EN 1.4307 stainless steel is one of the most widely used low-carbon austenitic stainless steels in European and international manufacturing.
Better known as the EN equivalent of 304L stainless steel, it combines good corrosion resistance, excellent formability, reliable weldability, and broad compatibility with modern manufacturing processes.
Its relatively low carbon content is particularly important. Compared with standard EN 1.4301 / AISI 304, EN 1.4307 stainless steel is designed to reduce the risk of chromium carbide precipitation during welding or prolonged exposure to sensitization temperatures.
As a result, it is especially suitable for welded structures, fabricated equipment, piping systems, tanks, food-processing machinery, architectural components, and custom precision parts.
1. What Is EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel?
EN 1.4307 is an austenitic chromium‑nickel stainless steel belonging to the 18/8 family (approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel).
It is the European standard equivalent of AISI 304L (UNS S30403) and is also known by the chemical symbol X2CrNi18‑9.
The “L” designation indicates its low carbon content (≤0.030%), which provides superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
As an austenitic grade, 1.4307 has a face‑centred cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which imparts excellent ductility, formability, and toughness.
Like other conventional austenitic stainless steels, EN 1.4307 is generally non-magnetic in the fully annealed condition.
However, cold working can induce a certain amount of deformation-induced martensite, which may result in slight magnetic behavior depending on the degree of deformation and the material chemistry.
The alloy is therefore frequently selected when a manufacturer requires a corrosion-resistant material that can be formed, welded, machined, and finished without the processing limitations associated with higher-carbon stainless steel grades.
EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel Designations and International Equivalents
| Standard | Designation |
| EN (European) | 1.4307 |
| EN Chemical Symbol | X2CrNi18‑9 |
| AISI (American) | 304L |
| UNS | S30403 |
| DIN | 1.4307 |
| JIS (Japanese) | SUS304L |
| ISO | X2CrNi18‑9 |
| GB (Chinese) | 022Cr19Ni10 |
2. Chemical Composition of 1.4307 Stainless Steel
The low carbon content is the defining feature of 1.4307, distinguishing it from standard 304 (1.4301). The table below shows the specified composition per EN 10088.
| Element | Weight % (EN 10088) | Role |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 | Key differentiator – low carbon prevents sensitisation and intergranular corrosion after welding. |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | Deoxidiser; improves oxidation resistance. |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 | Deoxidiser; stabilises austenite; improves hot workability. |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 | Controlled impurity; reduces toughness if too high. |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 | Controlled impurity; improves machinability but reduces corrosion resistance. |
Chromium (Cr) |
17.0 – 19.5 | Primary corrosion‑resistant element; forms passive chromium oxide film. |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5 | Stabilises austenitic structure; improves corrosion resistance and toughness. |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base metal. |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.11 | Strengthens austenite; improves pitting resistance. |
Key insight: The carbon content of ≤0.030% is the critical difference between 1.4307 (304L) and 1.4301 (304) stainless steel.
This low carbon content prevents the precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries during welding, eliminating sensitisation and ensuring excellent corrosion resistance in welded structures.
3. Mechanical Properties of EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Mechanical properties vary according to product form, thickness, heat treatment, cold-work level, and applicable standard.
The following values represent typical minimum or commonly specified properties for solution-annealed EN 1.4307 products.
| Property | Typical Value / Requirement | Engineering Significance |
| Proof Strength, Rp0.2 | ≥170–210 MPa* | Resistance to the onset of permanent deformation |
| Tensile Strength, Rm | Approximately 480–680 MPa* | Maximum tensile stress before fracture |
| Elongation at Fracture | Typically ≥ 40–45%* | Indicates excellent ductility and forming capability |
| Elastic Modulus | Approximately 190–200 GPa | Determines elastic stiffness |
| Hardness | Typically ≤215 HBW in annealed condition** | Moderate hardness with good formability |
4. Physical and Thermal Properties
The following values are representative for EN 1.4307 / X2CrNi18-9 stainless steel.
