Introduction
STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel is a low-carbon steel, often referred to as L grade stainless steel, with a wide range of uses in a variety of industries. This material grade is characterized by high tensile strength, good corrosion resistance and formability properties, and excellent weldability. In addition to its low carbon content, this grade also features excellent mechanical properties, making it highly sought-after for applications requiring superior wear resistance.
The most common applications of this grade of stainless steel include components for industrial, medical and culinary use, as well as for industrial equipment and load-bearing structures. The high hardness and excellent machinability of this grade make it an ideal choice for manufacturing components with intricate shapes, tight tolerances and delicate finishes.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel is as follows:
• Carbon (C) : 0.030 %
• Manganese (Mn): 2.000 %
• Phosphorus (P): 0.045 %
• Sulfur (S): 0.030 %
• Silicon (Si): 1.00 %
• Chromium (Cr): 18.00-20.00 %
• Nickel (Ni): 8.00-12.00 %
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.00 %
Mechanical Properties
STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel has excellent mechanical properties and is very durable, even in harsh environments. The material has good tensile strength, with a minimum yield strength of 205 Mpa and a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 340 Mpa, along with an excellent elongation of 40%. Its Rockwell hardness ranges from 84-91, while its impact strength is at least 520J. The materials work hardening rate is low, indicating its excellent formability.
Weldability
STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel has excellent weldability, with no pre- or post-heating recommended in most cases. It is an easily-weldable grade and can be joined to itself and other grades of stainless steel and wrought alloys with excellent results. It can also be successfully welded to low-alloy and carbon steels, provided proper procedures and techniques are used.
Heat Treatment
STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel can be heat treated to achieve various mechanical properties. It is annealed at 185°C to 190°C (365°F to 375°F) for 60 minutes and cooled in air. If higher hardness is desired, the component can also be hardened by solution annealing at 1050°C (1150°F) followed by quenching in water or air cooling and tempering.
Applications
Given its broad range of properties, STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel is used in a wide range of applications. It is extensively used in industrial manufacturing and fabrication requiring components with superior corrosion resistance, high tensile strength and excellent formability. It is often used in medical and culinary applications, as well as in industrial and load-bearing structure components.
Conclusion
STS S30408 / EN 1.4303 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 / AISI 304L stainless steel is an ideal choice for a variety of applications due to its superior mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance. It is frequently used in industrial, medical and culinary applications, as well as for industrial and load-bearing structures. It has excellent weldability, meaning it can be easily joined to itself and other grades of stainless steel and wrought alloys. With its low carbon content, it also has excellent machinability, making it ideal for components with intricate shapes and delicate finishes.
