304L Stainless Steel is 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.
304L (UNS S30403) 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. Grade 304L wires have proven their competency in every industry, from the food processing industry to medical equipment.
Let us explore various properties of grade 304L Stainless steel in detail.
Chemical Properties of 304L Stainless Steel
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%
- 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 that endure 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 Stainless steel 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 to rust and corrosion. It shows excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to 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 protects it 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
Ambica Steels India Limited is a premier producer of stainless steel wires, specializing in 304 and 304L grades known for their durability and corrosion resistance. If you’re seeking top-quality 304/304L stainless steel wire, our experts are ready to assist with inquiries and provide tailored solutions. Contact us now!