1.4408 vs. 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Key Differences
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What is 1.4404 equivalent to?
EN 1.4404, also known as AISI 316L / X2CrNiMo17-12-2, is a wrought stainless steel with low carbon content (≤0.03%), providing superior weldability and excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. It is mainly used for plates, coils, sheets, and tubes.
What is 1.4408 Stainless Steel?
EN 1.4408 is a cast stainless steel grade, equivalent to ASTM CF8M, designed for valves, pumps, and fittings. It contains 2–3% molybdenum, improving pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments. The casting form provides excellent shape flexibility and high toughness, suitable for complex geometries.
What is 1.4408 equivalent to?
1.4408 is also known as 3l6LSi grade or GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 cast stainless steel. It is equivalent to several other material grades. Common equivalent materials include ASTM A351 CF8M, ASTM A743 CF8M, ASTM A744 CF8M, AISI 316, and JIS SCS14A.
1.4404 vs. 1.4408: Key differences
| Feature | 1.4404 (AISI 316L) | 1.4408 (AISI 316 / CF8M) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Wrought (solid) | Cast |
| Typical Use | Applications requiring high formability and corrosion resistance, such as pipes, sheets, and machined parts. | Creating complex shapes through casting, such as pump casings, valve bodies, and fittings. |
| Carbon Content | Maximum 0.03% | Maximum 0.07% |
| Mechanical Properties | Generally higher elongation and ductility due to lower carbon content. | Lower ductility compared to 1.4404 due to higher carbon content. |
| Purity | Considered more "pure" for applications sensitive to carbide inclusions. | Can contain more non-metallic inclusions due to the casting process. |
Chemical Composition Comparison (Typical Values)
| Element | EN 1.4408 (CF8M) | EN 1.4404 (316L) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 – 21.0% | 16.5 – 18.5% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 12.0% | 10.0 – 13.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0% | 2.0 – 2.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 2.0% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.015% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties Comparison
| Property | 1.4408 | 1.4404 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 440–640 | 485–700 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥190 | ≥170 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥30 | ≥40 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤230 | ≤217 |
Which is better for corrosion resistance, 1.4408 or 1.4404?
1.4404 generally offers better corrosion resistance, especially against intergranular corrosion, due to its lower carbon content compared to 1.4408. 1.4404 is also better for applications involving welding or high temperatures, while 1.4408 is a cast steel often used for components like pumps, with good resistance in specific environments.
What are the hardness values of 1.4408 and 1.4404?
The hardness of 1.4408 is not specified in the provided results, while the typical Brinell hardness for 1.4404 is 190 to 270 HB or up to 215 HB for certain products. The Rockwell hardness for 1.4404 can reach a maximum of B90, which is equivalent to 215 HB.
What is the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4401 stainless steel?
The main difference is the carbon content: 1.4401 (316) has a higher maximum carbon content (0.07%) than 1.4404 (316L), which has a lower maximum carbon content (0.03%). This difference makes 1.4404 more resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding, though the lower carbon content in 1.4404 results in only a slight reduction in strength compared to 1.4401.
At Gnee, we supply both cast and wrought forms of 316-type stainless steel:
✅ 1.4408 Stainless Steel Cast Products
Casting weight range: 0.5 kg – 2000 kg
Process: Investment casting / sand casting
Machining: CNC finishing, polishing, drilling
Applications: Valve bodies, pump casings, flanges, marine parts
✅ 1.4404 Stainless Steel Rolled Products
Forms: Plate, sheet, coil, tube, bar
Thickness: 0.3 mm – 60 mm
Surface finishes: 2B, BA, No.4, HL, Mirror, Pickled
Standards: ASTM A240, A312, A554, EN 10088-2
Custom cutting, laser processing, bending, and packaging available
All products are ISO 9001 / SGS / BV certified and packaged with moisture-proof protection, shipped on wooden pallets or crates with fast delivery (7–15 days).
