1.4301 stainless steel (also known as AISI 304) and 1.4462 stainless steel (also known as Duplex 2205) are both popular stainless steel grades, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding their differences helps engineers, fabricators, and procurement specialists select the right material for specific industrial applications.
1.4301 Vs. 1.4462 Stainless Steel Equivalent Materials
| Standard System |
1.4301 Stainless Steel |
1.4462 Stainless Steel |
| EN (Europe) |
EN 1.4301 |
EN 1.4462 |
| DIN (Germany) |
X5CrNi18-10 |
X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 |
| AISI / ASTM (USA) |
AISI 304 |
AISI 2205 (UNS S31803 / S32205) |
| JIS (Japan) |
SUS304 |
SUS329J3L or SUS329J4L (approximate grades) |
| GB (China) |
06Cr19Ni10 (formerly 0Cr18Ni9) |
00Cr22Ni5Mo3N or 022Cr22Ni5Mo3N |
| ISO |
1.4301 |
1.4462 |
1.4301 vs. 1.4462 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition
| Element |
1.4301 (AISI 304) |
1.4462 (Duplex 2205) |
Impact |
| Chromium (Cr) |
17.5–19.5% |
21.0–23.0% |
Higher Cr in 1.4462 improves corrosion resistance. |
| Nickel (Ni) |
8.0–10.5% |
4.5–6.5% |
1.4462 uses less Ni, reducing cost. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) |
– |
2.5–3.5% |
Present in 1.4462 for better pitting resistance. |
| Nitrogen (N) |
– |
0.10–0.22% |
Boosts strength and localized corrosion resistance in 1.4462. |
| Carbon (C) |
≤0.07% |
≤0.03% |
Lower carbon in 1.4462 reduces intergranular corrosion risk. |
1.4301 vs. 1.4462 Stainless Steel:Mechanical Properties
| Property |
1.4301 (304) |
1.4462 (2205) |
Comparison |
| Tensile Strength |
≥500 MPa |
≥620 MPa |
1.4462 is significantly stronger. |
| Yield Strength |
≥210 MPa |
≥450 MPa |
Duplex grade nearly doubles 304's yield strength. |
| Elongation |
≥45% |
≥25% |
1.4301 is more ductile. |
| Hardness (HBW) |
≤215 |
≤290 |
1.4462 is harder, more wear-resistant. |
1.4301 vs. 1.4462 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
1.4301 (304) offers good corrosion resistance in general-purpose applications, but it is vulnerable to chloride-induced pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
1.4462 (2205) has superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich, marine, and chemical processing environments. It is ideal for resisting pitting, crevice corrosion, and SCC (stress corrosion cracking).
1.4301 vs. 1.4462 Stainless Steel: Applications
| 1.4301 (AISI 304) |
1.4462 (Duplex 2205) |
| Kitchen equipment, sinks, tanks |
Desalination plants, pressure vessels |
| Architectural trim and panels |
Chemical storage tanks |
| Food processing machinery |
Offshore platforms |
| General indoor structural use |
Heat exchangers, pulp & paper systems |
5. Which to Choose?
| Select 1.4301 if… |
Select 1.4462 if… |
| You need good formability and weldability |
You need high strength and superior corrosion resistance |
| Your application is non-critical or indoor |
You're working in marine, chemical, or high-pressure environments |
| Budget is a key concern |
Durability and lifecycle performance matter more |
