SS 304L Stainless Steel Sheet: Grade, Composition, Properties & Supply (Jindal MoU Partner)
Jindal Stainless produces SS 304L, the low-carbon (≤0.030% C) version of grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, designated UNS S30403 / EN 1.4307. Cutting the carbon keeps chromium-carbide from forming at the grain boundaries during welding. That's why 304L holds onto its corrosion resistance in welded and heavy-section fabrication, no post-weld annealing needed. Chemistry, structure, hygiene, the 18/8 chromium-nickel makeup, the non-magnetic austenitic structure, the food-safe qualities, all of it matches standard 304. Relinox, a Jindal Stainless MoU partner, supplies genuine Jindal-melted SS 304L sheet, each shipment backed by a mill test certificate (MTC) and dispatched pan-India from our Ajmeri Gate, Delhi stock point.
By the Relinox Technical Team.
What is SS 304L stainless steel?
304L stainless steel, sometimes labeled "304 low carbon" or "304 welding grade", is the low-carbon version of the 304 family. Standard 304 permits up to 0.08% carbon, while 304L holds carbon at 0.030% or below. That difference matters more than it might seem. When 304 gets welded, or sits in the 425–815 °C range for a while, carbon reacts with chromium and forms carbides along the grain boundaries. The result: chromium gets pulled away from those zones, leaving them vulnerable to intergranular attack, often called weld decay. Keep the carbon low, though, and ss 304l stainless steel sheet shrugs off this sensitization. That's the reason fabricators reach for it on tanks, vessels, and thick welded sections that can't be solution-annealed after the fact.
You give up a touch of minimum strength compared with 304, but 304L still holds plenty of strength for general fabrication work. It's fully austenitic, essentially non-magnetic once annealed, and forms and deep-draws without much fuss. For food, dairy and pharmaceutical service, it's every bit as hygienic as 304. Need more chloride resistance? The low-carbon molybdenum grade SS 316L sits right next door as the step up.
Designations & standards for grade 304L
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| SS / AISI | SS 304L / AISI 304L |
| UNS | UNS S30403 |
| EN (Europe) | 304L EN 1.4307 / X2CrNi18-9 (older 1.4306) |
| EN number | 1.4307 |
| Indian Standard | IS 6911 low-carbon 18/8 austenitic |
Grade 304L conforms to ASTM A240 and IS 6911 as produced by Jindal Stainless. Our notes on ASTM A240 and IS 6911 conformance cover the details. Every heat comes backed by an MTC.
SS 304L chemical composition
The carbon cap of ≤0.030% is the defining feature in 304L's chemical composition, roughly a third of the 0.08% ceiling set for 304. Below are the wt% limits per ASTM A240 for UNS S30403.
| Element | C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cr | Ni | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304L (S30403) | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | ≤0.10 |
Chromium, at 18–20%, builds the passive film that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Nickel, at 8–12%, stabilises the austenitic, non-magnetic structure. The low carbon is what separates 304L from 304; everything else in the alloy is the same 18/8 recipe, HR or otherwise.
SS 304L mechanical & physical properties
The 304L mechanical properties shown below reflect annealed minimums under ASTM A240. They cover tensile strength, yield, and hardness, the figures buyers most often ask about.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (min) | 485 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Yield strength 0.2% (min) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm (min) | 40% |
| Hardness (max) | 201 HBW / 92 HRB |
JSL and standard published data are the basis for the 304L density, melting point and hardness figures (physical properties).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~7.90–8.00 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | ~1400–1450 °C |
| Magnetic (annealed) | Essentially non-magnetic |
For kg-per-sheet figures, check our stainless steel weight calculator or the SS sheet weight chart.
Corrosion resistance & magnetic response
Grade 304L matches 304 for general and atmospheric corrosion resistance, but it pulls ahead once you start welding: its low carbon content resists sensitization and intergranular corrosion, which means the heat-affected zones around welds stay protected. It shares the usual traits of 18/8 austenitics too, standing up to most organic acids, foodstuffs and mild chemicals. Warm chloride or seawater service is a different matter, though. For that, you want 316L or 2205.
