Detailed Analysis of X5CrNi18-10 and 1.4301 According to DIN EN 10088-2

In the European standard DIN EN 10088-2, X5CrNi18-10 and 1.4301 are two designations referring to the same material - a widely used austenitic stainless steel known globally for its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and versatility.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, material characteristics, and typical applications of X5CrNi18-10 / 1.4301.

1. Designation Interpretation

Item	Description
EN Material No.	1.4301
Steel Name	X5CrNi18-10
Common Equivalent	AISI 304, SUS304
Standard	DIN EN 10088-2 (Stainless steels for general purposes – technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip)

Meaning of X5CrNi18-10:

🔹X: Stainless steel

🔹5: Approximate carbon content (0.05%)

🔹Cr18: 18% Chromium

🔹Ni10: 10% Nickel

2. 1.4301 Chemical Composition (Typical according to EN 10088-2)

Element	Content (%)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.07
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.00
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015
Chromium (Cr)	17.5–19.5
Nickel (Ni)	8.0–10.5
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.11

🔹 Compared to older standards, EN 10088-2 further tightens the sulfur limit (≤0.015%), improving corrosion resistance, particularly pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

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3. 1.4301 Mechanical Properties (Typical for Annealed Condition)

Property	Value
Tensile Strength (Rm)	500–700 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	≥ 210 MPa
Elongation (A50)	≥ 45%
Hardness (Brinell HB)	≤ 215 HB
Impact Energy (Charpy V-Notch at 20°C)	High toughness

🔹 Note: 1.4301 maintains good toughness even down to cryogenic temperatures (as low as -196°C).

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4. 1.4301 stainless steel Key Characteristics

🔹Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Against atmospheric corrosion, foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, and many organic and inorganic chemicals.

🔹Good Formability and Weldability
Suitable for deep drawing, bending, welding without preheating, and post-weld heat treatment is generally unnecessary.

🔹Non-magnetic in Annealed Condition
(May become slightly magnetic after cold working).

🔹Temperature Range

Service temperature typically between -196°C and +600°C.

5. 1.4301 Applications

Industry	Typical Use Cases
Food and Beverage	Kitchen equipment, brewing tanks, piping
Medical and Pharmaceutical	Autoclaves, surgical instruments, processing tanks
Architecture and Construction	Facades, handrails, cladding
Chemical Processing	Low-concentration chemical tanks, piping
Household Goods	Sinks, cookware, appliances

6. Important Notes on Selection

🔹Not Recommended for Marine or Highly Chloride-Containing Environments
For such environments, grades like 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) or 1.4435 with molybdenum addition are better suited.

🔹Intergranular Corrosion Risk in High-Temperature Welding
If exposure to sensitization temperatures (450–850°C) is expected, 1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9, low carbon variant of 1.4301) is preferable