EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel Round Bar: Hardness
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What is EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel?
EN 1.4404, also known as AISI 316L or X2CrNiMo17-12-2, is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with enhanced molybdenum content (~2–2.5%), giving it superior resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and acidic environments. It is widely used in marine, chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and architectural applications.
EN 1.4404 Stainless Steel Round Bar Hardness
| Condition | Hardness (Brinell HB) | Hardness (Rockwell B) |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed (Soft) | ≤ 217 HB | ≤ 95 HRB |
| Cold Drawn | ~200–240 HB | Up to 100 HRB |
| Hardened by Work | Up to 280 HB (max) | N/A (Not heat-treatable) |
Key Insight: Since 1.4404 is an austenitic stainless steel, it is not hardenable by heat treatment. Hardness is generally improved through cold working.For applications needing precise machining or high wear resistance, round bars in the cold drawn condition are preferable.
EN 1.4404 bar Specification
Chemical composition
| Chemical composition % | ||||||||||
| Standard | Steel name (Steel number) | C ≤ | Si ≤ | Mn ≤ | P ≤ | S ≤ | Cr | Ni | Mo | N ≤ |
| EN 10088-1 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404) | 0.03 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.0-13.0 | 2.00-2.50 | 0.10 |
Mechanical Properties
The following table gives the material 1.4404 mechanical properties in the solution-annealed condition for steel sheet, steel plate and steel strip.
| Standard | Steel Grade (Steel Number) | Product Condition | Thickness (mm), ≤ | 0,2 % yield strength (Mpa), (Transverse) | 1 % yield strength (Mpa), (Transverse) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Elongation (%), < 3mm thick | Elongation %, ≥ 4mm thick | Impact energy (J) KV2 > 10mm thick (Longitudinal) |
Impact energy (J) KV2 > 10mm thick (Transverse) |
| EN 10088-2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404) | cold rolled strip | 8 | ≥240 | ≥270 | 530-680 | ≥40 | ≥40 | – | – |
| hot rolled strip | 13,5 | ≥220 | ≥260 | 530-680 | ≥40 | ≥40 | 100 | 60 | ||
| hot rolled plate | 75 | ≥220 | ≥260 | 520-670 | ≥45 | ≥45 | 100 | 60 |
The following table gives the steel 1.4404 mechanical properties in solution annealed condition for semi-finished products, bars, rods, wires, profiles and bright products.
| Mechanical properties (EN 1.4404 solution annealed bar) | ||||||||
| Standard | Steel Grade (Steel Number) | Diameter (d) or Thickness (t) in mm | Hardness (HB) | 0.2% yield strength (N/mm2) | 1% yield strength (N/mm2) | Tensile strength (N/mm2) | Elongation (%) | Impact energy (J) |
| EN 10088-3 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404) | d≤160 | ≤ 215 | ≥ 200 | ≥ 235 | 500-700 | 40 (Longitudinal) | ≥ 100 (Longitudinal) |
| 160<t≤250 | 30 (Transverse) | ≥ 60 (Transverse) | ||||||
| Mechanical properties for EN 1.4404 bright bars (solution annealed) | ||||||
| Standard | Steel Grade (Steel Number) | Diameter (d) or Thickness (t) in mm | 0.2% yield strength (N/mm2) ≥ | Tensile strength (N/mm2) | Elongation (%) ≥ | Impact energy (J) ≥ |
| EN 10088-3 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404) | d≤10 | 400 | 600-930 | 25 | – |
| 10<t≤16 | 400 | 580-930 | 25 | – | ||
| 16<t≤40 | 190 | 500-830 | 30 | 100 | ||
| 40<t≤63 | 190 | 500-830 | 30 | 100 | ||
| 63<t≤160 | 190 | 500-700 | 40 | 100 | ||
| 160<t≤250 | 190 | 500-700 | 30 (Transverse) | 60 (Transverse) | ||
DIN EN 1.4404 forged round bar Welding
Compared to stainless steel 1.4401, it can be easily welded using a variety of conventional welding methods due to its extremely low carbon content and does not require annealing after welding.
1.4404 stainless steel metal bar Heat Treatment
Hot forming: 1150 – 850 ℃ (cooling: air)
Solution annealing: 1000 – 1100 ℃ (cooling: water, air)
Why Choose GNEE?
At GNEE Stainless, we offer EN 1.4404 stainless steel round bars in a wide range of diameters, finishes, and hardness levels-fully traceable with EN 10204 3.1 MTCs. Whether you require cold drawn, centerless ground, or annealed round bars, our team ensures fast delivery and quality assurance that meets global project standards.
Specifications of Stainless Steel 316L Bar
| Dimensions: | ASTM, ASME, DIN, BS, EN, IS, AMS, JIS, IBR & Other International Standards. |
|---|---|
| Standard: | ASTM A276, ASTM A479 |
| 316L SS Round Bars: | Outside Diameter in the range of 4mm to 500mm |
| SS 316L Square Bar: | 18mm – 47mm (11/16? to 1-3/4?) |
| Stainless Steel 316L Bright Bars: | Outside Diameter in the range of 4mm to 100mm |
| 316L Stainless Steel Hex Bar: | 18mm – 57mm (11/16? to 2-3/4?) |
| Stainless Steel 316L Flat Bar: | 1/2" to 10" in thickness range of 2mm to 150mm, Custom Size Stainless Steel Flats available |
| Length: | 1 to 6 Meters, Custom Cut Lengths |
Type Of EN 1.4404 stainless steel bars










