1.4301 vs. AISI 316 stainless steel
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Are you choosing between EN 1.4301 and AISI 316 stainless steel for your next project? Whether you are sourcing materials for industrial equipment, food processing lines, marine applications, or building structures, selecting the best stainless steel grade will impact corrosion resistance, processing quality, life cycle costs, and overall performance.
What is EN 1.4301 stainless steel?
EN 1.4301 is the European standard designation for the most common austenitic stainless steel, also known as AISI 304 or X5CrNi18-10, recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it ideal for kitchenware, architectural features, food processing, and general fabrication. It's characterized by its ~18% Chromium and ~10% Nickel content, offering great performance in many environments but requiring attention to prevent intergranular corrosion after welding.
Is 1.4301 the same as 304 stainless steel?
Yes. EN 1.4301 corresponds to UNS S30400 / AISI 304, one of the most widely used stainless steel grades globally.
What is AISI 316 (UNS S31600)?
AISI 316 (UNS S31600) is a popular, molybdenum-containing austenitic stainless steel, known for its superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and in marine environments, compared to Type 304, offering better pitting resistance, higher strength at elevated temperatures, and excellent formability for applications in marine, chemical, pulp & paper, and medical fields.
1.4301 vs. AISI 316 stainless steel：Performance components
1.4301 vs. AISI 316 stainless steel：Chemical Composition
| Element | EN 1.4301 (304) | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.08% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.5 – 19.5% | 16.0 – 18.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5% | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0% | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
1.4301 vs. AISI 316 stainless steel： Mechanical Properties
| Property | EN 1.4301 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 500 – 700 MPa | 515 – 690 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 190 MPa | ≥ 205 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 95 HRB | ≤ 95 HRB |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8.0 g/cm³ |
Corrosion resistance of 316 vs. 304 stainless steel plates in seawater
In seawater environments with 3.5% NaCl concentration, 316 stainless steel plates exhibit a corrosion rate of ≤0.002 mm/year and excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion thanks to their 2.0–3.0% molybdenum content, while 304 stainless steel plates without molybdenum have a corrosion rate of 0.015–0.02 mm/year and are prone to localized corrosion after 600 hours of immersion; this data proves 316 stainless steel plates are 7–10 times more corrosion-resistant than 304 in seawater, making them the preferred material for marine engineering, offshore platform components, and seawater desalination equipment.
Is 1.4301 stainless steel easy to weld?
Yes. Both 1.4301 and AISI 316 have excellent weldability and can be welded using standard TIG, MIG, or resistance welding techniques.
Is 1.4404 stainless steel more expensive than 1.4301?
Yes, 1.4301 is a general-purpose stainless steel, while 1.4404 is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel with superior performance and a higher price. 1.4404 (AISI 316L) is generally more expensive than 1.4301 (AISI 304), mainly because 1.4404 contains molybdenum (Mo), which significantly improves its corrosion resistance (especially against chloride-containing media and seawater).
Are both 1.4301 and 1.4404 stainless steels non-magnetic?
Both of these steels are austenitic stainless steels and are typically non-magnetic in the annealed state; cold working may result in a slight magnetic response.
When evaluating 1.4301 vs AISI 316 stainless steel sheet or plate, think not only about material cost, but about service conditions, fabrication needs, and long-term performance. For general industrial use, 1.4301 (304) often delivers the best cost-performance balance. For harsh environments with chlorides or chemical exposure, AISI 316 is the better investment, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
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Specifications: ASTM A240, ASTM A276, ASTM A312, ASTM A213, ASTM A193
Grade: 316/316L/316Ti
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Grain Direction: According to customer requirements.
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