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1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: what’s the difference?

When choosing stainless steel materials, 1.4372 stainless steel and 1.4301 stainless steel (AISI 304) are often compared. They are both austenitic stainless steels, but there are obvious differences in chemical composition, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, magnetism and price. This article will take you to an in-depth understanding of the key differences between 1.4372 and 1.4301, helping you make a more appropriate choice based on your actual needs.

1.4301 Stainless Steel

1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel:  Chemical Composition (Major Elements, %)

Element 1.4372 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5) 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)
Carbon (C) ≤0.15 ≤0.07
Chromium (Cr) 16.0–18.0 17.5–19.5
Nickel (Ni) 3.5–5.5 8.0–10.5
Manganese (Mn) 5.5–7.5 ≤2.0
Nitrogen (N) 0.05–0.25 ≤0.11 (typically trace)

1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel:  Mechanical Properties

Property 1.4372 1.4301
Tensile Strength ≥635 MPa (higher strength) ≥520 MPa (moderate strength)
Yield Strength ≥245 MPa (Mn/N strengthening) ≥215 MPa
Elongation ≥40% (good ductility) ≥40% (excellent ductility)
Hardness Typically ≤217 HBW Typically ≤187 HBW

1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: Physical Properties

Property 1.4372 1.4301
Density 7.93 g/cm³ 7.93 g/cm³
Thermal Conductivity ~16 W/(m·K) ~16.2 W/(m·K)
Linear Thermal Expansion 17.3×10⁻⁶/℃ 17.2×10⁻⁶/℃
Magnetism Non-magnetic (austenitic) Non-magnetic (austenitic)

Which one is better in corrosion resistance, 1.4301 or 1.4372 stainless steel?

1.4301's high nickel-chromium (Cr17.5–19.5%, Ni8–10.5%) forms a more stable passivation film, which is more resistant to chloride ions (such as seawater and salt spray), and is suitable for humid or corrosive environments.
High temperature oxidation: 1.4301 can be used for a long time at ≤800℃, and 1.4372 is only suitable for ≤600℃.

Price per kilogram of 1.4301 stainless steel?

1.4372: Due to its low nickel content (about 50% of 1.4301), the cost is significantly lower, and it is suitable for non-critical parts that do not require high corrosion resistance (such as ordinary structural parts, low-cost decoration).
1.4301: It has balanced comprehensive performance and is the "panacea" among stainless steels. Although the price is higher, it is more cost-effective in corrosive environments and has a long

Are 1.4372 and 1.4301 stainless steels magnetic?

Both are austenitic stainless steels and are non-magnetic at room temperature (unless cold worked to martensitic transformation, they may be weakly magnetic).

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