Materials & grades
304L / 1.4307 / SUS304L low-carbon austenitic stainless steel (S30403, X2CrNi18-9)
304L is the low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, with carbon limited to 0.030 % so welds do not lose corrosion resistance. It is UNS S30403 in the USA, X2CrNi18-9 (1.4307) in Europe, 304S11 in the UK, X02Cr19Ni10 in India and SUS304L in Japan.
Names by standard
What it is called in each region
| Region | System | Designation | Norm | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | AISI/ASTM | 304L | ASTM A240 (plate, sheet, strip); ASTM A276 (bar) | Same material |
| UNS | S30403 | — | Same material | |
| AISI/ASTM | 304 (S30400)Same base chemistry with higher carbon (≤0.08 %), higher minimum strength and weaker resistance to sensitisation. See the 304 page. | ASTM A240 | Closest equivalent | |
| UK | BS (legacy) | 304S11Superseded British name, listed by Atlas, DEW and Outokumpu. It has no old EN number. | — | Equivalent |
| EU | EN 10027-1 name | X2CrNi18-9 | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent |
| EN 10027-2 number | 1.4307 | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent | |
| EN 10027-1 name | X2CrNi19-11 (1.4306)Second 304L-type EN grade with more nickel (10.0–12.0 %). Outokumpu lists it against 304L and SUS304L as well. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent | |
| DIN (legacy) | 1.4307 / 1.4306Werkstoff numbers from the superseded German standard. They carried over unchanged into EN 10088. | DIN 17440 | Equivalent | |
| EN 10027-2 number | 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)The 304 grade. Many mills certify stock to both 1.4301 and 1.4307. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Closest equivalent | |
| Indien | IS 1570 / IS 6911 / IS 6603 | X02Cr19Ni10 | IS 1570 (Part 5):1985; IS 6911; IS 6603:2001 | Equivalent |
| Japan | JIS | SUS304L | JIS G 4303 (bar); JIS G 4304 / G 4305 (plate, sheet) | Equivalent |
| JIS | SUS304The higher-carbon grade (≤0.08 %). See the 304 page. | JIS G 4303 | Closest equivalent |
On equivalence
- 304 versus 304L: carbon is ≤0.08 % (ASTM A240, JIS, IS) or ≤0.07 % (EN 1.4301) in 304, and ≤0.030 % in 304L. The lower carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries when 304 is welded or held at 425–860 °C, so 304L keeps its corrosion resistance without post-weld annealing.
- The trade-off is a small strength loss: ASTM A240 minimums are 485 MPa tensile and 170 MPa yield for 304L, against 515 MPa and 205 MPa for 304. Corrosion resistance in service is otherwise the same.
- Two EN grades match 304L. 1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9) has 8.0–10.5 % nickel and is the usual match. 1.4306 (X2CrNi19-11) has 10.0–12.0 % nickel and 18.0–20.0 % chromium, which sits closer to JIS SUS304L (9.00–13.00 % nickel, 18.00–20.00 % chromium).
- ASTM A240 304L allows nickel to 12.0 %, wider than 1.4307. Atlas's 2020 manual prints 8.0–10.5 % for 304L; ATI's current A240 listing gives 8.0–12.0 %, which is used here.
- EN 10088-2 flat products limit sulphur to 0.015 %; EN 10088-3 bar allows 0.030 %.
- 304, S30400, 1.4301 and SUS304 are the nearest 304 names. They are shown here as closest, not as the same grade; their data is on the 304 page.
- 304L is not the same as 316L; 316L adds molybdenum for chloride resistance.
- ASTM A240 limits shown are for the current edition (304L: Cr 18.0–20.0, Ni 8.0–12.0). Editions up to 2015 printed Cr 17.5–19.5 for 304L; check the edition named on your order.
- The EN nitrogen limit for 1.4307 and 1.4306 is ≤0.10 % in the 2014 editions of EN 10088-2 and EN 10088-3. The 2005 editions printed ≤0.11 %.
Chemical composition
Composition limits, mass %
| Element | 304L (S30403)USA · ASTM A240 | X2CrNi18-9 (1.4307)EU · EN 10088-3 (bar, rod, wire, sections) | X2CrNi19-11 (1.4306)EU · EN 10088-3 (bar, rod, wire, sections) | X02Cr19Ni10Indien · IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 | SUS304LJapan · JIS G 4303 (bar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.0 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤2.0 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 18.0–20.0 | 17.5–19.5 | 18.0–20.0 | 17.5–20.0 | 18.00–20.00 |
| Ni | 8.0–12.0 | 8.0–10.5 | 10.0–12.0 | 8.0–12.0 | 9.00–13.00 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Strength and hardness
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnnealedSpecified minimums, plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240); hardness is a maximumASTM A240 values as published by ATI and Atlas Steels | ≥485 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥170 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | ≤201 HB (≤92 HRB) |
| Cold rolled strip, annealed (1.4307)Specified, strip up to 8 mmEN 10088-2 as tabulated by Roymech; Outokumpu quotes the same minimums | 520–700 MPa75–102 ksi | ≥220 MPa≥32 ksi | ≥45 % | — |
| Solution annealed (+AT) bar (1.4307)Specified, bar up to 160 mm, longitudinal test; hardness is a maximumEN 10088-3 as tabulated by Roymech; hardness from DEW (Swiss Steel) datasheet 1.4307 | 500–700 MPa73–102 ksi | ≥175 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥45 % | ≤215 HB |
| Solution annealed bar (1.4307)Typical values, not minimumsDEW (Swiss Steel) datasheet 1.4307 | 630 MPa91 ksi | 340 MPa49 ksi | 51 % | 195 HB |
| Solution treated (SUS304L)Specified minimums per the JIS reference sheet; hardness is a maximumJIS reference sheet by Nose Stainless | ≥480 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥175 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | ≤187 HBW (≤90 HRBW) |
| Solution treated (X02Cr19Ni10)Specified minimums; hardness is a maximumIS 1570 (Part 5):1985 mechanical properties table (OCR copy; check against the standard) | ≥485 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥170 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | ≤183 HB (≤88 HRB) |
In practice
Behaviour, heat treatment and uses
Characteristics
- Carbon is limited to 0.030 %, so there is virtually no formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries. DEW rates 1.4307 as resistant to intergranular corrosion even after welding, in the sensitised condition.
