A351 CF3 vs 304L
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
A351 CF3
Stainless Steel
ASTM A351 CF3 is the cast equivalent of 304L: carbon capped at 0.03% so welded cast assemblies resist sensitization without a post-weld solution anneal. The standard grade for nuclear, food and pharmaceutical castings that will be welded in fabrication or repair.
Standards: DIN 1.4309 (GX2CrNi19-11) · AISI A351 CF3 · JIS SCS19A · GB ZG00Cr19Ni10 (near)
304L
Stainless Steel
304L is the low-carbon version of 304, specified for welded fabrications because its carbon cap of 0.030% prevents sensitisation in the heat-affected zone. It is the default 18-8 grade for welded chemical and food plant.
Standards: DIN 1.4307 · AISI 304L · JIS SUS304L · GB 022Cr19Ni10
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | A351 CF3 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.03 | ≤0.030 |
| Si | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | ≤1.50 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.040 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.040 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 17.00–21.00 | 18.00–20.00 |
| Ni | 8.00–12.00 | 8.00–12.00 |
| N | — | ≤0.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | A351 CF3 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥485 MPa | 485–690 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥205 MPa | ≥170 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥35% | — |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
| Delivery condition | — | Annealed |
| Hardness | — | ≤187 HB (annealed) |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: A351 CF3 · 304L. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.