Is 1.4404 the same as 316L?
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In the stainless steel market, many of our clients' projects require EN/DIN standards. However, EN standards are not common in the domestic Chinese market. When client requirements are smaller, we often ask them to confirm whether equivalent ASME standards can be used in place of EN standards, as ASTM standards are more readily available. Therefore, today we will briefly analyze the differences between 316L stainless steel and 1.4404 in terms of chemical composition and mechanical properties.
What's the difference between 1.4404 and 316L stainless steel?
There's essentially no difference; 1.4404, a European standard (EN) designation, is the same material as 316L, an American standard (AISI/ASTM). 316L is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-containing environments. They have similar chemical compositions and properties, but 316L's low carbon content provides excellent weldability and resistance to sensitization.
What material is 1.4404 equivalent to?
316L stainless steel is a very good stainless steel grade for corrosion resistance. This grade is written as 1.4404 or X2CrNiMo17-12-2 according to EN norm and it is written as UNS S31603 according to UNS norm.
| EU EN |
USA | Germany DIN,WNr |
Japan JIS |
France AFNOR |
England BS |
Italy UNI |
China GB |
Sweden SS |
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| X2CrNiMo18-14-3 (1.4435) |
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What is another name for 316L stainless steel?
316L stainless steel is an austenitic alloy commonly known as "marine grade stainless steel" because it can be used for nearly 90% of marine applications – including filtration.
What is the cast equivalent of 316L?
Stainless steel SA-351 CF3M is a molybdenum bearing modification of CF3 austenitic steel alloy and is the cast equivalent of wrought AISI 316L stainless steel.
Chemical Composition Comparison (Max.)
This table compares the chemical composition values for 316L and 1.4404 stainless steels, showing their respective maximum values for key elements like carbon (C), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), nitrogen (N), and others.
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | N | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | 0.04 | 2.00 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 1.00 | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.00-3.00 | - | - |
| 1.4404 | 0.03 | 2.00 | 0.04 | 0.015 | 1.00 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.0-13.0 | 2.00-2.50 | 0.11 | - |
Mechanical Properties (Mpa, ≥)
This table compares the mechanical properties of TP316L and 1.4404 stainless steels, including tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.
| Grade | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP316L | 485 MPa | 170 MPa | 35% |
| 1.4404 | 490-690 MPa | 190 MPa | 40% |
Can 316L stainless steel replace 1.4404 stainless steel?
Yes, 316L stainless steel can often be substituted for 1.4404 stainless steel, as they are essentially the same material. 316L is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) designation, while 1.4404 is the European Institute for Testing Materials (EN) designation for low-carbon, molybdenum-containing austenitic stainless steel. This substitution is perfectly acceptable in most applications, particularly those involving welding, high-purity environments, or the chemical and marine industries, as they offer equally excellent corrosion resistance and excellent weldability.

who choose us?
If you have a project need for 316L 1.4404 stainless steel , we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process these bars into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service.Email: info@gneestainless.com







