stainless steel 1.4372 vs 1.4373

What is EN 1.4372 (201LN) stainless steel?

EN 1.4372 is a nitrogen-reinforced austenitic stainless steel with low nickel content, high yield strength, and moderate corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in structural and interior applications as an economical alternative to 304 stainless steel.

 

What is EN 1.4373?

EN 1.4373 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as AISI 202, which is an economical alternative to traditional stainless steels like 304. It is used in applications requiring durability, such as ship parts, automotive components, medical devices, and equipment for the chemical and food industries.

 

What is the equivalent of 1.4373 stainless steel?

The equivalent material for stainless steel 1.4373 is AISI 202 (or UNS S20200) and its Chinese designation 1Cr18Mn8Ni5N. It is an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese stainless steel and a more economical choice than traditional stainless steels such as 304.

 

The main difference is that stainless steel 1.4372 has a lower manganese and nickel content, while stainless steel 1.4373 has a higher manganese content. Both are austenitic stainless steels, but their differing compositions lead to slight variations in mechanical properties and a difference in their chemical composition names: 1.4372 is also known as X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 and 1.4373 is X12CrMnNiN18-9-5.

Feature	1.4372 Stainless Steel	1.4373 Stainless Steel
Standard	EN 10088 / DIN 1.4372	EN 10088 / DIN 1.4373
Carbon Content	≤0.03%	≤0.03%
Alloy Type	Austenitic stainless steel	Austenitic stainless steel
Main Stabilizing Element	Titanium	Titanium

 

Chemical Composition  (EN 10088)

Element	1.4372	1.4373
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03%	≤ 0.06%
Chromium (Cr)	16 – 18%	16 – 18%
Nickel (Ni)	3.5 – 5.5%	4 – 6%
Manganese (Mn)	5.5 – 7.5%	6 – 8%
Nitrogen (N)	0.10 – 0.30%	0.12 – 0.25%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1%	≤ 1%
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.04%	≤ 0.04%
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015%	≤ 0.015%

 

Mechanical Property

	1.4372 (201LN / EN 1.4372)	1.4373 (202 / EN 1.4373)
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	350–450 MPa	300–400 MPa
Tensile Strength (Rm)	500–700 MPa	500–650 MPa
Elongation (A5)	30–40%	30–35%
Hardness (HRB)	90–95	85–92
Impact Toughness (Charpy, 20°C)	50–70 J	45–65 J
Density	7.8 g/cm³	7.8 g/cm³
Melting Range	1450–1520°C	1450–1520°C

 

1.4372 vs. 1.4373 Stainless Steel: Machining Properties

1.4373 (AISI 303) has significantly better machining properties than 1.4372 (AISI 201) due to its higher sulfur content; sulfur is added to improve machinability. 1.4373 readily forms fine, loose chips, thus it is considered one of the best machinable stainless steels, while 1.4372 has poorer machinability and is more difficult to machine.

1.4372 vs. 1.4373 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

1.4373 (also known as 201) generally has slightly better corrosion resistance than 1.4372 (also known as 201) because the "sulfur-rich" composition of 1.4373 enhances its corrosion resistance. Both grades of stainless steel have good atmospheric and acid resistance, with 1.4373's corrosion resistance being further enhanced by its lower sulfur content.

1.4372 and 1.4373 Stainless Steel: Weldability

Both 1.4372 (AISI 201) and 1.4373 are weldable austenitic stainless steels, but 1.4373 generally has more versatile weldability and requires less post-weld treatment. 1.4372 can be welded using common methods, but post-weld annealing is required to maintain its corrosion resistance. 1.4373 is also suitable for all conventional welding processes, but its higher coefficient of thermal expansion requires more care to prevent deformation, and post-weld treatment is generally not necessary.

 

If you are looking for high-quality stainless steel materials for structural, decorative, or industrial applications, GNEE offers a wide range of EN 1.4372 and 1.4373 stainless steel sheets, coils, strips, and custom-processed components.
Our products come with ISO, SGS, BV, and EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 material certificates, ensuring reliable chemical composition, consistent mechanical performance, and traceable quality.Email: info@gneestainless.com