On the common "is ss 304l magnetic" question: 304L magnetic response is essentially non-magnetic in the annealed condition, since the structure is fully austenitic. Heavy cold work, though, deep drawing, spinning or hard forming, can induce a slight, localised magnetism. That's normal and doesn't mean you've got the wrong grade.
304L vs 304: what's the difference?
The 304L vs 304 question comes down to carbon and welding. Below is a summary of the difference between 304 and 304L.
| Factor | 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (max) | ≤0.08% | ≤0.030% |
| Weldability (heavy section) | May sensitise; anneal or use stabilised grade | Resists sensitization, weld as-is |
| Tensile min | ~515 MPa | 485 MPa |
| Yield min | ~205 MPa | 170 MPa |
| Corrosion (base metal) | Equivalent | Equivalent |
| Best for | Formed parts, sheet metal, general use | Welded/thick fabrication, corrosion near welds |
Base-metal corrosion resistance is basically identical; 304 edges out 304L in strength, while 304L is the safer bet for welding. There's no separate 304-grade page here, check SS 304 for the standard grade, and the SS 304 vs 316 guide covers the 304-versus-316 decision.
When to choose 304L
Use this quick rule for when to use 304l:
- 304L for welding thick or heavy sections that won't be solution-annealed after fabrication, tanks, pressure vessels, structural welds.
- Service where corrosion attack is expected at or near welds.
- Food, dairy, pharma and chemical equipment that is heavily welded and must stay hygienic and corrosion-free.
Standard 304 usually gets the job done when a part is thin-gauge, mostly formed rather than welded, and cost matters. Chloride exposure changes the calculus, though; in that case, step up to 316L instead of 304L.
SS 304L sheet: forms, finishes & sizes we supply
We supply Jindal grade 304L across the full range of flat-product forms:
- 304l ss sheet and stainless steel sheet (CR and HR)
- 304l plate, stainless steel plates
- 304l coil, stainless steel coils
- SS 304L strip, plus 304L patta / patti (304L ka patta), SS patta-patti strips
- 304l circle, stainless steel circles
Finishes: 2B, BA, No.1, No.4 (hairline) and mirror. A 304L sheet 2B, No.4 or mirror finish sits ready off standard stock, or we can put it on order, see our guide on SS finishes explained and check out the designer sheets range (PVD, etched, embossed), produced as job-work on a 304L base.
Standard sizes (per JSL/market ranges; exact stocked range confirmed on RFQ):
| Size (ft) | Size (mm) | Typical thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 4×8 (8x4 304l sheet / 4x8 304l sheet) | 1250×2500 | 0.3–12 mm+ |
| 4×10 | 1250×3050 | 0.3–12 mm+ |
| 5×10 | 1500×3000 | 0.3–12 mm+ |
Thickness comes quoted in mm and gauge. Coil widths and cut-to-size shearing can be arranged on request. For a full size and gauge reference, see SS sheet sizes & thickness.
SS 304L sheet price (indicative) in India
We publish dated, indicative rate lists instead of quoting a number that'll go stale. For the current ss 304l sheet price, price per kg or rate today, and for the jindal 304l sheet price on your size and quantity, check our indicative price list and send an RFQ for a firm figure. There's no separate 304l price list / rate list page. The live indicative rates sit on the price hub, and today's confirmed rate gets shared against your enquiry.
Nickel and LME movement, thickness, finish, order quantity, and freight all factor into price. Mirror and BA finishes cost more than 2B, so that's worth weighing before you settle on a spec. For HSN and GST details, see SS HSN codes & GST, where the 304l hsn code and applicable gst rate are listed. Per-sheet 304l sheet weight and kg per sheet figures come from the weight chart. If you want a benchmark, the SS 304 sheet price is a useful comparison point.
Typical applications of 304L
Grade 304L is the default choice for welded fabrication and hygienic equipment, since it welds without sensitising.
- 304L food-grade and dairy-grade service covers tanks, vessels and lines in pharma & dairy equipment and dairy & food processing.
