What is the difference between 1.4404 and 316L?

What is 1.4404 steel equivalent to?
Stainless steel types 1.4401 and 1.4404 are also known as grades 316 and 316L respectively. Grade 316 is an austenitic grade second only to 304 in commercial importance. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum that gives it improved corrosion resistance.

 

Are 1.4404 and 316L the same?

Yes, 1.4404 and 316L stainless steel are the same material. The only difference lies in the standards they are based on: 1.4404 is the European standard (EN), while 316L is the American standard (AISI), both referring to the same austenitic stainless steel. In fact, in many applications, EN 1.4404 and AISI 316L are used interchangeably.

 

1.4404 stainless steel vs. 316L：Chemical Composition

Element	EN 1.4404 (EN 10088)	AISI 316L (ASTM A240)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.030%	≤ 0.030%
Chromium (Cr)	16.5–18.5%	16–18%
Nickel (Ni)	10.0–13.0%	10–14%
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.0–2.5%	2.0–3.0%
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.11%	≤ 0.10%
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Balance

 

1.4404 stainless steel vs. 316L：Mechanical Properties 

Property	1.4404	316L
Tensile Strength	480–620 MPa	485–620 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 170 MPa	≥ 170 MPa
Elongation	≥ 40%	≥ 40%
Hardness	≤ 217 HB	≤ 217 HB

 

Corrosion Resistance
Grade 316L has excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to a range of corrosive environments and media. It is usually regarded as "marine grade" stainless steel but is not resistant to warm sea water. Warm chloride environments can cause pitting and crevice corrosion. Grade 316 is also subject to stress corrosion cracking above around 60°C.

 

Heat Treatment
316L stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 1010-1120°C.

 

What is the equivalent casting for 316L?

The direct casting equivalent for 316L stainless steel is CF3M. This cast grade (CF3M) is designed to have properties similar to the wrought 316L grade, with a very similar chemical composition and the same low-carbon content, making it suitable for applications where 316L is typically used but casting is necessary for complex shapes. Other equivalents exist, such as SCS16A (Japan), while CF8M is the casting equivalent for the standard 316 grade (not 316L).

 

Is CF3M the same as 316L?
No, CF3M and 316L are not identical, but they are the cast and wrought equivalents of each other, respectively. CF3M is the cast version, while 316L is the wrought (formed) version of the same low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing stainless steel alloy.

 

Is A4 stainless steel the same as 316L?
SAE 316L grade stainless steel, sometimes referred to as A4 stainless steel or marine grade stainless steel, is the second most common austenitic stainless steel after 304/A2 stainless steel.