What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4404?
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If you're choosing between 1.4301 and 1.4404 stainless steel for your next project, understanding the key differences in composition, corrosion resistance, and application suitability is essential. This guide compares the two grades to help engineers, procurement managers, and industrial buyers make informed decisions.
What material is 1.4404 equivalent to?
| Grade | Common Name | Standard Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4301 | AISI 304 | X5CrNi18-10 (EN) |
| 1.4404 | AISI 316L | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (EN) |
1.4301 vs. 1.4404 stainless steel：Chemical Composition Comparison
The primary difference between 1.4301 and 1.4404 lies in molybdenum (Mo) content.
| Element | 1.4301 (304) | 1.4404 (316L) |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 17.5–19.5% | 16.5–18.5% |
| Ni | 8.0–10.5% | 10.0–13.0% |
| Mo | 0% | 2.0–2.5% |
| C | ≤0.07% | ≤0.03% |
1.4301 vs. 1.4404 stainless steel：Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4301 | 1.4404 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥230 | ≥220 |
| Tensile Strength | 500–700 | 500–700 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥45 | ≥45 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤215 | ≤217 |
Corrosion Resistance
1.4301 performs well in mild environments, such as indoors or in dry environments. 1.4404, with its enhanced chloride resistance, is suitable for marine environments, chemical processing, food and pharmaceutical equipment, seawater piping, and heat exchangers. If your application involves exposure to salt, acid, or outdoor humid environments, 1.4404 is the best choice.
Welding & Fabrication
Both 1.4301 and 1.4404 are austenitic and have excellent weldability.
1.4404's low carbon content eliminates the need for post-weld heat treatment.Both grades are suitable for deep drawing, bending, and forming.
What is the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4307?
While both are low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel, EN 1.4404 has superior corrosion resistance due to its molybdenum content. EN 1.4307 (304L) is more vulnerable to corrosion in chloride environments.
What is the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4571?
1.4571 has a heat resistance up to 400 degrees Celsius. With 1.4404, it lies between 300 and 350 degrees Celsius. With other mechanical properties, for example cold formability, cold compression and notch impact strength the enrichment with titanium brings a degradation, compared to 1.4404.
GNEE - Your Trusted Stainless Steel Supplier
Whether you need 1.4301 stainless steel sheets for general fabrication or 1.4404 pipes and fittings for aggressive environments, GNEE offers full-range stainless steel solutions with:
✅ Mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
✅ Custom cutting and surface finishing
✅ Global logistics support
✅ Competitive pricing and bulk inventory
📩 Contact us today for a quote or technical consultation.
