Comparison
304 vs 304L
304 and 304L are the most widely used austenitic stainless family. 304L (1.4307) is the low-carbon variant. 304 (1.4301) has a higher carbon ceiling. The choice is governed by welding and corrosion requirements – not by price alone.
When L
304L is typically chosen for welded structures where you want to avoid corrosion in the HAZ without subsequent solution annealing. 304 is used when the drawing says 1.4301, or when higher strength from carbon is specified.
- 304 – 1.4301
- 304L – 1.4307 (and the closely related 1.4306)
- 321 (1.4541) – Ti-stabilised alternative
Certificate
The certificate carries the W.Nr. the mill has issued. We do not rewrite 304L as 304 on paper to suit a PO.
Frequently asked questions
- Are 304 and 304L interchangeable?
- No, not automatically. L is a carbon requirement. Welding and corrosion decide whether substitution can be agreed.
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State grade, dimensions and quantity — or attach a drawing. We reply with a quote.