- Welded process equipment in chemical process plants.
- General heavy welded work in fabrication & engineering.
Why buy 304L from Relinox (Jindal MoU partner)
Relinox holds MoU-partner status with Jindal Stainless, giving buyers an authorized channel for genuine JSL-melted flat products rather than re-rolled bazaar stock. That's the honest answer to "jindal ss 304l sheet supplier." Here's why buyers choose us as their ss 304l sheet distributor, stockist, trader, and dealer:
- Genuine Jindal 304L with a mill test certificate (MTC) tying the material to its heat, see MTC details.
- Full grade range including 304, 304L, 316 and 316L; verify-list grades are available against indent / on request.
- Ajmeri Gate in Delhi is one of the city's main stainless steel markets, and it's our stock point, with dispatch reaching all across India. That's why buyers searching for an ss 304l sheet supplier in india, or just "near me," end up finding us. We stock both 304L and 304.
- Indicative published rates and firm quotes against your RFQ.
Buyers searching for an ss 304l sheet dealer in delhi can start on our Delhi stainless steel sheet dealer page; for other cities, check our locations. Curious how the arrangement works? Read up on the Jindal MoU partnership. Send your requirement through the RFQ form, and ask for a callback with today's rate on 304 and 304L along with the MTC.
FAQ
What is SS 304L?
SS 304L is the low-carbon (≤0.030% C) variant of grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, designated UNS S30403. That lower carbon content protects corrosion resistance during welding.
304L vs 304, what's the difference?
304L holds carbon to 0.030% or less, against 0.08% for 304, which is why it resists weld sensitization. Strength drops off a bit, but corrosion resistance on the base metal stays about the same.
Is 304L weaker than 304?
Its minimum yield and tensile fall a bit below 304, though for most fabrication work that's more than enough. Go with 304L specifically when welding heavy or thick sections.
Is 304L magnetic?
304L is basically non-magnetic once it's been annealed, since it's fully austenitic at that point. Heavy cold work can bring on a slight, localised magnetism here and there. That's a normal outcome, not a defect.
Is 304L food grade / suitable for dairy & pharma?
As an 18/8 austenitic stainless, yes, it's used in food, dairy, pharmaceutical and chemical equipment. Its low carbon content suits heavily welded hygienic vessels too.
What standards does 304L meet?
Jindal Stainless supplies this material to ASTM A240 and IS 6911, and each shipment comes with a mill test certificate.
What is the price of 304L sheet per kg?
We publish dated indicative rate lists rather than a fixed number. Check our indicative price list, then send an RFQ to confirm today's rate for your size and quantity.
Do you supply genuine Jindal 304L?
Relinox and Jindal Stainless are MoU partners. The material is genuine JSL-melted 304L, and it comes with a mill test certificate.
What sizes and thicknesses are available?
Standard 4×8, 4×10 and 5×10 ft sheets, in thicknesses running from about 0.3 to 12 mm and above, per JSL and market ranges. Confirm the exact stocked range on your RFQ.
What is the MOQ and dispatch time?
Minimum order, typical dispatch time and freight terms all depend on grade, size and destination, so we confirm them against your specific enquiry. Send over the RFQ form and we'll get you the details.
Do you provide a GST invoice and HSN code?
A GST invoice is standard practice for us, yes. You'll find the applicable HSN code and GST rate listed on our HSN & GST reference page.
Can I get 304L cut-to-size or with a specific finish?
Cutting and shearing job-work, yes, and finishes from 2B to mirror or designer PVD, can be arranged on request.
Related links
- Stainless steel grades hub
- SS 304 (standard grade)
- SS 316L (low-carbon molybdenum grade)
- SS 316
- SS 316 vs 316L guide
- ASTM A240 standard · IS 6911 standard
- Indicative price list · SS sheet weight chart · HSN codes & GST
- Jindal MoU partnership · Mill test certificates
Get today's rate
Send your requirement once, we reply the same working day with today's rate, availability and dispatch time. Mill test certificate with every dispatch. GST invoice on every sale.