If you’re looking for a high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal for your next project, stainless steel is a great option. But with so many different grades and types of stainless steel available on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. One designation you might come across is “L.” So what does L mean in stainless steel? Keep reading to find out.
The letter L following the grade number, such as 304L, indicates that carbon content is limited to 0.03 percent (normal levels are 0.08 percent maximum and in some grades can be up to 0.15 percent maximum). This lower level of carbon is generally employed where welding will take place because it helps to prevent the chromium from being depleted (by forming chrome carbides at the weld site) and allows it to stay above 10.5 percent. This forms the passive oxide layer that gives stainless its corrosion resistance. Wuxi Hailang Metal Products Co., Ltd. supplies stainless steel "L" grades like 304L, 316L, 904L and so on, please contact me if you need.