304L (S30403) | BYBOLT

Grade: 304L

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Each grade retains its own composition, condition and specification requirements.

What is 304L stainless steel and its applications?

304L stainless steel (UNS S30403) is the low-carbon version of the 304 austenitic family. It is commonly selected for welded tanks, process piping and food equipment where limiting sensitization after welding is important.

Welded process equipment: Tanks and piping that enter service without a full post-weld solution anneal.
Food and beverage systems: Fabricated equipment requiring corrosion resistance and cleanable surfaces.
General chemical plant: Components in compatible fluids, with the fabrication condition included in material selection.

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Choose your 304L product

Engineering Application & Selection Guide

The lower carbon content reduces the tendency to form chromium carbides at grain boundaries during relevant thermal exposure. It does not provide a general increase in chloride-pitting resistance over 304.

304L stud bolts — For fabricated vessels, confirm whether 304L is required for the fastener itself and state the finished-part strength requirement.
304L hex bolts — On welded support assemblies, distinguish the bolt condition from the heat-affected condition of the surrounding fabrication.
304L custom fasteners — For a part that will itself be welded, include the weld location, sequence and required surface restoration.

304/304L dual certification must be demonstrated by the relevant certificate and specification, not inferred from the L suffix. If welding is absent, establish what the low-carbon requirement adds to the actual connection before substituting it for the specified fastener grade.

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304L Composition

Selected typical composition · wt.%

ElementWeight %

Cr: 18.1%
Ni: 8.1%
C: 0.02%

ASTM / ASME specifications by product form

Finished-product requirements

Specify the finished-fastener mechanical requirements, condition and inspection separately from the starting-stock specification.

304L hex bolt requirements ↗

Fasteners · dimensional references

Product	Reference
Hex bolts	ISO 4014 / ISO 4017 · ASME B18.2.1
Threaded studs	DIN 976-1 · ASME B18.31.2
Hex nuts	ISO 4032 · ASME B18.2.2
Socket head screws	ISO 4762 · ASME B18.3
Flat washers	ISO 7089 / ISO 7090 · ASME B18.21.1
Custom fasteners	Customer drawing

Raw-material specifications

Product form / scope	Reference
Bar & shapes · Specify grade, condition and order requirements.	ASTM A276

Dimensions do not define material or finished-part compliance. Specify the grade, condition and applicable requirements.

How to specify round bar, plate, wire and strip ↗

304L Mechanical Properties

Reference sample and condition

Data basis: Producer typical reference
Test sample form: Hot-rolled quarto plate
Test temperature: Room temperature
Gauge length: A5

Key properties	Value
Tensile strength	580 MPa
0.2% yield strength	260 MPa
Elongation	55%

Outokumpu · Stainless Steel Handbook · Tables 2:1, 2:2, 7:5 & 7:6 · PDF pages 52–53 for tensile values; hosted by SCI ↗

Procurement and application guide

Specify the material and final condition

Specify the required condition and fastener property class separately.

Material forms in the technical reference: Plate · Sheet · Strip · Bar · Shapes.

Define the finished-part acceptance

Include the material or bolting specification, required final condition, dimensions and quantity. State the service medium, temperature and loading where known. Agree the required tests, inspection coverage and acceptance criteria for the finished part.

Start with the information you have

Send a drawing or share the product form and dimensions. Identify any undecided requirements for review rather than copying a typical property value into the purchase order.

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