1.4112 vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
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Choosing between 1.4112 and 1.4301 stainless steel for your application?Although both are widely used stainless steel grades, their corrosion resistance, alloy design, and cost structure differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps buyers avoid over-specification, control procurement budgets, and ensure reliable service performance.

What material is equivalent to 1.4112?
Stainless steel 1.4112, also known as AISI 440B and X90CrMoV18, is a high-carbon martensitic chromium steel. Also known as tool steel, this material is a magnetic steel with extremely high hardness and wear resistance, as well as good corrosion resistance. This material is also used in the pump industry, tool manufacturing, the production of mechanical engineering components, and the manufacture of equipment for the food industry. This stainless steel is not suitable for cold heading or cold forming.
What is 1.4301 material?
1.4301 is the European (EN) designation for AISI 304 stainless steel, a widely used austenitic grade known for excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, common in kitchenware, architecture, chemical equipment, and food processing due to its chromium (around 18%) and nickel (around 8%) content, making it a versatile material for everyday applications.
Chemical Composition Comparison (wt.%)
| Element | EN 1.4112 (X90CrMoV18) | EN 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10 / AISI 304) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.85 – 0.95 | ≤ 0.07 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 18.0 | 17.5 – 19.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.80 | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.50 – 0.80 | - |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.10 – 0.20 | - |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04 | ≤ 0.045 |
Mechanical Properties
|
Property |
EN 1.4112 (Heat Treated) |
EN 1.4301 (Annealed) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tensile Strength |
750 – 950 MPa |
≥ 520 MPa |
|
Yield Strength (0.2%) |
550 – 700 MPa |
≥ 205 MPa |
|
Elongation |
10 – 15 % |
≥ 40 % |
|
Hardness |
56 – 60 HRC |
≤ 201 HB |
|
Magnetic |
Magnetic |
Non-magnetic |
1.4112 vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10, AISI 304) austenitic stainless steel has a higher pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) (19-21) and better overall corrosion resistance than 1.4112 (X90CrMoV18, AISI 440B) martensitic stainless steel (PREN ≈ 18-19).
1.4301 stainless steel effectively resists general corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and mild chloride corrosion; while 1.4112 stainless steel (0.85-0.95% carbon, no nickel) only has moderate corrosion resistance in freshwater/steam environments and fails in salt spray tests exceeding 72 hours, and is susceptible to pitting corrosion in environments with chloride concentrations above 500 ppm.
| Environment | 1.4112 | 1.4301 (304) |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric | Good | Excellent |
| Fresh Water | Good | Excellent |
| Humid / Condensing | Moderate | Excellent |
| Mild Chemicals | Limited | Good |
| Chloride / Salt Spray | Poor–Moderate | Moderate |
| Acidic Media | Poor | Moderate |
| Pitting Resistance | Moderate | Better than 1.4112 |
1.4112 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel : hardness
1.4112 (X90CrMoV18 martensitic stainless steel), after quenching and tempering, can achieve a Rockwell hardness of 58–62 HRC, which is significantly higher than 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10 austenitic stainless steel). The typical annealed hardness of 1.4301 is ≤ 200 HBW (approximately 15–20 HRC), and even after cold working, the hardness only reaches about 22–28 HRC. Therefore, 1.4112 is far superior to 1.4301 in terms of wear resistance and edge retention, while 1.4301 is softer and more ductile.

who choose us?
If you have project requirements for 1.4112 and 1.4301 stainless steel bars, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. These materials 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
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