Differences in welding 304 stainless steel and ultra-low carbon 304L stainless steel
Thread Content
After checking, the main difference lies in the carbon content. As for whether there are any significant differences during the actual welding process, I work in cost estimation, and for the welding of these two materials, there is a 15% difference in price. I want to know why there is such a difference.
The biggest difference between the two is their nickel content, which leads to variations in corrosion resistance. The weldability differs little. The ones we commonly use are 304 (S30408) and 316L (S31603)
The element contents are different, and it seems that the welding electrodes used are also different, which is why there are price differences.
It shouldn’t be the case. The rule is that labor and machinery costs apply; ultra-low carbon 304L is 15% more expensive than 304, but the cost of welding electrodes remains the same with no difference
The main difference in welding lies in the carbon equivalent; it is primarily the corrosion resistance that varies, with low-carbon stainless steels generally having better corrosion resistance