Stainless steel sheets are used in many industries like food processing, construction, chemical handling, and more. Among all the available grades, SS 304 and 304L are the most commonly specified. They offer reliable corrosion resistance, reasonable strength, and good workability, which is why they suit both industrial and commercial applications.
The Philippines market for stainless steel sheets has grown due to increased infrastructure and manufacturing activity. Stainless steel sheet price in the Philippines depends on grade, finish, thickness, and import conditions. Choosing a reliable stainless steel 304 supplier in the Philippines, like Abhay Steels, ensures a consistent supply without delays.
SS 304 and 304L are austenitic stainless steel grades. Both have a similar composition. They consist primarily of iron, with chromium (18–20%) and nickel (8–12%). But the key difference is carbon content. The 304L variant has a maximum carbon content of 0.03% compared to 0.08% in standard 304.
The lower carbon in 304L reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding. This matters in applications where post-weld heat treatment is not practical. For general use, standard 304 works well. For welding-heavy projects, 304L is the better option.
| Element | SS 304 (%) | SS 304L (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 18–20 | 18–20 |
| Nickel | 8–10.5 | 8–12 |
| Carbon | Max 0.08 | Max 0.03 |
| Manganese | Max 2.0 | Max 2.0 |
| Silicon | Max 0.75 | Max 0.75 |
Chromium is what gives these grades their corrosion resistance. It forms a passive oxide layer on the surface. Nickel adds ductility and further improves corrosion resistance. The controlled limits on manganese and silicon keep the material stable under different processing conditions.
| Property | SS 304 | SS 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa | 485 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa | 170 MPa |
| Elongation | 40% | 40% |
| Hardness | 201 HB | 201 HB |
SS 304 has slightly higher tensile and yield strength. SS 304L is marginally lower in strength, but the difference is negligible for most applications. Both have the same elongation value, which reflects their good formability. For applications requiring heavy welding, the 304L’s lower carbon content is more important than the minor strength difference.
Both hot-rolled (HR) and cold-rolled (CR) sheets are available. HR sheets are used for structural applications, while CR sheets are smoother and offer better dimensional precision.
The following finishes are available for stainless steel sheets:
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.3mm to 50mm |
| Width | 1000mm to 2000mm |
| Length | 2000mm to 6000mm |
| Standards | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
Custom sizes are possible depending on the project requirements. We carry standard sizes in stock and process custom cuts on request.
| Grade | UNS | AFNOR | DIN | W.N. | JIS | GOST | EN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | S30400 | X5CrNi18-10, Z5CN18-09, Z6CN18-09, Z7CN18-09 | X5CrNi18-9 | 1.4301 | SUS304 | 08KH18N10 | X5CrNi18-10 |
| SS 304L | S30403 | Z3CN18‐10 | 1.4306 / 1.4307 | – | SUS 304L | 03Х18Н11 | X2CrNi18-9 / X2CrNi19-11 |
The prices of raw materials, especially nickel and chromium, have a direct effect. They change depending on the global supply. The price per sheet depends on the thickness and size, and mirror or BA finishes cost more than regular 2B finishes.
The landed cost also includes import duties, shipping costs, and currency rates. We are a well-stocked stainless steel 304 supplier in the Philippines. Our fast delivery reduces lead time and makes it unnecessary to rush imports, which lowers the overall cost.
| Feature | SS 304 | SS 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | Higher (Max 0.08%) | Lower (Max 0.03%) |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | Slightly Higher |
| Applications | General use | Welding-heavy applications |
Abhay Steels is a direct exporter and stockist that supplies SS 304/304L sheets to the Philippines. We source our materials from certified mills in India and export them with complete documentation, such as mill test reports, country of origin certificates, and ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 compliance papers.
Having a dedicated export supply chain means buyers in the Philippines are not dependent on intermediaries or spot market availability. We maintain consistent inventory and handle the full logistics, from mill procurement to freight and customs clearance support, so clients receive material on planned schedules rather than waiting on uncertain import timelines.
For project-based requirements, we coordinate bulk shipments aligned to construction or production schedules. For smaller or ongoing requirements, local stock availability through Abhay Steels reduces lead times significantly compared to sourcing through general sheet suppliers in the Philippines.