Actual properties may vary slightly depending on product form, manufacturing condition, temperature, and the applicable material standard.
| Property | Typical Value | Engineering Significance |
| Density | Approx. 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ | Important for component weight and mass calculations |
| Electrical resistivity at 20°C | Approx. 0.73 µΩ·m | Relevant for electrical and resistance-heating applications |
| Thermal conductivity at 20°C | Approx. 14–15 W/(m·K) | Lower than carbon steel; affects heat dissipation and machining |
| Specific heat capacity at 20°C |
Approx. 500 J/(kg·K) |
Determines the energy required to raise material temperature |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20–100°C | Approx. 16–17 × 10⁻⁶/K | Important for dimensional stability during heating and cooling |
| Melting range | Approx. 1,400–1,450°C | Relevant to welding and melting processes |
| Magnetic behavior | Generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition | Useful for applications requiring low magnetic response |
One of the most important engineering characteristics of 1.4307 is its relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion compared with ferritic steels and carbon steels.
Components subjected to significant temperature fluctuations may therefore experience greater dimensional change.
This must be considered when designing long pipelines, heat exchangers, welded structures, precision assemblies, and components joined to materials with different thermal expansion behavior.
Temperature Performance
- Low-temperature performance: Like all austenitic stainless steels, 1.4307 exhibits no ductile-to-brittle transition and retains excellent toughness down to cryogenic temperatures.
It is suitable for service down to -196°C and is widely used for cryogenic storage and processing equipment. - High-temperature performance: Continuous service temperature is typically limited to 800–870°C for oxidation resistance.
The low carbon content slightly reduces high-temperature creep strength relative to higher-carbon 1.4301, so it is not the first choice for load-bearing high-temperature structures.
5. Corrosion Resistance of 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Corrosion resistance is one of the defining advantages of EN 1.4307 stainless steel.
Its corrosion performance is primarily derived from the formation of a thin, adherent, and self-repairing chromium oxide passive film on the surface.
When the surface is mechanically damaged, oxygen exposure allows this passive layer to reform, provided the environment is suitable for repassivation.
General Corrosion Resistance
EN 1.4307 stainless steel performs well in environments involving:
- Indoor and normal outdoor atmospheric exposure.
- Freshwater and many clean water systems.
- Food-processing environments.
- Organic chemicals.
- Many mildly oxidizing acids.
- Pharmaceutical and sanitary equipment.
- General industrial fabrication.
The actual corrosion resistance depends heavily on surface finish, fabrication quality, chemical exposure, temperature, chloride concentration, and cleaning conditions.
A smooth, properly cleaned, and passivated surface generally performs better than a rough or contaminated surface.
Iron contamination introduced during machining, grinding, or fabrication can compromise surface corrosion resistance if not removed.
Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion
The major metallurgical advantage of EN 1.4307 over EN 1.4301 is its lower carbon content, generally limited to approximately 0.03% maximum.
During welding or exposure to certain elevated temperatures, carbon can combine with chromium to form chromium carbides at grain boundaries.
This process can locally reduce the chromium concentration and create regions more susceptible to intergranular corrosion.
The reduced carbon content of 1.4307 minimizes this risk. As a result, the material is particularly suitable for:
- Welded pressure vessels.
- Tanks and pipelines.
- Fabricated process equipment.
- Structures where post-weld solution annealing is impractical.
- Components containing multiple welds or complex welded geometries.
Pitting and Crevice Corrosion
Although EN 1.4307 stainless steel provides good general corrosion resistance, it is not specifically designed for severe chloride environments.
Chloride ions can locally damage the passive film and initiate pitting corrosion or crevice corrosion.
The risk increases with:
- Higher chloride concentration.
- Elevated temperature.
- Stagnant conditions.
- Crevices and deposits.
- Rough or contaminated surfaces.
- Poor drainage.
Consequently, stainless steel 1.4307 may not be the preferred choice for direct seawater exposure, highly concentrated salt solutions, or aggressive chloride-containing process media.
