Manufacturers and suppliers in Mumbai and beyond often choose between stainless steel grades 304 and 304L for seamless pipes, given their similarities and subtle differences. These grades are widely used across industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance and versatility. Below is a detailed comparison to help you understand the two better.
What is Grade 304 and 304L Stainless Steel?
- Grade 304 is the most commonly used stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and high strength. It contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it part of the Austenitic stainless steel family.
- Grade 304L is a low-carbon variant of 304, where the “L” stands for Low Carbon (≤0.03%). The reduced carbon content minimises the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making it ideal for applications where seamless pipe welding is required.
Advantages of 304 vs 304L
Applications of 304 and 304L Seamless Pipes
Manufacturers and suppliers in Mumbai provide seamless pipes made from both grades for applications where corrosion resistance and durability are key. Below are some common uses:
Grade 304 Applications:
- Food processing equipment
- Chemical storage tanks
- Architecture and construction (e.g., handrails and facades)
- Automotive exhaust systems
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment
Grade 304L Applications:
- Oil and gas pipelines (due to superior weldability)
- Heat exchangers in chemical and petrochemical plants
- Marine environments where welded joints are exposed to moisture
- Power generation and nuclear plants
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices, particularly where high purity welding is required
Conclusion
Both 304 and 304L stainless steel seamless pipes are excellent choices for industrial use, and manufacturers in Mumbai can supply them based on specific application needs. Grade 304 offers higher strength, while 304L provides enhanced performance in welded environments. The choice between these two depends on the nature of the application—whether the priority is strength or corrosion resistance after welding.
BSMT’s Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes are used in a variety of applications all over the world. We have regular Seamless Pipe demand from clients in India and we manufacture Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes in accordance with ISO 9001:2000 and ASTM standards to ensure the production of high-quality Stainless Steel pipes. We export Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes to other 26+ countries and states like Maharashtra, Gujarat etc. If you need a specific size, thickness, or coating in Stainless Steel Seamless Pipe,Call us at +91 9920620209 or E-mail: bsmtindia1@gmail.com, and our sales experts will help you with the exact sizes available in stock and confirm the delivery schedule of the same.
