difference between 1.4301 and 1.4305
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1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) belongs to the German standard austenitic stainless steel, and the implementation standard is EN 10088-1-2005. 1.4301 stainless steel is a common material among stainless steels, with a density of 7.93 g/cm3, and is also called 18/8 stainless steel in the industry. As a widely used steel, it has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties; it has good hot processing properties such as stamping and bending, and no heat treatment hardening phenomenon (using temperature -196℃~800℃).
1.4305 (X8CrNiS18-9) belongs to the German standard sulfur-containing free-cutting austenitic stainless steel, and the implementation standard is EN 10088-1-2005. 1.4305 stainless steel improves cutting performance and high temperature bonding resistance. Suitable for automatic lathes, bolts and nuts. Used in occasions where easy cutting and high surface finish are mainly required.
difference between 1.4301 and 1.4305
Here is a comparison table of 1.4301 and 1.4305 in terms of chemical composition and mechanical properties:
| Property | 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) | 1.4305 (X8CrNiS18-9) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.07% 45 | ≤0.15% 2 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0–19.0% 46 / 18.0–20.0% 5 | 17.0–19.0% 2 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0–11.0% 45 | 8.0–10.0% 2 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030% 45 | 0.15–0.30% 23 |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥235 MPa 4 | ≥599 MPa 2 |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 530–730 MPa 4 | ≥878 MPa 2 |
| Elongation (A%) | ~40% 4 | 31% 2 |
| Hardness (HBW) | ≤187 5 | ≤312 2 |
Key Differences:
Sulfur Content: 1.4305 contains 0.15–0.30% sulfur (for enhanced machinability) , whereas 1.4301 has ≤0.03% sulfur .
Strength: 1.4305 demonstrates higher yield and tensile strength but lower ductility compared to 1.4301 .
1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
1.4301 stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance compared to 1.4305, primarily because the latter contains sulfur for improved machinability. The sulfur in 1.4305 compromises its resistance to corrosive environments, especially those containing acids and chlorides, where it is prone to pitting. Both grades perform well in mild, conventional environments, but 1.4301 is the better choice when corrosion resistance is the priority.
1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Machinability
1.4305 (AISI 303) stainless steel is significantly more machinable than 1.4301 (AISI 304) because it contains added sulfur, which creates short, easily-broken chips during cutting. This makes 1.4305 the preferred choice for high-precision machining operations. In contrast, 1.4301 is less easy to machine, but offers superior corrosion resistance and better weldability.
1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Weldability
1.4301 (AISI 304) has good weldability and is a common choice for applications requiring welding, while 1.4305 (AISI 303) has poor weldability and is not recommended for welding due to its higher sulfur content, which improves machinability but hinders welding. The sulfur in 1.4305 can lead to cracking during welding, whereas 1.4301 can be welded using most common processes, though it may be susceptible to intercrystalline corrosion after welding if not properly handled.
1.4305 Vs 1.4301 Stainless Steel: Polishability
1.4301 (AISI 304) is significantly more polishable than 1.4305 (AISI 303), which has limited polishability due to the addition of sulfur that creates inclusions. While 1.4301 can be easily polished to a high shine, the inclusions in 1.4305 can cause localized pitting during polishing, resulting in a less desirable finish.
Applications:
1.4301: Widely used in food processing, medical devices, and general corrosion-resistant applications .
1.4305: Ideal for machined components (e.g., bolts, nuts) requiring high-speed cutting .
1.4301 and 1.4305 stainless steel: How to choose?
Choose 1.4301 (AISI 304) if: The part requires welding, deep drawing, or exposure to harsh environmental conditions (food industry, architectural, chemical, coastal). It is the versatile, all-purpose grade.
Choose 1.4305 (AISI 303) if: You are producing thousands of small, turned parts on a lathe or CNC machine and need fast production times without tool breakage. It is ideal for nuts, bolts, and gears that do not require welding.
At GNEE Stainless Steel, we provide high-quality 1.4301 and 1.4305 stainless steel tailored to your needs.
Comparison of 1.4301 & 1.4305 Stainless Steel: Product Form
| Property | 1.4301 (304 Stainless Steel) | 1.4305 (304L Stainless Steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Forms | Sheets, Plates, Pipes, Tubes, Coils, Bars | Sheets, Plates, Pipes, Tubes, Fasteners |
Payment Terms & Shipping Methods for 1.4301 & 1.4305 Stainless Steel
| Payment Terms | Shipping Method | Delivery Time | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| • T/T: 30% advance, 70% balance before shipment | • Sea Freight (FCL / LCL) | • 7–30 days for standard orders | • Plastic caps on both ends |
| • T/T: 100% upfront (for small orders) | • Rail Transport (available for selected regions) | • Wooden cases or steel pallets for export | |
| • Other payment terms available upon agreement | • CIF / FOB / DDP based on agreement | • Optional third-party inspection available |
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