In these environments, molybdenum-containing grades such as EN 1.4404 / 316L generally provide improved resistance.
Stress Corrosion Cracking
Like all standard austenitic stainless steels, 1.4307 stainless steel is susceptible to chloride stress corrosion cracking at temperatures above approximately 60°C.
The low-carbon modification does not improve SCC resistance. For hot chloride service environments, duplex or ferritic stainless steels offer inherently better performance.
6. Weldability of EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel
EN 1.4307 is widely regarded as having excellent weldability, which is one of the main reasons for its extensive use in tanks, piping, process equipment, architectural structures, and fabricated stainless steel components.
Its low carbon content reduces the tendency toward sensitization and improves resistance to intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone after welding.
In many applications, this allows welded assemblies to be used without post-weld solution annealing.
Suitable Welding Processes
EN 1.4307 can be welded using most conventional fusion-welding processes, including:
- TIG/GTAW welding.
- MIG/GMAW welding.
- Plasma arc welding.
- Laser welding.
- Resistance welding.
- Orbital welding.
- Submerged arc welding for suitable heavy-section applications.
The choice of process depends on component thickness, joint geometry, production volume, dimensional requirements, and surface-quality expectations.
Filler Metal Selection
For welded joints, filler materials are commonly selected to provide compatible corrosion resistance and weld-metal properties.
Depending on the applicable standard and service conditions, commonly used filler categories include ER304L (AWS A5.9)-type consumables; 308L is also suitable, which are designed for welding 304L-type stainless steels.
7. Common Manufacturing Processes for 1.4307 Stainless Steel Components
EN 1.4307 stainless steel is valued not only for its corrosion resistance and weldability, but also for its broad manufacturing versatility.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is one of the most widely used manufacturing routes for EN 1.4307.
The material is supplied in sheet, plate, strip, or coil form and can be processed through cutting, bending, punching, rolling, and forming operations to produce components ranging from simple brackets to large fabricated enclosures and process equipment.
Because EN 1.4307 combines good ductility with reliable corrosion resistance, it is particularly suitable for components requiring complex bends, welded seams, or hygienic surfaces.
Typical Applications
Common applications include food-processing equipment, stainless steel cabinets, machine guards, electrical enclosures, storage tanks, ducting, architectural panels, chemical processing equipment, and fabricated piping components.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is used when EN 1.4307 components require high dimensional accuracy, precision holes, threads, sealing surfaces, or complex three-dimensional geometries.
Typical operations include CNC turning, milling, drilling, boring, tapping, and grinding.
The process is particularly suitable for custom components, prototypes, low- to medium-volume production, and parts that require tight tolerances that may be difficult to achieve through forming or casting alone.
Typical Applications
EN 1.4307 CNC-machined components include valve bodies and fittings, pump components, shafts, flanges, manifolds, precision housings, threaded connectors, medical and laboratory equipment parts, and custom components for food and chemical processing systems.
Investment Casting
Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting, is suitable for manufacturing EN 1.4307 stainless steel components with complex geometry that would require extensive machining if produced from solid bar or billet.
The process involves producing a wax pattern, building a ceramic shell around the pattern, removing the wax, and pouring molten stainless steel into the resulting cavity.
After solidification, the ceramic shell is removed and the casting undergoes cleaning, finishing, and, where necessary, precision machining.
Typical Applications
Typical EN 1.4307 investment-cast components include valve and pump bodies, pipe fittings, impellers, brackets, marine hardware, food-processing machinery components, architectural fittings, and complex industrial equipment parts.
Welding and Fabrication
Welding is a core manufacturing process for 1.4307 stainless steel, particularly when producing large assemblies that cannot be economically manufactured as a single piece.
Components may be cut and formed separately before being joined through TIG, MIG, laser, resistance, or other suitable welding processes.
This approach allows manufacturers to create tanks, frames, piping systems, equipment housings, and custom structural assemblies.
