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Home > Blog > What are the differences between stainless steel 304, 304L, and 304H

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What are the differences between stainless steel 304, 304L, and 304H


304, 304L and 304H all belong to the 304 stainless steel series. Their common feature is that they all contain 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 

2. The main difference lies in the varying carbon content. 304L is an ultra-low carbon stainless steel, with the carbon content reduced to below 0.03%. This is done to prevent intergranular corrosion and theoretically offers stronger resistance to stress corrosion than 304, although this difference may not be noticeable in practical applications. 

3. 304H has a higher carbon content, which helps enhance the material's strength at high temperatures. According to the GB150 standard, when austenitic steel is used above 525 degrees Celsius, the carbon content should not be less than 0.04%. Because carbides are strengthening phases, especially at high temperatures, the strength of 304H is superior to that of pure austenitic stainless steel. 

4. Among these three types of stainless steel, 304H has the highest carbon content, 304L has the lowest carbon content, and 304 has a carbon content that lies between the two. Generally speaking, the higher the carbon content, the poorer the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel and the more prone it is to rust. 

5. Due to the difference in carbon content, the prices of these three types of stainless steel will also vary. Different application scenarios have different requirements for materials, so choosing the appropriate type is of utmost importance. 

6. The mechanical properties of 304, 304L and 304H also vary, which affects their performance in different industrial applications. Understanding these differences can help users select the product that best meets their specific needs.


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