Grade 304 is the most popular grade of austenitic stainless steel. Its uniquely well-balanced combination of steel, chromium (≥ 18%), and nickel (≥ 8%) offers a variety of desirable material properties. Also, this blend gives this alloy excellent strength, toughness, and durability and makes it optimal for applications that require exceptional corrosion and heat resistance.
Grade 304L is a low-carbon version of regular Grade 304 (≤ 0.03% compared to ≤ 0.07%). The corrosion resistance is affected by the carbon range in the steel. The lower-carbon version is better for welding because it forms a passive oxide layer and prevents chromium depletion.
Grade 304 and 304L stainless steel offer exceptional performance and versatility at an affordable price. Some of the key advantages and benefits include:
- Exceptional corrosion and oxidization resistance
- High heat tolerance
- Enhanced durability, strength, and toughness
- Easy to clean and maintain
- High resistance to staining
- High ease of fabrication
- Excellent formability and weldability
- Attractive and appealing appearance
- Non-magnetic
While Grade 304 is resistant to corrosion from most oxidizing acids, it is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions or saline environments (for example, those near saltwater).
Grade 304 and 304L Stainless Steel Plate Applications
The combination of its versatility, numerous desirable material qualities, and affordability makes Grade 304 and 304L stainless steel the optimal solution for a wide array of uses in numerous industries. Common applications include pipes, values, machine parts, kitchen and cooking equipment, architectural panels, construction materials, heat exchangers, and more.
By reducing the lead time associated with stainless steel acquisition and processing, Sabre Alloys streamlines the Grade 304 and 304L stainless steel supply chain for customers in numerous industries. The following are some of the industries we serve:
- Petrochemical
- Oil and Gas
- Wastewater
- Power generation
- Energy
- Water
- Food processing
- Environmental
- Architecture
- Piping and valve manufacturing
- Appliances
- Pharmaceutical
Grade 304 and 304L Stainless Steel Plate Processing Services
In conjunction with our extensive material stock, Sabre Alloys offers various steel processing services to meet our customers’ material requirements better. Our value-added stainless steel services allow us to meet exact specifications with short turn-around times.
Sabre Alloys offer the following value-added steel processing services:
- HD Plasma cutting
- Shearing
- Bar sawing
- Waterjet cutting
- Laser cutting
Contact Sabre Alloys
As a full-service stainless steel distributor, Sabre Alloys prides itself on getting you the steel you need, exactly how and when you need it. Let us help you save time and money with our high-quality Grade 304 and 304L stainless steel materials and processing services. For more information, call Sabre Alloys at 281-405-8580 to speak to a metal expert.