Typical Applications
Welded EN 1.4307 structures are widely used in storage tanks, process vessels, pipelines, food and beverage equipment, pharmaceutical systems, industrial frames, exhaust assemblies, architectural structures, and custom machinery.
Deep Drawing and Stamping
Deep drawing and stamping are high-efficiency forming processes used primarily for medium- to high-volume production of thin-walled EN 1.4307 stainless steel components.
In stamping, sheet metal is cut or formed using dies and presses.
Deep drawing extends this principle by transforming a flat sheet blank into a hollow or three-dimensional shape through controlled plastic deformation.
These processes are particularly effective for producing consistent components with short cycle times once the tooling has been developed.
Typical Applications
Typical applications include sinks, kitchen equipment, food containers, appliance components, stainless steel housings, cups and vessels, automotive components, medical equipment parts, and thin-walled industrial enclosures.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a highly flexible thermal cutting process used to produce precise two-dimensional profiles from EN 1.4307 sheet and plate.
A focused laser beam melts or vaporizes the material along a programmed cutting path, while an assist gas removes molten material from the cutting zone.
The process is commonly integrated into automated sheet metal manufacturing systems and can rapidly produce complex profiles without dedicated punching dies.
Typical Applications
Laser-cut EN 1.4307 components are commonly used for machine panels, brackets, enclosures, flanges, mounting plates, architectural components, food-processing equipment, industrial guards, control cabinets, and parts subsequently formed or welded into larger assemblies.
8. Surface Finishes for EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Surface finish is an important part of EN 1.4307 stainless steel component manufacturing.
It affects not only appearance, but also corrosion resistance, cleanability, friction, wear behavior, surface roughness, and suitability for hygienic applications.
Although 1.4307 stainless steel inherently develops a passive chromium-rich oxide film, manufacturing operations such as cutting, welding, grinding, machining, and forming can alter the surface condition.
Appropriate finishing and post-treatment can therefore help restore or improve the functional performance of the finished component.
Common Surface Finishes
| Surface Finish | Typical Characteristics | Main Benefits | Typical Applications |
| 2B | Smooth, cold-rolled and annealed surface with light skin pass | Good general-purpose finish, corrosion-resistant, economical | Food equipment, tanks, appliances, industrial components |
| BA | Bright annealed, reflective surface | High brightness and smooth appearance | Decorative components, appliances, architectural products |
| No. 3 / No. 4 | Mechanically polished with progressively finer abrasive | Attractive appearance, improved surface uniformity | Architectural parts, kitchen equipment, food-processing equipment |
| No. 8 / Mirror | Highly polished reflective surface | Excellent appearance and very low surface roughness | Decorative and architectural applications |
Brushed / Satin |
Directional abrasive texture | Hides fingerprints and minor scratches | Architectural panels, elevators, appliances |
| Bead Blasted | Uniform matte texture produced by abrasive blasting | Low-glare appearance and consistent texture | Architectural and industrial components |
| Electropolished | Electrochemical removal of a thin surface layer | Very smooth surface, improved cleanability and corrosion performance | Pharmaceutical, medical, food-processing equipment |
| Passivated | Chemically treated to promote a clean passive surface | Removes free iron/contamination and supports corrosion resistance | Precision industrial and corrosion-sensitive components |
9. Applications of EN 1.4307 Stainless Steel
The combination of low carbon content, good corrosion resistance, excellent weldability, good formability, and attractive surface characteristics makes EN 1.4307 stainless steel suitable for a broad range of industrial applications.
Food and Beverage Industry
Food processing is one of the most important application areas for 1.4307 stainless steel.
Its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning make it suitable for equipment that comes into contact with water, food products, cleaning solutions, and atmospheric moisture.
Typical components include:
- Processing tanks and vessels.
- Food-processing machinery.
- Conveyors and structural components.
- Hoppers and chutes.
- Piping and fittings.
- Mixing equipment.
- Storage containers.
- Kitchen and catering equipment.
Architectural and Building Applications
1.4307 stainless steel is also widely used in architectural applications where a combination of corrosion resistance, appearance, and fabrication flexibility is required.
