Nitric Acid, Base Metal
9.2
(0.2)
8.9
(0.2)
Welded
9.4
(0.2)
7.4
(0.2)
10% Sulfuric Acid, Base Metal

Welded
445
494
(11.3)
(12.5)
662
879
(16.8)
(22.3)
50% Sodium Hydroxide, Base Metal

Welded
118
130
(3.0)
(3.3)
71
87
(1.8)
(2.2)
---
---
*Autogenous weld on base metal sample.
In some cases, the low carbon 304L may show a lower corrosion rate than the higher carbon 304, as
shown by the data for formic acid, sulfamic acid and sodium hydroxides. Otherwise, the 304 and 304L
may be considered to perform equally in most corrosive environments. A notable exception is in
environments sufficiently corrosive to cause intergranular corrosion of welds and heat-affected zones on
susceptible alloys. 304L is preferred for use in such media in the welded condition since the low carbon
level resists carbide precipitation in the heat affected zone, and thereby enhances resistance to
intergranular corrosion.
4.2 Intergranular Corrosion
At high temperatures (800F - 1500F or 427C to 816C) during service conditions, these stainless steel
alloys may experience chromium carbide precipitation in the grain boundaries. This is typically referred to
sensitization and, when exposed to very harsh, aggressive conditions, the steel alloys may undergo
intergranular corrosion. It is the carbon content in 304 that causes sensitization under thermal processes;
as is the case for autogenous welds and heat-affected weld zones. Lower carbon content prolongs, but
does not eliminate, the likelihood for precipitation of harmful level of chromium carbides.
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
Consequently, 304L with its lower carbon content is better suited for situations where the alloy is
commissioned in the as-welded condition. Dual certified 304/304L will have the same maximum carbon
limits as 304L, and is therefore allowable. Refer to the evidence provided below.
Intergranular Corrosion Tests

ASTM A 262 Evaluation
Test
Practice B Base Metal
Welded
Practice E Base Metal
Welded
PracticeA Base Metal
Welded
Corrosion Rate, Mils/Yr (mm/a)

304
304L
20 (0.5) Intergranular
23 (0.6) Corrosion
20 (0.5)
20 (0.5)
No Fissures on Bend Some

Fissures on Weld
(unacceptable)
Step Structure Ditched
(unacceptable)
No Fissures
No Fissures
Step Structure
Step Structure
4.3 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

The likelihood of stress corrosion cracking in the presence of halide ions is highest in 304 and 304L
alloys. This is due of their lower nickel content. Other conditions required for SCC include residual tensile
stress in the alloys and temperatures exceeding 120F (49C).
Residual stresses may occur from cold deformation during forming and thermal cycles during welding.
The stresses may be reduced via annealing or stress-relieving heat treatments following cold
deformation, although this is impractical for most shapes.
Refer to the table below for the behavior of the alloys during halide (chloride) stress corrosion testing.
Note that, although times are specified, failure is inevitable under these conditions.
Halide (Chloride) Stress Corrosion Tests

Test
U-Bend (Highly Stressed) Samples

304, 304L
42% Magnesium
Chloride, Boiling
Base Metal
Welded
Cracked, 1 to 20 hours
Cracked, to 21 hours
33% Lithium
Chloride, Boiling
Base Metal
Welded
26% Sodium
Chloride, Boiling
Base Metal
Welded

40% Calcium
Base Metal
Cracked, 144 Hours
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
Halide (Chloride) Stress Corrosion Tests

Test
U-Bend (Highly Stressed) Samples

304, 304L
Chloride, Boiling
Ambient Temperature
Seacoast Exposure
-Base Metal
Welded
No Cracking
No Cracking
4.4 Pitting/ Crevice Corrosion

Although SCC occurs in concentrated halide conditions, the alloys are suitable for fresh water and low
halide applications. 304 has been successfully used in surface condensers for cooling water with
concentrations of 1000 ppm chloride in power plants. Careful maintenance, cleaning and constant flow
were necessary.
Therefore, the halide concentration limit is typically taken as 100 ppm chloride; especially when crevices
may be present in the alloys. Evidence for this stems from 304 and 304L alloys showing no signs of
rusting or staining after the 100 hour, 5 percent neutral salt spray tests (ASTM B117). However, 304
stainless building facades, when exposed to sea blast or salt mists, exhibit pitting, crevice corrosion and
discoloration. So, at concentrations higher than 100ppm, crevice corrosion and pitting may occur; which is
why these alloys are not suitable for marine environments. Alloys containing molybdenum, e.g.,
316/316L, 317/317L, AL-6XN or 254SMOare better suited for high chloride, acidic or heated
environments. . Stainless Structurals can provide all these grades, and more.
5.0 Weldability
Of all the high-alloy steels, the austenitic stainless steel alloys have been found to be the most weldable;
and all fusion and resistance welding processes may be used. However, care during welding must be
shown to prevent cracking and preserve the corrosion resistant properties of the alloys.
During welding, temperature gradients occur in the alloys. The temperatures range from the melting
temperature in the molten pool to the ambient temperature in the extremities. Higher carbon content in
the alloys means there is a greater chance that the welding thermal cycles will cause chromium carbide
precipitation. And this will reduce the corrosion resistant properties. To counteract precipitation, 304 or
304/304L dual should be used for applications in the welded condition. Conversely, full annealing can be
done to remove the precipitant and improve the corrosion resistance. In most cases, however, full
annealing is not practical for a structural shape or construct. Laser fused stainless structurals are not
generally susceptible to the temperature gradient problems as noted above. That is because the fusion is
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
very quick, the heat affected zone is much smaller than a conventional weld, and the joint cools much
more quickly.
304 and 304L grades will typically re-solidify with a small amount of post-weld ferrite. This is to minimize
the cracking susceptibility that austenitic steels show during welding.
308 (20% Cr-11% Ni) alloy is the preferred filler metal for welding 304/304L as it does not produce
martensite following multi-pass welds. And, to decrease to the tendency for hot cracking, the welding
environment is controlled in order to ensure the formation of a small amount of ferrite. 309 alloy (23%
chromium, 13.5% nickel) or nickel based filler metals are recommended in joining the austenitic alloys to
carbon steel. No filler metal is used in the production of A1069 laser fused structurals. The joints are
autogenous.
6.0 Heat Treatment

