304/304L stainless steel bars are austenitic chromium-nickel alloys, renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance and formability. The “L” in 304L denotes a lower carbon content, enhancing weldability and reducing the risk of carbide precipitation during welding. Our company has the good quality stainlee steel bars
Industrial-grade Certified Stainless Steel bars
Our 304/304L stainless steel bars, compliant with ASTM A276 and A479 standards, are engineered to excel in harsh environments where corrosion resistance and mechanical strength are non-negotiable. With a global market share of 42% in industrial stainless steel bars (2025 ISSF data), these grades dominate pipelines, food equipment, and structural components， such as：304 stainless steel bar, 304L corrosion resistance, ASTM A276 stainless steel.
- ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
- ASTM A276/A479 (Dimensional Tolerance)
- FDA Compliance (Food Contact)
- PED Certified (Pressure Equipment Directive)
Products Descriptions
Stainless Steel Bars has the various shapes for you choosing. Such as square bars, flat bars, hround bars, Hexagonal bars and angle steel bars, etc. If you have any other requirements, you can consult online by clicking the button, our expert will provide the customerized solution for you. Welcome to inquire for the lastest price and Contact us today.
Stainless Steel Market has the various stainless metal steel and the quality is good in China. If you have any question, you can click the button in green, our expert will provide the professional solution for you in 24 hours. You can click this button to fill in the basic information of this form. If you have any questions, you can describe them in detail. Our experts will provide you with customized solutions.
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Properties of 304/304L Stainless Steel Bars
Chemical Composition & Corrosion Resistance
| Grade | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Carbon (C) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18.0–20.0% | 8.0–10.5% | ≤0.08% | Balanced strength for structural loads |
| 304L | 18.0–20.0% | 8.0–12.0% | ≤0.03% | Weldability without post-heat treatment |
Mechanical Performance
| Property | 304 | 304L | Industry Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥515 MPa | ≥485 MPa | Exceeds ASME requirements |
| Yield Strength | ≥205 MPa | ≥170 MPa | 20% higher than 304L alternatives |
| Elongation | ≥40% | ≥40% | Superior ductility for deep drawing |
There is still a slight difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel rods, and the table below compares and analyzes their respective characteristics. If you want to learn more details, please feel free to consult our professional experts for free answers, as well as provide you with exclusive customized services. You can click the button below to contact us online, or leave your email, and I will contact you by email within 24 hours.
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 304L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content (%) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 540–750 | 520–700 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 230 | ≥ 220 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 215 | ≤ 215 |
Advantage of 304/304L Stainless Steel Bars
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in a variety of environments, including oxidizing and moderately aggressive organic acids.
Weldability: 304L’s low carbon content minimizes the need for post-weld annealing, making it ideal for heavy gauge components.
Formability: High ductility allows for complex shapes and deep drawing applications.
Temperature Resistance: Maintains strength and oxidation resistance up to 870°C in intermittent service.
Application of 304/304L Stainless Steel Bars
Stainless steel bars are indispensable across industries due to their exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength, and versatility. In construction, they reinforce structures like bridges and serve as decorative railings. Automotive and aerospace sectors rely on them for exhaust systems, engine components, and lightweight chassis. Their resistance to chemicals and high temperatures makes them ideal for pressure vessels, reactors, and offshore platforms in the chemical and petroleum industries. Medical applications include surgical tools and implants, prioritizing biocompatibility and sterilization durability. Food processing utilizes stainless steel bars for equipment and storage tanks, ensuring hygiene and non-reactivity.
| Application Field | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Construction & Architecture | – Structural supports for bridges and high-rise buildings – Decorative elements (railings, handrails, door/window frames) – Reinforcement for concrete structures (high strength, corrosion resistance) – Architectural cladding and facades (aesthetic appeal, low maintenance) |
| Automotive Manufacturing | – Exhaust systems (high-temperature resistance up to 950°C) – Fuel tanks (corrosion resistance, formability) – Chassis and body frames (lightweight, high strength) – Fasteners, seals, and heat exchangers (durability in harsh environments) – Decorative trim (polished finishes for premium finishes) |
| Aerospace & Defense | – Aircraft engine components (turbine blades, compressor discs) – Structural fasteners and bearings (high strength-to-weight ratio) – Rocket fuel tanks and hydraulic systems (corrosion resistance) – Landing gear and high-stress structural parts (precipitation-hardened grades) |
| Chemical & Petroleum Industry | – Pressure vessels and reactors (corrosion resistance to acids/alkalis) – Pipelines for corrosive fluids (316L grade for chlorides) – Heat exchangers and distillation columns (high-temperature oxidation resistance) – Offshore platform structures (marine environment durability) |
In Conclusion
304/304L stainless steel bars are versatile austenitic alloys widely used across industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and strength. Comprising 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel, 304 offers high tensile and yield strength, making it suitable for structural applications like architectural panels and automotive exhaust systems, while 304L, with its reduced carbon content (≤0.03%), enhances weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion, ideal for chemical processing equipment and marine environments. Both grades resist atmospheric corrosion, acids, and high temperatures up to 870°C, with 304L excelling in chlorinated conditions. Their non-porous surfaces ensure hygiene, critical for food processing and medical devices.
The choice between 304 and 304L hinges on operational demands—304 for cost-effective, high-strength solutions, and 304L for welding durability and extreme corrosion resistance. Both grades uphold industry standards (ASTM A276, A479), ensuring reliability in diverse sectors from aerospace to pharmaceuticals. Welcome to inquire and ask for the lastest price.