What is the difference between en 1.4401 and aisi 316?
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When sourcing stainless steel for industrial or commercial applications, buyers often come across two designations: EN 1.4401 and AISI 316. While they appear different, they are often considered equivalent materials-but are they truly the same?
In this article, we will explain the differences between EN 1.4401 and AISI 316, covering chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and application suitability to help you make informed procurement decisions.
1. What is the EN equivalent of AISI 316?
The European standard (EN) equivalent of AISI 316 is 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2). Both are molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steels with excellent corrosion resistance and are widely used in chemical, marine, and medical applications.
2. What is the equivalent material of 1.4401?
The direct equivalents of EN 1.4401 are AISI 316 (American Standard) and SUS 316 (Japanese Standard). Its core composition is chromium (16.5-18.5%), nickel (10-13%), molybdenum (2-2.5%), and low carbon (≤0.07%), providing high resistance to acids and alkalis. In the ISO standard, it corresponds to X5CrNiMo17-12-2, making it highly internationally compatible.
3.Is 1.4401 the same as 316?
Both EN 1.4401 (European designation) and AISI 316 (American standard) refer to austenitic stainless steels that contain molybdenum (~2-2.5%) for improved corrosion resistance over 304-grade steel.
| Property | EN 1.4401 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 10088-1 | ASTM A240 / ASTM A276 |
| UNS Designation | S31600 | S31600 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.5–18.5% | 16–18% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10–13% | 10–14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–2.5% | 2.0–3.0% |
| Tensile Strength | ≥500 MPa | 515–760 MPa |
| Density | ~7.98 g/cm³ | ~7.98 g/cm³ |
4.EN 10088 vs AISI standards
EN 10088 is a European standard covering stainless steels, specifying chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and product forms (e.g., sheets, bars) for various grades. AISI standards, developed by the U.S. Steel Institute, focus on alloy designations (e.g., 304, 316) with broader industry adoption.
5.What is the difference between AISI 304 and 1.4401?
AISI 304 (18-8 Cr-Ni) and 1.4401 (316, 18-10 Cr-Ni-Mo) differ primarily in alloying: 304 lacks molybdenum, while 1.4401 contains 2-3% Mo, boosting its resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion. 304 suits general environments (e.g., food equipment), while 1.4401 is ideal for harsher settings (e.g., marine, chemical processing).
6.What is the difference between 1.4435 and 316L stainless steel?
1.4435 (EN standard) is the direct equivalent of 316L (AISI/ASTM), both being low-carbon (≤0.03% C) versions to resist intergranular corrosion after welding. The key nuance is stricter controls in EN 10088 for 1.4435, with slightly higher molybdenum (2.5-3.5%) and tighter impurity limits, making it marginally more robust in extreme chloride or high-temperature applications.
Why Choose GNEE?
GNEE supplies high-quality EN 1.4401 / AISI 316 stainless steel in a variety of forms, including:
AISI 316 stainless steel Seamless and welded pipes
AISI 316 stainless steel Cold-rolled and hot-rolled sheets/plates
AISI 316 stainless steel Precision-cut bars and rods
Value-added services: polishing (2B/BA/Mirror), waterjet cutting, CNC machining, heat treatment, EN 10204 3.1 certification.
Global Shipping: Fast delivery to Europe, South Korea, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and more.
Contact GNEE now to get a competitive quote for your EN 1.4401 / AISI 316 stainless steel needs and ensure your project is backed by certified quality and expert support!