- Resistant to corrosion in most natural waters and in urban and rural atmospheres where chloride and salt contents are low. DEW says it must not be used in sea water or in swimming pool environments.
- Weldable with or without filler (DEW suggests 308L-type filler) and needs no post-weld heat treatment.
- Specified strength is slightly lower than 304 (485 MPa and 170 MPa minimums against 515 MPa and 205 MPa in ASTM A240).
- Cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Strength is raised only by cold work.
- Non-magnetic when annealed (relative permeability up to about 1.3) and suitable for cryogenic service; resistant to scaling to about 600 °C (DEW).
- Machinability is average. Improved-machinability bar versions exist.
- Dual certification as 304 and 304L (1.4301 and 1.4307) is common and lets one stock serve both.
Heat treatment
- Solution annealing: 1000–1100 °C then rapid cooling in air or water (DEW); JIS gives 1010–1150 °C and Outokumpu 1050 ± 50 °C.
- Keep time between 450 and 850 °C short during fabrication and service to avoid embrittlement (DEW).
- Forging: heat to 1150–1180 °C and forge between about 1180 and 950 °C, then air cool (DEW).
- No post-weld heat treatment is needed.
Typische Anwendungen
- Welded vessels, tanks and pipe in the chemical, food and beverage industries
- Heavy welded sections that cannot be annealed after fabrication
- Cryogenic equipment
- Kitchen equipment and architectural fabrications
- Pharmaceutical and medical equipment
- Cold-headed and formed parts
Stainless steels
Similar grades compared
| Güteklasse | C % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Tensile, first listed condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304L / 1.4307 | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | ≥485 MPa |
| 201 / 1.4372 | ≤0.15 | 5.50–7.50 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 301 / 1.4310 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 303 / 1.4305 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.0 | 17.0–19.0 | 8.0–10.0 | 650 MPa |
| 304 / 1.4301 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 309 / 309S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 22.0–24.0 | 12.0–15.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 310 / 310S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 24.0–26.0 | 19.0–22.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 316 / 1.4401 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 316L | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥485 MPa |
| 321 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 17.0–19.0 | 9.0–12.0 | ≥515 MPa |
Composition from the US standard where one exists, otherwise the first standard listed on each grade's page. Strength conditions differ between grades; open a grade for its full table.
Fragen und Antworten
Common questions
What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel?
304L limits carbon to 0.030 % where 304 allows 0.08 % (0.07 % in EN 1.4301). With less carbon, chromium carbides do not form at grain boundaries during welding, so 304L resists intergranular corrosion without post-weld annealing. 304 has slightly higher minimum strength (515 MPa tensile, 205 MPa yield against 485 and 170 for 304L).
What is the equivalent of 304L stainless steel?
UNS S30403 in the USA, X2CrNi18-9 (1.4307) in Europe (1.4306 is also used), 304S11 in the UK, X02Cr19Ni10 in India and SUS304L in Japan.
Is 304L better than 304 for welding?
For heavy welded sections, yes. The low carbon avoids sensitisation in the heat-affected zone, so no post-weld annealing is needed. For thin sections or parts that will be annealed anyway, 304 performs as well.
Is 1.4307 the same as 1.4306?
No. Both are 304L-type EN grades, but 1.4307 has 8.0–10.5 % nickel and 17.5–19.5 % chromium while 1.4306 has 10.0–12.0 % nickel and 18.0–20.0 % chromium. Most mills sell 1.4307; check which one the drawing calls for.
Can 304L be used in sea water?
No. DEW states that 1.4307 is not resistant to sea water. Choose a molybdenum grade such as 316L or a duplex steel for chloride service.
From the Corona catalog
Products listed with 304L / 1.4307
Keep reading
Related references
References
Sources
- ATI: 304L austenitic stainless steel (UNS S30403) — ASTM A240 composition and minimum properties.
- DEW (Swiss Steel): datasheet 1.4307 X2CrNi18-9 — Cross-reference (AISI, UNS, BS), corrosion, heat treatment, bar properties, welding and forging.
- Jacques Allemann: tech sheet 1.4307 wire — EN 10088 wire composition and dual certification with 1.4301.
- Outokumpu: Steel grades, properties and global standards — Cross-reference including 1.4306, EN and ASTM minimums, annealing temperature and intergranular corrosion rating.
- Roymech: BS EN 10088 stainless steels — EN 10088-2 and -3 composition and properties for 1.4307 and 1.4306.
- Atlas Steels Product Reference Manual, Section 9: stainless steel properties and equivalent grades — 304L cross-reference (304S11, 1.4307, SUS 304L) and A240 minimum properties.
- Nose Stainless: steel types, composition and mechanical properties (JIS reference sheet) — SUS304L composition and solution-treated properties.
- Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Table 1 composition and mechanical properties for X02Cr19Ni10.
- Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 6911:1992 Stainless steel plate, sheet and strip (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Grade list including X02Cr19Ni10.
- Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 6603:2001 Stainless steel bars and flats (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Lists X02Cr19Ni10 for bars.
Values summarize published limits and typical data. The governing standard and the current edition control; check them before specifying.

