EN 1.4306 vs 1.4303 stainless steel: what’s the difference?
EN 1.4306 stainless steel and 1.4303 stainless steel are both commonly used building materials in life. Today we will analyze the differences between the two with you through the following points. I hope it will be helpful for you to choose stainless steel products for your project! If you still have questions, please contact us in time!

EN 1.4306 vs 1.4303 stainless steel Chemical Composition
| EN 1.4306 | EN 1.4303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition (%) | Carbon (C): ≤0.03 Silicon (Si): ≤1.00 Manganese (Mn): ≤2.00 Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045 Sulfur (S): ≤0.030 Chromium (Cr): 18.00 - 20.00 Nickel (Ni): 10.00 - 12.50 |
Carbon (C): ≤0.07 Silicon (Si): ≤1.00 Manganese (Mn): ≤2.00 Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045 Sulfur (S): ≤0.030 Chromium (Cr): 17.00 - 19.00 Nickel (Ni): 11.00 - 13.00 |
EN 1.4306 vs 1.4303 stainless steel Properties
| EN 1.4306 | EN 1.4303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Brinell Hardness: 190 - 270 Elastic Modulus: 200 GPa (29 x 10⁶ psi) Elongation at Break: 14 - 45% Fatigue Strength: 190 - 330 MPa (28 - 47 x 10³ psi) Shear Strength: 400 - 550 MPa (59 - 79 x 10³ psi) Tensile Strength - Ultimate: 580 - 900 MPa (84 - 130 x 10³ psi) Tensile Strength - Yield: 210 - 570 MPa (30 - 83 x 10³ psi) |
Brinell Hardness: 190 - 270 Elastic Modulus: 200 GPa (29 x 10⁶ psi) Elongation at Break: 13 - 49% Fatigue Strength: 220 - 320 MPa (32 - 46 x 10³ psi) Shear Strength: 420 - 540 MPa (61 - 79 x 10³ psi) Tensile Strength - Ultimate: 590 - 900 MPa (85 - 130 x 10³ psi) Tensile Strength - Yield: 230 - 560 MPa (33 - 81 x 10³ psi) |
EN 1.4306 vs 1.4303 stainless steel Physical Properties
| EN 1.4306 | EN 1.4303 | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Properties | Density: 7.8 g/cm³ (490 lb/ft³) Latent Heat of Fusion: 290 J/g Maximum Temperature - Corrosion: 420°C (790°F) Maximum Temperature - Mechanical: 960°C (1770°F) Melting Completion (Liquidus): 1420°C (2590°F) Melting Onset (Solidus): 1380°C (2510°F) Specific Heat Capacity: 480 J/kg - K (0.11 Btu/lb - °F) Thermal Conductivity: 15 W/m - K (8.7 Btu/h - ft - °F) Thermal Expansion: 16 µm/m - K Electrical Conductivity - Equal Volume: 2.4% IACS Electrical Conductivity - Equal Weight: 2.7% IACS |
Density: 7.8 g/cm³ (490 lb/ft³) Latent Heat of Fusion: 290 J/g Maximum Temperature - Corrosion: 410°C (780°F) Maximum Temperature - Mechanical: 940°C (1730°F) Melting Completion (Liquidus): 1420°C (2590°F) Melting Onset (Solidus): 1380°C (2510°F) Specific Heat Capacity: 480 J/kg - K (0.11 Btu/lb - °F) Thermal Conductivity: 15 W/m - K (8.7 Btu/h - ft - °F) Thermal Expansion: 16 µm/m - K Electrical Conductivity - Equal Volume: 2.4% IACS Electrical Conductivity - Equal Weight: 2.7% IACS |
Surface Treatment:
EN 1.4306 stainless steel achieves better surface finish and more stable passivation films during processes such as polishing and passivation. It has a more uniform and consistent surface quality, making it more advantageous in applications where appearance and corrosion resistance are crucial.
EN 1.4303 stainless steel, when exposed to high humidity, high salinity, or corrosive environments for extended periods, does not maintain its corrosion resistance as well as EN 1.4306, especially after surface treatment.

Price and Cost:
Typically, the price of EN 1.4306 is higher than that of EN 1.4303 due to its higher nickel content, ranging from 10.00% to 12.50%, which is relatively higher.







