304L vs SUS420J2: 41% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
304L vs SUS420J2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
304L
1.4307
Low-carbon version of 304. Maximum 0.030% C prevents sensitization during welding — no post-weld heat treatment needed. The standard choice for welded structures in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Often dual-certified with 1.4301.
SUS420J2
Japanese martensitic stainless steel — the higher-carbon variant of the 420 family (C 0.26-0.40%). Achieves HRC 50-55 after heat treatment. Very good corrosion resistance for a martensitic grade. THE budget knife/cutlery steel worldwide. Also used for surgical instruments, haircutting scissors, and industrial blades. ≈ EN X30Cr13 (1.4028) / Chinese 3Cr13.
| 304L | SUS420J2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4307 | — |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | JIS G4303 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304L | SUS420J2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.03% | 0.26–0.4% | No overlap |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–1% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.04% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 304L | SUS420J2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 500–700 | 620–700 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 200 | 340–400 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | 12–18 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
304L and SUS420J2 have significantly different compositions (41% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304L the same as SUS420J2?
304L and SUS420J2 have a 41% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 304L with SUS420J2?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (41% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 304L and SUS420J2?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Cr, Ni. 304L is a Stainless Steel grade, while SUS420J2 is a Stainless Steel grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.