Comparison
304 vs 316L
304 is the ordinary austenitic stainless. 316L is what Danish process industry specifies when chloride, acid or welding in thicker material comes into play. The difference is primarily 2 % molybdenum and the low carbon of the L variant – not a “finer 304”.
The short difference
304 / 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) covers mild environments, food without chloride and indoor structures. 316L / 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) has Mo against pitting and low carbon so the weld does not corrode intergranularly. 304L is 304 with low carbon – still without Mo.
- 304 · 1.4301 – standard stainless, without Mo
- 304L · 1.4307 – weldable 304
- 316L · 1.4404 – acid-resistant, Mo + low C
When to choose 316L
Chloride, coast, process, CIP and parts welded in thicker material. 304 when the environment is dry and mild, and the price has to be kept down. Duplex 2205 when both strength and pitting resistance have to exceed 316L. 253MA and 310S when the task is dry heat – not wet chloride.
Delivery
Plate, tube and round bar, solution annealed. We write 1.4301 or 1.4404 on the certificate. AISI 304/316L are trade names for the same family – not a different heat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 316 the same as 316L?
- 316 (1.4401) has higher carbon. 316L (1.4404) is the welding variant. On new welded parts, 316L is what most drawings mean.
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State grade, dimensions and quantity — or attach a drawing. We reply with a quote.