Are EN 1.4404 and X2CrNiMo17-12-2 Stainless Steel the same?
Apr 24, 2025
Leave a message
Are EN 1.4404 and X2CrNiMo17-12-2 the Same Stainless Steel? - A Must-Know Guide for Procurement Professionals
When selecting stainless steel materials in global procurement, you may encounter two seemingly different designations: EN 1.4404 and X2CrNiMo17-12-2. At first glance, many purchasing engineers might assume these refer to different materials. In fact, they are simply two naming conventions for the same type of stainless steel. Understanding their equivalence is essential for ensuring material consistency, avoiding procurement errors, and managing costs effectively.

EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel equipment
| Name | Standard System | Naming Convention | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1.4404 | EN 10088 | Material Number | Unified European material identification number |
| X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | EN 10088 | Chemical Composition Name (formerly DIN) | Based on key alloying elements and their percentages |
EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition (According to EN 10088-2)
| Element | Range (by weight %) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.5 – 18.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 13.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 2.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.11 |
EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties (Annealed or Cold-Worked Condition)
| Property | Minimum Value (Room Temperature) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 500 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥ 200 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 40% |
| Brinell Hardness (HBW) | ≤ 215 |
EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel Material Characteristics & Typical Applications
| Attribute | Performance |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Type | Austenitic (non-magnetic) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, especially in chloride-bearing or mildly acidic environments (e.g., marine, pharmaceutical, food) |
| Weldability | Excellent, no post-weld heat treatment required |
| Heat Treatability | Not hardenable by heat treatment |
| Typical Applications | Medical equipment, food processing, chemical equipment, marine piping, pharmaceutical tubing |







