How can stainless steels with the same alloying elements but different carbon contents be distinguished when selecting materials?
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Materials such as 304 and 304L, 316 and 316L differ only in their carbon content; the \"Corrosion Data and Material Selection Handbook\" does not make any distinction between materials with different carbon contents. When choosing materials, between 304 and 304L, what is the basis for making that decision? Thank you!
Is the question too basic, that’s why no one is responding?
It’s a bit..., but knowledge knows no class! 304L is the low-carbon version of 304: it has comparable corrosion resistance, but what’s important is that 304L exhibits excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion ； 316L is the low-carbon version of 316: similarly, 316L also boasts relatively excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion! Extension: The 304H series is of the high-carbon type and is mainly used in high-temperature environments! 316H is also a high-carbon grade and is used in high-temperature environments as well!
Thank you! I do know what you're talking about. It’s when choosing materials that one doesn’t know how to distinguish between 304 and 304L: the regular version is 304, which is prone to intergranular corrosion, so should one choose 304L instead?
There is no clear basis; it has to be judged based on personal experience and past usage. Without any reference, it’s just guessing