Stainless Steel 304L is a low carbon steel with improved corrosion properties.
It is particularly useful as a low-temperature resistance wire with high strength.
Available in sizes down to 0.10 mm.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
| | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum continuous operating temperature in air | °C | 300 |
| Nominal composition | % | Ni 9.5 |
| Cr 18.8 | ||
| Fe 69.6 | ||
| Mn 1.47 | ||
| Si 0.52 | ||
| C < 0.03 | ||
| Density at 20°C | g/cm³ | 7.93 |
| Resistivity at 20°C | µΩcm | 70 |
| Temperature Coefficient of Resistance, 20 – 100°C | 1/K | 0.001 |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 – 300°C | 1/K | 20 x 10^6 |
| Thermal conductivity at 20°C | W/mK | 13 |
| Specific heat capacity at 20°C | kJ/kgK | 0.49 |
| Melting point (approx.) | °C | 1390 |
| Tensile strength Rm, 0.5 mm wire – annealed | N/mm² | 670 |
| Elongation at break, 0.5 mm wire - annealed | % | > 20 |
The figures given in these tables represent nominal or typical values.
Information contained within this technical data sheet is based upon the general experience of Scott Precision Wire Ltd and is believed to be correct at the time of issue.
No warranty is given or is to be implied from the details above.
Customers are advised to carry out independent tests in order to determine the suitability of any Scott Precision Wire Ltd product for an application.
stainless steel 304L wire faq's
Stainless Steel 304L wire (also known as stainless steel 1.4307) is an austenitic stainless steel wire made from an alloy of chromium (18%) and nickel (8%); It is a low-carbon version of Stainless Steel 304. The lower carbon content reduces the risk of sensitisation, which occurs when chromium carbide precipitates at grain boundaries, which can lead to intergranular corrosion, especially in the temperature range 425°C-860°C. This reduction of the chromium content in the alloy can also lead to a reduction in the formation of the protective complex chromium oxide layers on the surface of a heating wire.
Stainless steel 304L wire is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and drawability as a wire. It is used in various industries including medium temperature resistance heating, construction, automotive, aerospace and food processing.
The only difference between these two is their carbon content. 304 stainless steel wire contains a maximum of 0.08% carbon, while 304L stainless steel wire has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. This lower carbon makes 304L more resistant to sensitisation (the formation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries during welding or exposure to high temperatures). Sensitisation can lead to the depletion of chromium near the grain boundaries, reducing the corrosion resistance of the material particularly between 425°C and 860°C.
Due to its lower carbon content and corrosion resistance, 304L stainless steel is often used in construction applications where welding is required.
The density of stainless steel 304L at 20°C is nominally 7.93 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³).
The resistivity of stainless steel 304L at 20°C is nominally 70 µ𝛀.cm. This places it between the Copper/Nickel resistance alloys (5-49µ𝛀.cm) and the high resistivity, Cromaloy alloys (104-135µ𝛀.cm).
The melting temperature of stainless steel 304L is approximately 1390°C (2534°F). For resistance heating applications 304L is most suited for use below 400°C.
The thermal conductivity of stainless steel 304L is nominally 13 W/m·K (watts per meter-kelvin) at 20°C.