304L stainless steel is an ultra-low-carbon austenitic stainless steel designed to minimize carbide precipitation and enhance resistance to intergranular corrosion, especially after welding or stress relief. It is widely used in corrosive environments where post-weld heat treatment is impractical.
1. Key Parameters and Properties
Chemical Composition
The low carbon content (≤0.03%) is critical for reducing susceptibility to intergranular corrosion139.
| Element | Content (%) |
| C | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | 10.0–13.0 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 |
| Si | ≤1.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 |
Mechanical & Physical Properties19:
2. International Standards
304L tubes comply with diverse global standards for seamless/welded tubes:
| Region | Standard | Scope |
| USA | ASTM A312/A269 | Seamless/welded pipes for high-temperature/corrosive service |
| Europe | EN 10216-2 | Technical delivery conditions |
| China | GB/T 20878-2007 | Dimensions, technical requirements |
| Japan | JIS G3459 | Pipes for mechanical applications |
3. Equivalent Grades
304L is designated differently across standards19:
| Region | Equivalent Grade |
| ISO | X2CrNi18-9 / X2CrNi19-11 |
| USA (UNS) | S30403 |
| Europe (DIN) | 1.4306 / 1.4307 |
| Japan (JIS) | SUS304L |
| China (GB) | 022Cr19Ni10 / 00Cr19Ni10 |
4. Packaging Methods
Packaging ensures corrosion protection and transport safety258:
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Standard: Plastic caps on tube ends, bundled with steel straps (max 2 tons/bundle).
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Options:
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Wooden crates (small batches).
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Antirust oil coating + woven bags.
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Sealed plastic bags for sanitary applications (e.g., food/pharmaceutical).
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Special: Mirror-polished surfaces wrapped in non-woven fabric to prevent scratches.
5. Applications
304L tubes excel in corrosive and high-purity environments135:
| Industry | Use Cases |
| Chemical/Petrochemical | Reactors, pipelines, heat exchangers |
| Food & Beverage | Sanitary tubing, fermentation tanks |
| Pharmaceutical | Clean gas/liquid transfer systems |
| Energy | Boiler condensers, exhaust systems |
| Construction | Structural components (corrosion-resistant) |
6. Special Processing Options
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Surface Finishes:
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Dimensional Tolerances:
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Customization:
Summary Table: Key Features of 304L Stainless Steel Tubes
| Aspect | Details |
| Core Strength | Superior intergranular corrosion resistance |
| Key Standard | ASTM A312 (Global benchmark) |
| Sizes | OD: 1/8"–10" (or 3–630 mm); Thickness: 0.5–25 mm |
| Temperature Range | -196°C to 800°C |
| Welding | No post-weld annealing required |
304L stainless steel tubes balance cost, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making them indispensable for critical industrial infrastructure. When selecting, prioritize standards-compliant suppliers and specify surface finishes/packaging based on application hygiene requirements.
