304L Stainless Steel

metal

austenitic stainless steel

UNS S30403EN 1.4307AISI 304LSS 304LDIN X2CrNi18-9

304L Stainless Steel 3D printed component

Density

8.00 g/cm³

YS (LPBF as-built (XY))

400–520 MPa

UTS (LPBF as-built (XY))

560–680 MPa

Elongation (LPBF as-built (XY))

25.0–50.0 %

Elastic modulus

193 GPa

Composition — UNS S30403 / ASTM A276 / EN 1.4307

Element	Min %	Max %	Notes
Fe	bal.		balance
Cr	18.00	20.000	Higher Cr range than 316L (16–18%) compensates for absence of Mo in general corrosion resistance
Ni	8.00	12.000	Austenite stabiliser; maintains FCC structure through all temperatures down to cryogenic
Mn	—	2.000
Si	—	0.750
C

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Mechanical & thermal properties — 4 conditions

Property	LPBF as-built (XY)	LPBF as-built (Z)	LPBF annealed (XY)	Binder Jetting sintered (isotropic)
Elastic modulus	193 GPa	—	—	—
Yield strength (0.2%)	400–520 MPa	360–480 MPa	180–270 MPa	140–230 MPa
Ultimate tensile strength	560–680 MPa	520–640 MPa	490–600 MPa	380–530 MPa
Elongation at break	25.0–50.0 %	20.0–45.0 %	40.0–65.0 %	15.0–45.0 %
Hardness (HV)	190–260 HV10	—	—	—
Density	8.00 g/cm³	—	—	—
Relative density	—	—	—	96.5–99.5 %
As-built surface Ra	7.0–18.0 µm	—	—	—

Values shown as min–max where a spread is reported, otherwise as typical ± unit. Ranges reflect inter-source variation, not single-sample scatter. All values are for AM-processed specimens unless noted.

Engineering considerations

316L vs 304L selection: the primary decision criterion is chloride exposure. If the part will contact seawater, body fluids, de-icing chemicals, swimming pool water, or any saline solution, specify 316L. 304L is appropriate for food contact (non-acidic), architectural, and general industrial use in dry or low-humidity environments.
Sensitisation prevention: always specify 304L (not 304) to ensure C ≤ 0.03%. During LPBF, the rapid cooling cycle reduces sensitisation risk. Post-build welding or heat treatment between 425–870°C should be avoided or followed by solution annealing.
Binder jetting selection: use BJ 304L when geometric complexity is the primary driver and structural performance is secondary. Verify sintered density ≥98% by Archimedes method; density <97% significantly impairs corrosion resistance as well as strength.
Post-processing corrosion: electropolish or passivation treatment (citric acid or nitric acid per ASTM A380) recommended after LPBF to remove iron contamination from build substrate and improve corrosion resistance.
TRIP effect awareness: 304L (unlike 316L) may undergo some deformation-induced martensite transformation under high plastic strain. This increases work hardening rate and can introduce slight magnetic response. For fully non-magnetic applications, verify magnetic permeability after any cold working.
Surface finish: LPBF as-built Ra ~10 µm is insufficient for most food-contact applications. Specify electropolishing to Ra <0.8 µm for hygienic applications; verify with Ra measurement per ISO 4288.

Advantages

Lower cost than 316L — 15–20% less expensive powder, no Mo premium
Similar tensile properties to 316L in LPBF as-built condition — Mo contribution to strength is modest
Excellent ductility and toughness from austenitic FCC structure — survives forming and post-AM processing
Non-magnetic (fully austenitic) — suitable for sensor housings and MRI-adjacent applications
Binder jetting option enables complex geometries at lower cost than LPBF for lower-performance applications
Good weldability — low C content prevents sensitisation during post-build welding or repair
Wide availability of powder from multiple suppliers; well-established processing parameters

Limitations

No molybdenum — significantly lower pitting corrosion resistance in chloride environments vs 316L. PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) for 304L ≈18 vs 316L ≈24
Not suitable for marine, offshore, medical implant, pharmaceutical, or any chloride-rich application — specify 316L for these
As-built LPBF cellular substructure may be sensitisation risk in weld heat-affected zones — specify low-carbon 'L' grade and verify with ASTM A262
Binder jetting produces lower and more variable properties than LPBF — not recommended for structural applications
No AM-specific ASTM material standard for 304L (only 316L has ASTM F3184)
Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in chloride + tensile stress conditions — 316L is preferred even in mildly challenging environments

Typical applications

Food processing equipment (hoppers, valves, mixers) — FDA-compliant, no Mo required in non-chloride food environmentsArchitectural metalwork and cladding with complex geometriesGeneral industrial enclosures, housings, and bracketsCryogenic storage components (vessels, piping — austenite stable at -196°C)Chemical processing vessels in non-chloride serviceAutomotive exhaust components and decorative trimWater treatment infrastructure (non-chloride-rich environments)Prototype and low-volume production functional parts where corrosion resistance required

Standards & certifications

ASTM-F3184established

316L SS powder bed fusion — 304L can be assessed against this standard's methodology; no equivalent 304L AM standard exists

aerospaceindustrial

No direct ASTM AM standard for 304L. Use ASTM F3184 methodology (316L) as a framework, applying 304L composition limits. Most AM suppliers qualify 304L to customer-specific or internal specifications.

304L Stainless Steel

Composition — UNS S30403 / ASTM A276 / EN 1.4307

Mechanical & thermal properties — 4 conditions

Engineering considerations

Advantages

Limitations

Typical applications

Industries

Standards & certifications

Compatible AM processes (4)

Other metal materials

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