Stainless Steel wires form the base material for various applications. Their high durability and corrosion resistance make them ideal for harsh conditions. Based on varied requirements these wires are available in different grades of stainless steel and dimensions.

This article will explore the properties of 304L Stainless Steel Wire UNS S30403.

About 304L Stainless Steel Wire

304L is a low-carbon variation of stainless grade 304. It is a chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel. It is highly corrosion resistant, versatile and durable making it one of the high in demand materials for various industries. From the food processing industry to medical equipment, grade 304L wires have proved their competency in every industry.

Let us explore various properties of grade 304L  in detail.

Chemistry Typical

Starting with the chemical properties of grade 304L wire, it is a low-carbon variation of stainless steel grade 304. It also has high chromium and nickel content, which makes it highly corrosion-resistant, durable and strong. Let us look at the chemical composition of grade 304L wires:

  • Carbon: 0.03% max
  • Chromium: 18.00%– 20.00%LLLLLLL
  • Manganese: 2.0% max
  • Nickel: 8.00– 12.00%
  • Phosphorus: 0.045% max
  • Silicon: 1.0% max
  • Sulphur: 0.03% max
  • Iron: Balance

Physical Properties of 304L Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel grade 304L shows excellent physical properties making it suitable for applications enduring harsh conditions. The physical properties of grade 304L are as follows:

  • Density: 0.29 lbs/in³, 8.03 g/cm³
  • Electrical Resistivity: microhm-in, (microhm-cm)
    • At 68.0°F (20°C): 28.4(72)
    • At 1200°F (659°C): 45.8(116)
  • Specific Heat, BTU/lbs./°F (kJ/kg•K):
    • 32-212°F (0-100°C): 0.12 (0.50)
  • Thermal Conductivity, BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (W/m•K)
    • At 212°F (100°C): 9.4 (16.2)
    • At 932°F (500°C): 12.4 (21.4)
  • Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, in/in/°F (µm/m•K))
    • 32-212°F (0-100°C): 9.4 x 10 (16.9)
    • 32-600°F (0-315°C): 9.6 x 10 (17.3)
    • 32-1000°F (0-538°C): 10.2 x 10 (18.4)
    • 32-1200°F (0-649°C): 10.4 x 10 (18.7)
  • Modulus of Elasticity, KSI (MPa)
    • 0 x 10³ (193 x 10³) in tension
    • 2 x 10³ (78 x 10³) in torsion
  • Magnetic Permeability, H = 200 Oersteds Annealed: <1.02 max
  • Melting Range, °F (°C): 2550-2650 (1399-1454)

Mechanical Properties of 304L SS at Room Temperature

The mechanical properties of grade 304L SS at room temperature are as follows:

  • 2% Offset Yield Strength, ksi: 25 min.
  • Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi: 70 min.
  • Elongation in 2 inches, %: 40 min.
  • Hardness, Rockwell B: 92 max.

Annealed Condition Typical

Alloy 304/304L is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. At annealed conditions, its properties are as follows:

  • Ultimate Tensile Strength: 70 KSI (485 MPa)
  • Yield Strength: 25 KSI (170)
  • Elongation: 40%
  • Hardness: B88

304L Corrosion Resistance Wire

Alloy 304L wire is widely known for its resistance against rust and corrosion. It shows excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to the air, food, and drinks. It also effectively resists the damaging action of many chemicals in moderate environments. The high amount of chromium in Alloy 304L helps protect it from harmful chemicals like nitric acid, while the nickel gives it extra protection against some acids like acetic and phosphoric acid, even in cold or slightly hot solutions. Alloy 304L is not suitable for highly hostile environments such as those having high chloride or sulfuric acid levels. Hence, it is not very suitable for application in salty water conditions.

304L Stainless Steel Wire Applications

Some of the common applications of SS 304L wires are:

  • Applications where welding is required
  • Water well screens
  • Food processing screens
  • Architectural Screens
  • Medical Parts
  • Surgical Parts Manufacturing
  • Tubing
  • Flexible Metal Hose