Typical products include:
- Decorative panels.
- Interior wall cladding.
- Elevator components.
- Handrails.
- Architectural trim.
- Door and window components.
- Stainless steel fixtures.
- Decorative structural elements.
Chemical and Process Equipment
1.4307 stainless steel can be used in many chemical-processing environments where the combination of corrosion resistance and weldability is sufficient.
Examples include:
- Process tanks.
- Storage vessels.
- Pipework.
- Pumps and fittings.
- Heat-transfer equipment.
- Industrial manifolds.
- Chemical handling equipment.
Automotive Industry
1.4307 stainless steel can be used in automotive and transportation applications requiring corrosion resistance and good fabrication characteristics.
Applications may include:
- Exhaust-related components.
- Brackets and supports.
- Heat shields.
- Decorative trim.
- Structural fabricated components.
- Fluid-handling components.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment
The combination of corrosion resistance, cleanability, and weldability makes 1.4307 stainless steel suitable for selected pharmaceutical and medical equipment.
Applications can include:
- Processing vessels.
- Laboratory equipment.
- Fluid-handling systems.
- Equipment frames.
- Pharmaceutical processing components.
- Sanitary piping assemblies.
Oil, Gas, and Industrial Equipment
1.4307 stainless steel is used in selected oil, gas, energy, and general industrial applications where environmental conditions fall within its corrosion-resistance capabilities.
Typical components include:
- Pipe fittings.
- Brackets.
- Equipment housings.
- Valves and manifolds.
- Storage equipment.
- Structural components.
- Instrumentation hardware.
10. Advantages and Limitations
EN 1.4307 stainless steel is best understood as a low-carbon, fabrication-oriented member of the 18Cr–8Ni austenitic stainless steel family.
Key Advantages of 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion in welded conditions
The carbon content of EN 1.4307 is typically limited to ≤0.030%, substantially reducing the tendency for chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding.
As a result, properly fabricated 1.4307 components generally have good resistance to weld-related intergranular corrosion without requiring post-weld solution annealing in many conventional applications.
This characteristic makes the grade particularly attractive for welded tanks, piping, food-processing equipment, architectural structures, and fabricated machinery.
Excellent ductility and cold-forming capability
The austenitic microstructure provides high ductility and allows 1.4307 to undergo substantial plastic deformation without cracking.
It is therefore well suited to bending, deep drawing, stamping, rolling, and other cold-forming operations.
This combination of ductility and corrosion resistance makes it particularly useful for thin-walled components and geometrically complex sheet-metal products.
Good low-temperature toughness
As an austenitic stainless steel, EN 1.4307 does not exhibit the pronounced ductile-to-brittle transition characteristic of ferritic and many carbon steels.
Properly produced austenitic 304L-type material can retain useful toughness at cryogenic temperatures, with applications extending toward approximately −196°C (77 K) when the relevant product form, condition, standard, and design requirements are satisfied.
This makes 1.4307 a candidate for selected low-temperature vessels, laboratory equipment, cryogenic auxiliaries, and fluid-handling systems.
Actual cryogenic qualification should always be based on the applicable material specification and testing requirements.
Strong general-purpose corrosion resistance
EN 1.4307 provides corrosion performance broadly comparable to conventional 1.4301/304 stainless steel in many atmospheric, food-processing, and moderately corrosive environments.
Its approximately 18% chromium content supports formation of a protective passive film, while nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure and contributes to its ductility and corrosion performance.
Consequently, 1.4307 offers an effective balance between corrosion resistance, manufacturability, and material cost for general-purpose stainless steel applications.
Excellent hygienic and cleanability characteristics
When appropriately finished, EN 1.4307 provides a smooth, non-porous metallic surface that can be readily cleaned and maintained.
Mechanical polishing, passivation, and electropolishing can further improve surface cleanliness and reduce sites where contaminants or process residues can accumulate.
