Equal tees 1.4307/304L

What are equal tees 1.4307/304L?

Equal tees are pipe fittings used to create a branch at 90° from a run of pipe where all three ends have the same diameter. Equal tees 1.4307/304L are made from an austenitic, corrosion‑resistant stainless steel grade commonly referred to in Europe as EN 1.4307 (also shown as X2CrNi18‑9) and in the US as AISI/UNS 304L (UNS S30403). The “L” indicates a low carbon content (max. 0.03%), which reduces the risk of sensitisation during welding.

Material and designations

These tees are manufactured from stainless steel 1.4307 / 304L. You may also see the material referenced as:

• EN: 1.4307 or X2CrNi18‑9
• US: AISI 304L / UNS S30403
• Common name: 304L stainless steel, low‑carbon austenitic stainless

Key properties

Equal tees made from 1.4307/304L combine useful mechanical and chemical properties for many pipework applications:

• Good corrosion resistance to general and atmospheric corrosion — suitable for many indoor and outdoor environments.
• Weldability — low carbon minimises sensitisation, making these tees easier and safer to weld without post‑weld heat treatment.
• Ductility and formability — austenitic structure allows bending and forming during installation.
• Non‑magnetic when annealed (may become slightly magnetic after cold working).

Note: for highly aggressive chloride environments (strong marine or offshore splash zones) a higher‑alloy grade such as 316/1.4404 may be preferable due to improved pitting resistance.

Typical uses and industries

Equal tees 1.4307/304L are widely used wherever reliable, corrosion‑resistant pipe branching is required. Common applications include:

• Food and beverage processing (ducting, conveyors, wash‑down systems)
• Pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing
• Chemical and process plants for general service lines
• Plumbing, heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC)
• Automotive and general engineering
• Construction, architectural metalwork, and stainless handrail systems
• Marine and offshore installations for non‑critical services
• Small workshops, garage projects and maintenance work

Who should choose 1.4307/304L equal tees?

These fittings are a good choice for engineers, fabricators, contractors, maintenance teams and DIYers who need a balance of cost, weldability and corrosion resistance for standard industrial and commercial pipework. If your application involves highly corrosive chemicals or continuous exposure to seawater, consider upgrading to a molybdenum‑containing grade (e.g. 316L).

Installation and fabrication tips

• Welding: use appropriate filler metals and standard stainless welding practice; the low carbon content reduces the need for post‑weld annealing.
• Cleaning: remove welding residues and pickling salts to preserve corrosion resistance and appearance.
• Compatibility: use gaskets, bolts and other fittings made from compatible stainless grades to avoid galvanic corrosion.
• Inspection: check for crevice and pitting signs when used in chloride‑rich environments and choose 316L or duplex steels for higher resistance if required.

Why choose equal tees 1.4307/304L?

Equal tees in 1.4307/304L offer an economical, corrosion‑resistant solution for a wide range of piping systems. They provide reliable performance in food, chemical, construction and general industrial applications, with the added benefits of easy fabrication and long service life under typical operating conditions.