304L Rectangular Tubing is a low-carbon version of the popular 304 stainless steel, manufactured as welded or seamless rectangular hollow sections (RHS). The "L" stands for "low carbon" (≤ 0.035%), which provides superior weldability and eliminates the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding.
Unlike standard 304, 304L can be used in the as-welded condition without requiring post-weld heat treatment (solution annealing). This makes it the preferred choice for welded structures, food processing equipment, pharmaceutical facilities, and architectural applications where corrosion resistance and fabrication ease are critical.
| Quick Facts |
Value |
| Grade |
304L (UNS S30403 / 1.4307) |
| Shape |
Rectangular |
| Standards |
ASTM A554, ASTM A269, EN 10296-2, EN 10297-2 |
| Process |
Welded (cold-formed) or seamless |
| Key Feature |
Low carbon, excellent weldability |
| Primary Use |
Welded structures, food/pharma equipment, architectural |
Specifications, Dimensions, Standards & Packaging
Product Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Standard |
ASTM A554 (mechanical), ASTM A269 (seamless), EN 10296-2 (welded), EN 10297-2 (seamless) |
| Material Grade |
304L / UNS S30403 / 1.4307 |
| Shape |
Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) |
| Manufacturing Process |
Cold-formed welded or cold-drawn seamless |
| Condition |
Annealed (solution treated) |
| Surface Finish |
Mill finish, pickled, brushed (#4), polished (#8 mirror) |
| Length |
6,000 mm (standard) / 12,000 mm / custom cut |
| End Finish |
Plain cut, deburred / Plastic end caps (optional) |
Standard Size Range (Rectangular Tube)
| Height * Width (mm) |
Wall Thickness (mm) |
| 20 * 10 |
1.0 – 1.5 |
| 30 * 15 |
1.2 – 2.0 |
| 40 * 20 |
1.5 – 2.5 |
| 50 * 25 |
1.5 – 3.0 |
| 50 * 30 |
1.5 – 3.0 |
| 60 * 30 |
1.5 – 3.0 |
| 60 * 40 |
2.0 – 4.0 |
| 80 * 40 |
2.0 – 4.0 |
| 80 * 60 |
2.5 – 5.0 |
| 100 * 40 |
2.5 – 5.0 |
| 100 * 50 |
2.5 – 5.0 |
| 100 * 80 |
3.0 – 6.0 |
| 120 * 60 |
3.0 – 6.0 |
| 120 * 80 |
3.0 – 6.0 |
| 150 * 100 |
3.0 – 8.0 |
| 200 * 100 |
4.0 – 8.0 |
| 250 * 150 |
5.0 – 10.0 |
Custom sizes available upon request.
Applicable Standards
| Standard |
Description |
Typical Use |
| ASTM A554 |
Welded stainless steel mechanical tubing |
Architectural, handrails, furniture |
| ASTM A269 |
Seamless stainless steel tubing |
Sanitary, pharmaceutical, high purity |
| EN 10296-2 |
Welded stainless steel structural tubes |
Construction, general fabrication |
| EN 10297-2 |
Seamless stainless steel mechanical tubes |
High-strength mechanical components |
Dimensional Tolerances
| Parameter |
ASTM A554 |
EN 10296-2 |
| Height & Width |
± 0.4 – 0.8 mm |
± 1% (max ± 5 mm) |
| Wall thickness |
± 10% |
± 10% (min ± 0.2 mm) |
| Straightness |
≤ 1.0 mm/m |
≤ 0.15% of length |
| Twist |
≤ 1° + 0.5°/m |
≤ 2 mm + 0.5 mm/m |
| Corner radius |
1.5* – 2.5* wall |
≤ 3* wall thickness |
Packaging Methods
| Packaging Type |
Description |
| Bundled with steel straps |
0.5 – 2 tons per bundle |
| Plastic end caps |
Protects tube ends and internal surface |
| Interleaved paper |
Prevents surface scratches between tubes |
| Wooden crates |
For export and polished finishes |
| Waterproof wrapping |
For ocean / long-distance shipment |
| Individual poly bag |
For polished/mirror finish tubes |
Chemical Composition
Per ASTM A240 / EN 10088, 304L has the following chemical requirements.
| Element |
Content (%) |
Function |
| Carbon (C) |
≤ 0.035 |
Low carbon prevents carbide precipitation |
| Chromium (Cr) |
18.0 – 20.0 |
Provides corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) |
8.0 – 12.0 |
Stabilizes austenitic structure |
| Manganese (Mn) |
≤ 2.00 |
Improves strength |
| Silicon (Si) |
≤ 1.00 |
Deoxidizer |
| Phosphorus (P) |
≤ 0.045 |
Low for toughness |
| Sulfur (S) |
≤ 0.030 |
Low for cleanliness |
| Nitrogen (N) |
≤ 0.10 |
Increases strength |
304 vs 304L Comparison
| Element |
304 |
304L |
Advantage of 304L |
| Carbon |
≤ 0.08% |
≤ 0.035% |
No sensitization after welding |
| Nickel |
8.0 – 10.5% |
8.0 – 12.0% |
Slightly higher Ni for stability |
| PWHT Required |
Yes (solution anneal) |
No |
Lower fabrication cost |
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Requirements (Annealed Condition)
| Property |
ASTM A554 |
EN 10296-2 |
| Tensile Strength |
≥ 485 MPa |
490 – 690 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) |
≥ 170 MPa |
≥ 200 MPa |
| Elongation |
≥ 35% |
≥ 35% |
Values are minimum requirements. Actual properties may be higher depending on tube size and manufacturing process.
Physical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density |
7.93 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity |
16.2 W/m·K (at 100°C) |
| Specific Heat |
500 J/kg·K |
| Electrical Resistivity |
72 µΩ·cm |
| Melting Range |
1400 – 1450°C |
Hardness
| Condition |
Hardness (HB) |
| Annealed |
≤ 183 HB |
| As-welded |
≤ 200 HB (typical) |
Comparison: 304L vs Other Grades
| Grade |
Yield (MPa) |
Tensile (MPa) |
Weldability |
Corrosion Resistance |
Cost |
| 304L |
≥ 170 |
≥ 485 |
Excellent |
Good (general) |
$$ |
| 304 |
≥ 205 |
≥ 515 |
Fair (PWHT needed) |
Good |
$$ |
| 316L |
≥ 170 |
≥ 485 |
Excellent |
Excellent (marine) |
$$$ |
| 430 |
≥ 205 |
≥ 450 |
Poor |
Fair |
$ |
Applications
Primary Use: Welded structures and equipment requiring corrosion resistance
Other Applications:
- Food processing equipment (conveyors, tanks, tables)
- Pharmaceutical and sanitary tubing
- Architectural handrails and balustrades
- Furniture frames (indoor and outdoor)
- Chemical storage and transport equipment
- Brewery and dairy processing lines
- Medical device frames and components
- Water treatment equipment
- Elevator trim and architectural accents
- Display racks and shelving
Quick Pick:
| Need |
Choose |
| Welded structure (no PWHT) |
304L |
| Marine / coastal environment |
316L |
| High-temperature service (>400°C) |
304H or 321 |
| Cost-sensitive, no welding |
304 |
| Sanitary / high purity |
304L seamless (ASTM A269) |
| Architectural / decorative |
304L with brushed/polished finish |
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