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Resources/Materials & grades/304L / 1.4307

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

RegionSystemDesignationStandardMatch
USAAISI/ASTM304LASTM A240 (plate, sheet, strip); ASTM A276 (bar)Same material
UNSS30403—Same material
AISI/ASTM304 (S30400)Same base chemistry with higher carbon (≤0.08 %), higher minimum strength and weaker resistance to sensitisation. See the 304 page.ASTM A240Closest equivalent
UKBS (legacy)304S11Superseded British name, listed by Atlas, DEW and Outokumpu. It has no old EN number.—Equivalent
EUEN 10027-1 nameX2CrNi18-9EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3Equivalent
EN 10027-2 number1.4307EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3Equivalent
EN 10027-1 nameX2CrNi19-11 (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 10088-3Equivalent
DIN (legacy)1.4307 / 1.4306Werkstoff numbers from the superseded German standard. They carried over unchanged into EN 10088.DIN 17440Equivalent
EN 10027-2 number1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)The 304 grade. Many mills certify stock to both 1.4301 and 1.4307.EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3Closest equivalent
IndiaIS 1570 / IS 6911 / IS 6603X02Cr19Ni10IS 1570 (Part 5):1985; IS 6911; IS 6603:2001Equivalent
JapanJISSUS304LJIS G 4303 (bar); JIS G 4304 / G 4305 (plate, sheet)Equivalent
JISSUS304The higher-carbon grade (≤0.08 %). See the 304 page.JIS G 4303Closest 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 %

Element304L (S30403)USA · ASTM A240X2CrNi18-9 (1.4307)EU · EN 10088-3 (bar, rod, wire, sections)X2CrNi19-11 (1.4306)EU · EN 10088-3 (bar, rod, wire, sections)X02Cr19Ni10India · IS 1570 (Part 5):1985SUS304LJapan · 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
Cr18.0–20.017.5–19.518.0–20.017.5–20.018.00–20.00
Ni8.0–12.08.0–10.510.0–12.08.0–12.09.00–13.00
N≤0.10≤0.10≤0.10——

Mechanical properties

Strength and hardness

ConditionTensile strengthYield strengthElongationHardness
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 minimums520–700 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 1.4307500–700 MPa73–102 ksi≥175 MPa≥25 ksi≥45 %≤215 HB
Solution annealed bar (1.4307)Typical values, not minimumsDEW (Swiss Steel) datasheet 1.4307630 MPa91 ksi340 MPa49 ksi51 %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.

Typical uses

  • 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

GradeC %Mn %Cr %Ni %Tensile, first listed condition
304L / 1.4307≤0.030≤2.0018.0–20.08.0–12.0≥485 MPa
201 / 1.4372≤0.155.50–7.5016.0–18.03.5–5.5≥515 MPa
301 / 1.4310≤0.15≤2.0016.0–18.06.0–8.0≥515 MPa
303 / 1.4305≤0.15≤2.017.0–19.08.0–10.0650 MPa
304 / 1.4301≤0.08≤2.0018.0–20.08.0–10.5≥515 MPa
309 / 309S≤0.08≤2.0022.0–24.012.0–15.0≥515 MPa
310 / 310S≤0.08≤2.0024.0–26.019.0–22.0≥515 MPa
316 / 1.4401≤0.08≤2.0016.0–18.010.0–14.0≥515 MPa
316L≤0.030≤2.0016.0–18.010.0–14.0≥485 MPa
321≤0.08≤2.0017.0–19.09.0–12.0≥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.

Questions answered

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

Pipe Support Components

Stainless Steel Collars (For Flanges)

Nominal Pipe Size: 1/2" - 24" / 15 mm - 600 mm · Thickness: 11G, 12G / 2 mm, 3 mm

Specifications
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304 / 1.4301Type 304 is the standard 18/8 austenitic stainless steel, with about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and the most widely used stainless grade.316L316L is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel: the same molybdenum-bearing austenitic analysis with carbon held to 0.03 % or less.316 / 1.4401Type 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel, with about 2% molybdenum for better resistance to chlorides than 304.321321 is a titanium-stabilised 18/8 austenitic stainless steel that resists intergranular corrosion after heating in the 425–850 °C range.301 / 1.4310Type 301 is a lean 17Cr-7Ni austenitic stainless steel that work hardens very quickly, so cold-rolled strip and wire reach high strength for springs, rail cars and formed parts.AnnealingAnnealing heats steel to a set temperature, holds it and cools it slowly to make it softer, more ductile and easier to machine or cold form.SAE / AISI numbersA four-digit SAE/AISI number such as 1045 or 4140 names a carbon or alloy steel by its chemistry: the first two digits identify the steel family and the last two give the nominal carbon content in hundredths of a percent.EN 10027 names and numbersEuropean steels carry two identifiers under EN 10027: a steel name (Part 1) such as S235JR, C45 or 42CrMo4 that describes the steel's use or chemistry, and a material number (Part 2) such as 1.0503 or 1.7225.BS 970 and the EN seriesBS 970 names steels with a six-character code such as 080M40, in which the first three digits give the steel type, the letter says how the steel is specified and the last two digits give the carbon content.IS 1570 and Indian designationsIndian steel names follow the letter-symbol code in IS 1762 (Part 1), which the IS 1570 schedules use: 45C8 means about 0.45% carbon, C for carbon steel and about 0.8% manganese, while alloy names such as 40Cr4Mo3 list each element with a multiplied content figure.JIS steel designationsJapanese JIS steel symbols start with S for steel and add letters for the steel family or its use, but the number means different things in different standards.

References

Sources

  1. ATI: 304L austenitic stainless steel (UNS S30403) — ASTM A240 composition and minimum properties.
  2. DEW (Swiss Steel): datasheet 1.4307 X2CrNi18-9 — Cross-reference (AISI, UNS, BS), corrosion, heat treatment, bar properties, welding and forging.
  3. Jacques Allemann: tech sheet 1.4307 wire — EN 10088 wire composition and dual certification with 1.4301.
  4. Outokumpu: Steel grades, properties and global standards — Cross-reference including 1.4306, EN and ASTM minimums, annealing temperature and intergranular corrosion rating.
  5. Roymech: BS EN 10088 stainless steels — EN 10088-2 and -3 composition and properties for 1.4307 and 1.4306.
  6. 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.
  7. Nose Stainless: steel types, composition and mechanical properties (JIS reference sheet) — SUS304L composition and solution-treated properties.
  8. Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Table 1 composition and mechanical properties for X02Cr19Ni10.
  9. Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 6911:1992 Stainless steel plate, sheet and strip (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Grade list including X02Cr19Ni10.
  10. 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.