What is the equivalent material of 1.4404 stainless steel pipe?
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1.4404 stainless steel pipe is a high-performance austenitic stainless steel used in pharmaceutical, chemical processing, and high-purity piping systems. But if you're sourcing materials globally or comparing standards, you've likely asked:
👉 What is the equivalent of EN 1.4404 stainless steel pipe?
👉 Is 1.4404 the same as 316L ?
👉 Which UNS or AISI grade matches 1.4404?
In this guide, we'll break down the equivalent materials, chemical composition, and how 1.4438 compares to 316L and 316LN, so you can make an informed procurement decision.
What is the equivalent material of 1.4404 stainless steel pipe?
EN Material Number: 1.4438
EN Name: X2CrNiMo18-15-4
UNS Number: S31603 (enhanced version)
Typical Specification: EN 10216-5 / EN 10217-7
Form: Seamless or welded pipe, often orbital-welded for hygienic use
1.4404 Ultra-clean precision steel pipe Key Characteristics:
Extra low carbon (≤0.03%)
Higher nickel (~15%) for better formability and corrosion resistance
Enhanced surface finish for cleanroom and pharmaceutical-grade systems
Often specified in ASME BPE, DIN 11866, ISO 1127 piping standards
1.4404 vs 316L vs 316LN: What's the Difference?
| Grade | Nickel Content | Nitrogen | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L (1.4404) | 10–13% | ≤0.10% | General-purpose pipe, food, marine |
| 316LN (1.4429) | 12–15% | 0.10–0.16% | High-strength, cryogenic, chemical |
| 1.4404 | 14.6–15.5% | ≤0.11% | High-purity piping, pharma, biotech |
✅ 1.4404 is essentially a high-nickel, low-carbon version of 316L, offering better formability and resistance to surface corrosion, especially in ultra-clean or sterile environments.
Where Is ASME 316L BPE stainless steel pipe grades Used?
Pharmaceutical process systems (per ASME BPE)
Biotechnology and clean-in-place (CIP) applications
Ultra-pure water (UPW) and WFI lines
Semiconductor and food-grade fluid handling
Need Help Selecting the Right Grade?
We supply 1.4404 stainless steel pipe in EN/DIN, ASTM, and ISO standards, with mill test certificates, surface roughness control (Ra ≤ 0.4μm), and orbital weld-ready ends.
🔹 Need dual-certified 316L/1.4404 pipe?
🔹 Looking for EN 10216-5 stainless steel tubes for high-purity applications?
📧 Contact our technical team today for expert advice or a fast quote.
