SS 316L Pipe VS 1.4404 stainless steel Pipe

Jul 21, 2025

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If you're looking for corrosion-resistant stainless steel pipe for industrial, chemical, or marine applications, you may be comparing SS 316L pipe and 1.4404 stainless steel pipe. While these names are often used interchangeably, there are technical and regional distinctions that buyers should understand before making a procurement decision.

What Is the Difference Between SS 316L and 1.4404?

SS 316L and 1.4404 both refer to low-carbon versions of 316 stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich and acidic environments.

Grade Name	Standard	Equivalent
SS 316L	ASTM A312 / A213	UNS S31603
1.4404	EN 10216-5 / EN 10088-1	X2CrNiMo17-12-2

SS 316L is the American designation (ASTM standard).

1.4404 is the European designation (EN standard).

Chemical Composition (Maximum Values)

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, ≥)

Grade	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)
TP316L	485	170	35
1.4404	490–690	190	40

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

Both SS 316L and 1.4404 stainless steel pipes have excellent corrosion resistance due to their low carbon content and molybdenum (Mo) content, which enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. However, 1.4404 generally has higher corrosion resistance, especially under European test conditions, due to stricter control of sulfur and phosphorus content in 1.4404.

Heat Treatment Comparison

SS 316L and 1.4404 are austenitic stainless steels that cannot be hardened by heat treatment. They are usually delivered in the annealed state to ensure optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Due to the low carbon content, post-weld heat treatment is usually not required, which minimizes the precipitation of carbides.

FAQ

Is 316L pipe the same as 1.4404 pipe?
Yes, 316L (UNS S31603) and 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) are chemically and mechanically equivalent, used under different standards (ASTM vs EN).

Can I substitute 1.4404 for 316L in my project?
In most cases, yes-as long as your industry or client specifications allow for international equivalency. Always confirm with material certificates and project requirements.

Which should I choose for export projects?
Choose SS 316L if your customer follows ASTM/ASME standards (USA, Middle East, Southeast Asia), or 1.4404 for EU-based or EN-standard markets.

What is the difference between 316 and 316L?

While both contain chromium for surface protection and nickel for enhanced ductility, 316 has a higher maximum carbon content of 0.08%. In contrast, 316L has a maximum of 0.03% carbon content. This seemingly tiny distinction significantly impacts material behaviour during manufacturing and operation.