SAE 304 stainless steel optimal high temperature strength. The carbon content of 304L (UNS 30403) is restricted to a maximum of 0.03%, which prevents sensitization during welding. Sensitization is the formation of chromium carbides along grain boundaries when a stainless steel is exposed to temperatures in the range of ~–. The subsequent formation of chromium carbide results in reduced corrosion resistance along the grain boundary leaving the stainless steel susceptible to unanticipated corrosion in an environment where 304 would be expected to be corrosion resistant. This grain boundary corrosive attack is known as intergranular corrosion. The carbon content of 304 (UNS 30400) is restricted
Marine grade stainless Marine grade stainless Marine grade stainless steel is a misunderstood description. There is no industry recognized definition for a marine grade stainless steel though it is routinely used by many end-users. In a marine environment it must be made clear as to whether the stainless steel is submerged in seawater or is simply near enough to the seashore such that it can be attacked by the chloride present in seawater by splashing or carried by onshore breeze. Chloride ions can cause localized corrosive attack (pitting and crevice corrosion) of susceptible stainless steels. When submerged a stainless steel with a PREN