304/304L stainless steel powder

304L-type stainless steel is a version of 304 steel alloy, which contains an especially low amount of carbon.

Alloy 304L is mostly used in austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. It is an economical and universal alloy resistant to corrosion, which fits widely to apply for general use.

Alloy 304L is resistant to atmospheric corrosion, as well as to moderate oxidising and reducing environment, foodstuffs and beverages, and most organic and inorganic chemicals. A high level of chromium contained in the alloy confers resistance for oxidising solutions such as nitric acid up to 55% of its mass and up to 80°C.  Alloy 304L has excellent strength and resistance at cryogenic temperature. Alloy 304L is also resistant to moderately aggressive organic acids such as acetic acid. Nickel contained in the alloy confers resistance to moderately reducing solutions such as pure phosphoric acid, regardless of their concentration in cold solutions and hot solutions diluted up to 10%.

Alloy 304L functions well in the freshwater supply system with a low level of chlorides (less than 100 ppm). At a higher level of chloride, the class is sensitive to crack corrosion and pits. In order to satisfy those extreme conditions a higher level of molybdenum, e.g. 316/316L, is required. It is not recommended to use light alloy 304L in the marine environment.

This type has slightly worse mechanical properties than standard type 304; however, it is anyway widely used because of its universality.