This makes the grade widely applicable to food-processing, beverage, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and sanitary equipment, provided the selected surface finish and fabrication practices meet the relevant industry requirements.
Broad manufacturing compatibility
EN 1.4307 stainless steel can be processed using virtually all conventional stainless steel manufacturing technologies.
This manufacturing flexibility is particularly valuable for custom stainless steel components because the same material can be used across prototypes, fabricated assemblies, precision-machined parts, and complex castings.
Inherent Limitations of 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Moderate resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
Although 1.4307 performs well in many general environments, it does not contain the molybdenum addition characteristic of 316L/1.4404 stainless steel.
Consequently, its resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion is significantly more limited than that of molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steels.
Long-term exposure to seawater, concentrated chloride solutions, marine splash zones, or severe salt environments may therefore require 1.4404/316L, duplex stainless steel, or a higher-alloy material.
Chloride stress corrosion cracking remains a service consideration
Like other austenitic stainless steels, EN 1.4307 can be susceptible to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking under the combined conditions of tensile stress, chloride contamination, and elevated temperature. The risk increases as temperature and chloride severity increase.
There is no universal temperature threshold applicable to every service condition; therefore, values around 60°C should be regarded only as an engineering warning range rather than a guaranteed safe/unsafe boundary.
Not a preferred grade for heavily loaded high-temperature structures
1.4307 stainless steel is a general-purpose corrosion-resistant grade rather than a specialized creep-resistant alloy.
At elevated temperatures, its long-term mechanical performance and creep resistance may become limiting factors.
For components subjected to sustained mechanical loading at high temperature, dedicated heat-resistant stainless steels or nickel-based alloys may provide a more appropriate solution.
Moderate machinability and significant work hardening
Compared with free-machining steels, stainless steel 1.4307 can be more demanding to machine. Its austenitic structure tends to work harden, while its relatively low thermal conductivity can concentrate heat near the cutting zone.
Effective machining therefore requires rigid fixturing, appropriate carbide tooling, controlled cutting parameters, adequate coolant, and good chip evacuation.
Poor machining conditions can accelerate tool wear and degrade surface finish.
Higher material cost than carbon steel and some alternative stainless grades
The presence of chromium and nickel makes 304L stainless steel substantially more expensive than ordinary carbon steel. Its price can also vary considerably with nickel market conditions and product form.
However, comparing material price alone can be misleading.
Longer service life, reduced corrosion-related maintenance, weldability, cleanability, and lower replacement frequency can make 1.4307 economically attractive over the complete life cycle of a component.
11. Comparative Analysis: EN 1.4307 vs. EN 1.4301 vs. EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel
EN 1.4307, EN 1.4301, and EN 1.4404 are all widely used austenitic stainless steels, but they are optimized for somewhat different service conditions.
| Property | EN 1.4307 (304L) | EN 1.4301 (304) | EN 1.4404 (316L) |
| Common designation | X2CrNi18-9 | X5CrNi18-10 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| AISI equivalent | 304L | 304 | 316L |
| UNS | S30403 | S30400 | S31603 |
| Typical Cr content | ~17.5–19.5% | ~17.5–19.5% | ~16.5–18.5% |
| Typical Ni content | ~8.0–10.5% | ~8.0–10.5% | ~10.0–13.0% |
| Typical Mo content | None | None | ~2.0–2.5% |
| Maximum C | ≤0.030% | ≤0.070% | ≤0.030% |
| Microstructure | Austenitic | Austenitic | Austenitic |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good; greater sensitization risk than 304L | Excellent |
| General corrosion resistance | Good | Good | Very good |
Pitting resistance (PREN) |
≈ 19.6 | ≈ 19.6 | ≈ 25.9 |
| Formability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical minimum yield strength* | ≥170 MPa | ≥190 MPa, depending on product standard | ≥220 MPa, depending on product standard |
| Typical tensile strength* | ≥485 MPa | ≥500 MPa | ≥530 MPa |
| Typical applications | Welded fabrications, food equipment, tanks, architectural parts | General-purpose stainless components, appliances, architecture | Chemical, marine, pharmaceutical, food-processing and chloride-exposed equipment |
| Best selection when… | Extensive welding and low sensitization risk are priorities | General-purpose 304 performance is sufficient | Chlorides and localized corrosion are major concerns |
*Mechanical-property requirements vary with product form, thickness, delivery condition, and governing standard.
