1.4016 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Key Differences
When choosing the right stainless steel for your project, understanding the key differences between different grades is crucial. 1.4016 (SUS430) and 1.4404 (SUS316L) are two common stainless steel grades, each possessing unique properties suitable for different applications. While both are widely used in industrial, construction, and automotive sectors, they differ significantly in corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and cost.
This article will compare 1.4016 and 1.4404 stainless steel, exploring their differences in chemical composition, properties, and applications. Whether you are a manufacturer, contractor, or purchasing professional, this guide will help you make informed decisions and select the material best suited to your needs.
What is the grade 1.4016 material?
1.4016 is a widely used ferritic stainless steel, equivalent to American AISI 430 stainless steel. It offers good corrosion resistance, ductility, and formability. It exhibits good corrosion resistance in mild environments but is not suitable for welding or use in highly corrosive environments such as seawater. It is ideal for applications requiring a balance of cost-effectiveness and a polished surface, such as decorative parts, household appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators), automotive components, and kitchenware.
What is 1.4404 grade equivalent to?
The material 1.4404 is the European (EN) standard designation for AISI 316L, a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, also known as UNS S31603 or X2CrNiMo17-12-2, recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich environments, due to added molybdenum, making it ideal for welding and demanding applications like food/pharma.
1.4016 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition
| Element | 1.4016 (SUS430) | 1.4404 (SUS316L) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.12% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0% | 16.0 – 18.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.75% | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.0% | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0% max | 2.0% max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04% max | 0.045% max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03% max | 0.03% max |
1.4016 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4016 (SUS430) | 1.4404 (SUS316L) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 480 - 680 MPa (70 - 98 ksi) | 480 - 650 MPa (70 - 94 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 275 MPa (40 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50mm) | ≥ 20% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (HB) | 160 - 200 HB | 150 - 190 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29 x 10^6 ksi) | 200 GPa (29 x 10^6 ksi) |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Impact Toughness (Charpy V-Notch) | Not typically measured in ferritic steels | High, good for cryogenic temperatures |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 850°C (1560°F) | 870°C (1600°F) |
1.4016 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
1.4404 (SUS316L) is an austenitic stainless steel that offers exceptional corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and marine environments. It is much more resistant to rust and pitting corrosion compared to 1.4016.
1.4016 and 1.4404 Stainless Steels: Magnetic Properties
1.4016 (ferritic stainless steel, SUS 430), due to its body-centered cubic (BCC) ferrite structure, exhibits inherent ferromagnetism in all states, with a relative magnetic permeability typically between 500 and 1000, even in the annealed state. The magnetism increases with increasing cold working. In contrast, 1.4404 (austenitic stainless steel, AISI 316L), due to its face-centered cubic (FCC) austenitic matrix, is essentially non-magnetic in the annealed state, with a relative magnetic permeability close to 1.0.
1.4016 and 1.4404 Stainless Steels: Applications
Due to its lower cost (approximately 15-25% cheaper per kilogram than 1.4404), good oxidation resistance up to approximately 850°C, and magnetic properties, 1.4016 is widely used in applications where high corrosion resistance is not required and magnetic compatibility is acceptable, such as in household appliances (oven linings, range hoods), automotive trim, and architectural interior panels. Conversely, 1.4404, with its excellent pitting corrosion resistance (PREN approximately 24-26), is suitable for marine hardware, chemical processing tanks, pharmaceutical equipment, and surgical instruments.
If you have any requirements for the above products, please feel free to place an order. GNEE has a large inventory of hot-selling 1.4016 and 1.4404 stainless steel products for you to choose from. These can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, tubes, bars, and wires. For detailed chemical composition information and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.Email: info@gneestainless.com
