Type 304/304L stainless steel, with its chromium-nickel content, is the most versatile and widely used of the austenitic stainless steels. No other grade of stainless steel comes in so many forms, finishes and used with such diverse applications. These grades can be severely deep drawn without intermediate annealing, which has made this grade the industry standard in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts. The lower carbon content in 304L grade increases resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding or stress relieving. These grades of stainless steel are the most economical and readily available.
