Steel with the designation X2CrNi18-9 / AISI 304L / 1.4307 is a corrosion-resistant, chromium-nickel steel with low carbon content. It is characterized by an austenitic structure and is amenable to welding, machining and cold forming.
All corrosion-resistant steels according to the European standard are marked with the first letter X, followed by the carbon content given in hundredths of % and the main symbols of the alloying elements determining their properties along with their content, i.e. 18% Cr and 9% Ni. In addition, this steel contains C ≤ 0.03%, Mn ≤ 2%, Si ≤ 1%.
Stainless steel, thanks to its single-phase structure, shows resistance to electrochemical corrosion, and with the introduction of at least 9% nickel and 18% chromium, its structure is fully austenitic, with high corrosion resistance and less tendency to grain growth, which is beneficial for the increase of mechanical properties. It is resistant to intergranular corrosion, as well as to unsalted water and steam, and is resistant to formic acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid at room temperature. It has the disadvantage of not being resistant to chlorine-containing media such as pool water or seawater. This can lead to the formation of pitting.
Products manufactured from this steel have a very wide range of applications in many industries, but especially for the construction of equipment used in the chemical and food industries, they perform well in contact with alcohol, tartaric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, vegetable preparations. They exhibit very good impact strength and ductility, and perform well for use in deep drawing of machinery and equipment parts. This steel grade is easily machinable, and due to its low carbon content it is easily weldable, resistant to corrosion in various environments: alkaline solutions, some organic and inorganic acids, natural water, steam. The grade of this steel is most often found in the form of sheets, tubes or bars.
Stainless steel X2CrNi18-9 / AISI 304L / 1.4307 chemical composition
A very important factor determining the mechanical properties of a given steel is its chemical composition. According to melt analysis, the chemical composition of X2CrNi18-9 steel should be in accordance with the values given in the table below.
| Designation | C in % max. | Cr % max | Ni % max | Mn % max. | P % max. | S % max. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X2CrNi18-9 | 1.4307 | 0,03 | 17,5 - 19,5 | 8,0 - 10,5 | 2,0 | 0,045 | 0,015 |
Steel X2CrNi18-9 / AISI 304L / 1.4307 mechanical properties
| Steel | Mechanical properties | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel mark | Rp0.2 [MPa] | Rm [MPa] | HB | Elongation [%] | Impact strength [J] |
| X2CrNi18-9 | ≥ 205 | 515 - 700 | ≤215 | ≥45 | >60 |
X2CrNi18-9 / AISI 304L / 1.4307 steel application
X2CrNi18-9 steel is used in the production of finished products with applications in the construction industry, as components in the petrochemical, automotive, engineering, as well as marine, aerospace and railroad industries, and for decorative elements. It is often used for the following components:
- adapter plates in machinery,
- pump covers in the chemical industry,
- hydraulic control valves,
- dialysis products in medical devices,
- diverter blocks in the laser industry
- motor plates in steel mills.
| EU EN | Steel number | USA AISI | France AFNOR | England BS |
| X2CrNi18-9 | 1.4307 | 304L | Z2CN18 Z3CN18 Z3CN19-09 | 304S11 |
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