Heat treating these alloys may be performed in order to remove the negative effects of cold forming
and/or to remove precipitated chromium carbides from their surfaces. To get both results, the alloys are
annealed, which occurs in the range of 1850F (1010C) to 2050F (1121C). To prevent the chromium
carbides from re-precipitating, cooling from these temperatures must be accomplished at high rates
through 1500-800F (816C 427C). As previously mentioned, heat treating is not practical for most
structural shapes due to their configuration and due also to their propensity for warping.
304 and 304L, like other austenitic grades, are not hardenable by heat treatment.
7.0 Cleaning
Special care must be undertaken when these stainless steel alloys are fabricated. Likewise, routine
maintenance must be conducted while in use to ensure the alloys remain aesthetically pleasing and
corrosion resistant.
Fabrication:
During fabrication, the following cleaning habits should be employed:
Use inert gas processes in welding.
Use only stainless steel wire brushes to remove scale and slag, as carbon steel brushes can lead
to rusting of the surface.
Use passivating (descaling) solutions (e.g. mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acids) for more
severe scale build-up during welding. The solutions should be quickly washed off after
application. This removes free iron from the surface, which could lead to surface corrosion.
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AISI 304 AISI 304L
Use:
Pressure washing is recommended for normal maintenance on inland, light industrial and mild
applications.
More frequent washing should be used for heavy industrial application to prevent deposits that
could lead to corrosion and dullness.
Use non-abrasive cleaners, fiber brushes, sponge, or stainless steel wool to scrub off spots and
other deposits. If the material is polished, or if the appearance is important, limit the force used
with the stainless steel wool as it can leave permanent scratches on the stainless steel.
Clean and sterilize surfaces accordingly for critical applications. Use specially designed caustic
soda, organic solvent or mild acid solutions for additional cleaning in areas such as food
processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing. All such solutions must be washed off quickly.
Note that the products designs can impact on cleaning of the stainless steel alloys. Having equipment
free from sharp corners, crevices and rough welds can make cleaning. Polishing the surface of the
product also has a similar impact on cleanliness.
8.0 Surface Finishes

Surface finishes for stainless steel structural shapes are noted below.
#1 Finish
hot rolled, annealed, and de-scaled surface. This is the standard;

available in plate and sheet and all structural applications
used in applications where smooth, bright finishes are not mandatory.
Polished finishes on structurals are available but may be costly Consult your Stainless Structurals
sales person for the most economical solution for your end use.
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TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

AISI 304 AISI 304L

Stainless Steel Structural Shapes: 304 and 304L Austenitic (Chromium-Nickel)

AISI 304 (S30400)

AISI 304L (S30403)

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

SPECIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Plate, Sheet and

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

1.0 Chemical Composition

Maximum value, unless range is specified

2.0 Physical Properties

2550 - 2590F (1399 - 1421C)

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

3.0 Mechanical Properties

Minimum Mechanical Properties

0.2% Offset Yield Strength:

Ultimate Tensile Strength:

In accordance with ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240

3.2 Cold Work

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

3.3 Properties at Low and Elevated Temperatures

3.4 Impact Resistance

Charpy V-Notch Energy

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

3.5 Fatigue Strength

4.0 Corrosion Resistance

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

General Corrosion in Boiling Chemicals

20% Acetic Acid: Base Metal

45% Formic Acid, Base Metal

10% Sulfamic Acid, Base Metal

1% Hydrochloric, Base Metal

20% Phosphoric Acid, Base Metal

65% Nitric Acid, Base Metal

10% Sulfuric Acid, Base Metal

50% Sodium Hydroxide, Base Metal

*Autogenous weld on base metal sample.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Intergranular Corrosion Tests

Corrosion Rate, Mils/Yr (mm/a)

No Fissures on Bend Some

4.3 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

Halide (Chloride) Stress Corrosion Tests

U-Bend (Highly Stressed) Samples

Cracked, 142 to 1004 hours

Cracked, 144 Hours

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Halide (Chloride) Stress Corrosion Tests

U-Bend (Highly Stressed) Samples

4.4 Pitting/ Crevice Corrosion

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

6.0 Heat Treatment

Use inert gas processes in welding.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

8.0 Surface Finishes

hot rolled, annealed, and de-scaled surface. This is the standard;

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