1.4408 vs. 1.4401 Stainless Steel: Key Differences in Applications and Properties
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What is 1.4408 Stainless Steel?
1.4408 is a European standard designation for a cast austenitic stainless steel, also known as GX5CrNiMo19-11-2. It is a highly corrosion-resistant material, particularly to chlorides, acids, and high-moisture environments, making it ideal for applications like marine components, chemical reactors, valve and pump parts, and heat exchangers
What is 1.4401 Stainless Steel?
1.4401 (AISI 316) is one of the most widely used grades of stainless steel. It is typically used in welded applications where strength and corrosion resistance are essential. With a higher carbon content compared to 1.4408, 1.4401 offers superior mechanical properties and is used for welding structures that require high temperature resistance and durability. It is commonly found in marine, food processing, and chemical industries.
What is the difference between 1.4401 and 1.4408?
The main difference is that 1.4401 is wrought stainless steel, while 1.4408 is a cast stainless steel. Both are austenitic stainless steels containing molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance, but 1.4401 is a bar product (also known as 316) used in general applications, whereas 1.4408 is a casting material used for specific parts and applications.
Chemical Composition
| Element | 1.4401 (Wrought) | 1.4408 (Cast) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.08% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.5–18.5% | 18.0–20.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0–13.0% | 9.0–11.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–2.5% | 2.0–2.5% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4401 (Wrought Steel) | 1.4408 (Cast Steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 500–700 | 440–640 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 200 | ≥ 200 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ~25 |
Corrosion Resistance:
1.4408 and 1.4401 both perform well in chloride-rich environments and marine applications, but 1.4401 is often preferred for welded applications due to its better resistance to intergranular corrosion, especially when used in high-temperature environments.
Weldability:
1.4401 has better weldability compared to 1.4408, making it more suitable for fabricated products requiring welding. 1.4408, with its slightly higher carbon content, may require post-weld heat treatment to prevent issues like sensitization.
Key Differences in Applications
Casting vs. Fabrication:
1.4408 is primarily used in casting applications. It is ideal for manufacturing parts like valves, pumps, and complex components that require high strength and corrosion resistance in cast form.
1.4401 is widely used in welded and fabricated applications, including pipes, tanks, pressure vessels, and other industrial equipment that require welding or complex forming processes.
1.4408 and 1.4401 Stainless Steel Suppliers
At GNEE, we supply both EN 1.4401 stainless steel pipes and sheets and custom 1.4408 cast stainless steel parts with:
1.Fast Delivery: Gnee stocks common sizes for immediate shipment. Custom-sized pipes can be delivered in as little as 7-15 days to meet tight project deadlines.
2.Export-grade packaging: Pipes are packed in waterproof plastic film, woven bags or plywood boxes and reinforced with steel straps.
3.Full Certification: All products come with EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 mill test certificates, certificates of origin and third-party inspection reports (e.g. SGS, BV).
4.Value-added Processing: Optional services include cutting, grooving, bending, drilling, laser marking and polishing, helping buyers reduce secondary processing time and costs.
