1.4305 vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: The Key Difference

What is 1.4301 material?
Material 1.4301 is a common European designation for 18/8 stainless steel, also known as AISI 304 or X5CrNi18-10. It is a versatile austenitic stainless steel prized for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and weldability, making it widely used in applications like kitchen sinks, food processing equipment, and construction.

 

What material is 1.4305 equivalent to stainless steel?
Material 1.4305 is equivalent to AISI 303 stainless steel, a grade known for its excellent machinability due to the addition of sulfur. It is also referred to by other designations like X8CrNiS18-9.

 

1.4305 vs 1.4301 stainless steel：Key Difference

Grade	EN / DIN Designation	AISI Equivalent	Main Feature
1.4301	X5CrNi18-10	304	Excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and formability
1.4305	X8CrNiS18-9	303	Superior machinability due to sulfur addition

 

1.4305 vs 1.4301 stainless steel：Chemical Composition

The higher sulfur content in 1.4305 enhances chip breaking and tool life during machining, but slightly reduces corrosion resistance compared to 1.4301.

Element	1.4301 (AISI 304)	1.4305 (AISI 303)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.07 %	≤ 0.10 %
Chromium (Cr)	17.5 – 19.5 %	17 – 19 %
Nickel (Ni)	8 – 10.5 %	8 – 10 %
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0 %	≤ 2.0 %
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015 %	0.15 – 0.35 % (higher)
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0 %	≤ 1.0 %

 

1.4305 vs 1.4301 stainless steel：Mechanical & Physical Properties

Property	1.4301 (304)	1.4305 (303)
Density	8.0 g/cm³	8.0 g/cm³
Tensile Strength (Annealed)	500 – 700 MPa	520 – 750 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 210 MPa	≥ 230 MPa
Elongation (A5 %)	≥ 45 %	≥ 40 %
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	≤ 230
Max. Service Temp.	870 °C	760 °C

 

1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

1.4301 stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance compared to 1.4305, primarily because the latter contains sulfur for improved machinability. The sulfur in 1.4305 compromises its resistance to corrosive environments, especially those containing acids and chlorides, where it is prone to pitting. Both grades perform well in mild, conventional environments, but 1.4301 is the better choice when corrosion resistance is the priority.

1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Machinability

1.4305 (AISI 303) stainless steel is significantly more machinable than 1.4301 (AISI 304) because it contains added sulfur, which creates short, easily-broken chips during cutting. This makes 1.4305 the preferred choice for high-precision machining operations. In contrast, 1.4301 is less easy to machine, but offers superior corrosion resistance and better weldability.

1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Weldability

1.4301 (AISI 304) has good weldability and is a common choice for applications requiring welding, while 1.4305 (AISI 303) has poor weldability and is not recommended for welding due to its higher sulfur content, which improves machinability but hinders welding. The sulfur in 1.4305 can lead to cracking during welding, whereas 1.4301 can be welded using most common processes, though it may be susceptible to intercrystalline corrosion after welding if not properly handled.

1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Formability

1.4301 (AISI 304) has superior formability compared to 1.4305 (AISI 303) because 1.4305 contains sulfur, which improves its machinability but reduces its formability and weldability. While both are austenitic stainless steels, 1.4301 is the better choice for applications requiring significant shaping and fabrication, whereas 1.4305 is preferred for parts that need to be easily machined.

1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Polishability
1.4301 (AISI 304) is significantly more polishable than 1.4305 (AISI 303), which has limited polishability due to the addition of sulfur that creates inclusions. While 1.4301 can be easily polished to a high shine, the inclusions in 1.4305 can cause localized pitting during polishing, resulting in a less desirable finish.

 

Is 1.4301 magnetic?
No, both grades are essentially non-magnetic in the annealed condition, though slight magnetism can appear after cold working.

 

1.4301 stainless steel round pipe  Price Range (Indicative)

Product Type	Grade	Estimated Price (USD/kg)	Remarks
Round Bar	1.4305	2.8 – 3.5 USD/kg	Machined finish, cut-to-length
Sheet / Plate	1.4301	2.6 – 3.2 USD/kg	2B or BA surface finish
Tube / Pipe	1.4301	3.0 – 4.0 USD/kg	Seamless or welded, polished

Prices vary by wall thickness, finish, certification, and order quantity.

 

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✅ Over 18 years of export experience in stainless steel products
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