1.4541 vs. 1.4401 stainless steel: key differences
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What is the equivalent of 1.4401 stainless steel?
316 stainless steel is a very common stainless steel grade and one of the most widely used stainless steel grades worldwide. This grade is written as 1.4401 or X5CrNiMo17-12-2 according to EN norms and UNS S31600 according to UNS norms. It can be processed into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire.
What is 1.4541 SS equivalent?
AISI 321 is an austenitic stainless steel also known as 1.4541, Alloy 321, BS 321S31, BS 321S51, and X6CrNiTi18-10. This material is a V2A steel stabilized by the addition of titanium, offering good corrosion resistance (PREN values of 17.0 to 19.0). It is an ideal choice for the automotive, chemical, food processing, and power generation industries, as well as for furnace components, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems.
1.4541 vs. 1.4401 stainless steel: key differences
The key difference is that 1.4401 (AISI 316) contains molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich and acidic environments, while 1.4541 (AISI 321) contains titanium to prevent intergranular corrosion, especially after welding or exposure to high temperatures.
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | 1.4541 (AISI 321) | 1.4401 (AISI 316) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.08 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 19.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 12.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | – | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.34 – 0.70 | – |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.11 | ≤ 0.11 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4541 (AISI 321) | 1.4401 (AISI 316) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 500 – 700 | 515 – 690 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% proof, MPa) | ≥ 210 | ≥ 205 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 95 | ≤ 95 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 193 | 193 |
Physical Properties
| Property | 1.4541 (AISI 321) | 1.4401 (AISI 316) |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Melting Range (°C) | 1400 – 1450 | 1370 – 1400 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.2 | 16.3 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/K, 20–100°C) | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·cm) | 72 | 74 |
1.4541 vs. 1.4401 stainless steel: Corrosion resistance
1.4401 (AISI 316) has superior corrosion resistance compared to 1.4541 (AISI 321), especially in chloride-containing environments, due to its addition of molybdenum. While 1.4541 offers good resistance to intergranular corrosion and is stable at high temperatures because of its titanium stabilization, 1.4401's molybdenum content provides better protection against pitting, stress corrosion cracking, and general corrosion.
1.4541 vs. 1.4401 stainless steel: High temperature resistance
Stainless steel 1.4541 (AISI 321) has better high-temperature resistance than 1.4401 (AISI 316) because it is stabilized with titanium, which prevents intergranular corrosion at high temperatures. 1.4541 can withstand temperatures up to 900°C in air, while 1.4401 is generally suitable for use up to around 550°C. The titanium in 1.4541 forms stable carbides, protecting the steel's corrosion resistance in high-temperature applications that would cause sensitization in 1.4401.
GNEE Stainless Steel is an independent stockist and fabricator of 321/321Ti stainless steel. With our extensive inventory and exceptional fabrication capabilities, we can meet most project requirements, whether stock or custom. We offer: stock-size plate and sheet, stock-length round bar, cut-to-length plate and sheet, cut-to-length round bar, cold forming of plate, sheet, and round bar, and any other necessary fabrication services. For any questions, pleaseEmail: info@gneestainless.com