Values should therefore be verified against the applicable EN product specification rather than treated as universal material constants.
12. Custom Precision Stainless Steel Parts from DEZE
DEZE Foundry provides custom stainless steel casting and precision machining solutions for components manufactured from EN 1.4307 (304L) and other austenitic and heat-resistant stainless steel grades.
The manufacturing approach is selected according to part geometry, dimensional requirements, production volume, material specification, and service conditions.
For complex stainless steel components, investment casting can reproduce intricate contours, thin sections, internal features, and integrated mounting structures while reducing the amount of subsequent machining.
Where tighter dimensional requirements apply, cast components can undergo CNC turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and other secondary operations.
| Capability | Details |
| Materials | EN 1.4307 (304L), 1.4301 (304), 1.4404 (316L), 1.4541 (321), 1.4845 (310S). |
| Casting process | Investment casting (lost wax), sand casting. |
| Part weight | 0.05 kg to 1000 kg. |
| Dimensions | Up to 6000 mm diameter. |
| Tolerances | ±0.1‑0.3 mm (CT6‑CT9 per ISO 8062). |
| Surface finish | Ra 1.6‑6.3 µm as‑cast; electropolishing available. |
| Heat treatment | Solution annealing, stress relief. |
| Machining | CNC turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. |
| Quality | ISO 9001:2015 certified; 100% NDT and dimensional inspection. |
| Lead time | 8‑12 weeks for tooling; 2‑4 weeks for repeat orders. |
13. Conclusion
EN 1.4307 stainless steel is far more than simply a “low-carbon version of 304”.
It is a purpose-engineered austenitic stainless steel grade that solves one of the most persistent practical problems of standard 18/10 stainless steel: intergranular corrosion in welded heat-affected zones.
By limiting carbon to 0.03% maximum, the grade retains nearly identical mechanical properties and general corrosion performance as 1.4301, while adding the critical benefit of full corrosion integrity in the as-welded condition.
For food processing equipment, chemical tanks, architectural structures and water systems — all applications where welded fabrication is the norm and post-weld annealing is impractical — 1.4307 is the technically correct and cost-optimal material choice.
It occupies an essential niche between general-purpose 1.4301 and higher-alloy 1.4404, providing reliable, cost-effective corrosion performance for the vast majority of moderately corrosive industrial environments.
FAQs
Is 1.4307 stainless steel magnetic?
In the annealed condition, EN 1.4307 stainless steel is generally essentially non-magnetic or only very weakly magnetic.
However, cold forming can induce some martensitic transformation, resulting in measurable magnetic response.
Is 1.4307 equivalent to 316L stainless steel?
No. 1.4307 is a 304L-type stainless steel, whereas 1.4404 is the European designation commonly associated with 316L.
The key distinction is that 1.4404 contains molybdenum, giving it substantially better resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion.
What is the maximum operating temperature for 1.4307?
Up to 800°C for continuous service and 850°C for intermittent service. Above 850°C, oxidation scaling increases significantly.
Is EN 1.4307 the same as 304L stainless steel?
Yes. EN 1.4307 corresponds to X2CrNi18-9 and is commonly associated with AISI 304L / UNS S30403.
The exact equivalence should nevertheless be confirmed against the applicable product standard because chemical and mechanical requirements can vary between specifications.
What is the difference between 1.4307 and 1.4301 stainless steel?
The principal difference is carbon content. 1.4307 has a maximum carbon content of approximately 0.030%, whereas 1.4301 permits up to approximately 0.070%.
The lower carbon content of 1.4307 stainless steel improves resistance to weld-related sensitization and makes it particularly suitable for welded fabrication.
