Type 304 is a variant of the 18-8 grade, Type 304, with higher chromium and lower carbon content. The reduced carbon content helps minimize chromium carbide precipitation during welding and reduces susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. Unlike Type 304, which requires annealing to maintain sufficient corrosion resistance, Type 304L can often be used directly after welding and it contains a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, eliminating carbide precipitation even in highly corrosive conditions. While it has slightly lower mechanical properties compared to Type 304, it usually avoids the need for annealing weldments, except when stress relief is specifically required.