1.4301 stainless steel, also known as AISI 304 or X5CrNi18-10, is an austenitic stainless steel. It has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in oxidizing environments, as well as good machinability and weldability. This stainless steel is often used to manufacture food handling equipment, medical equipment, and chemical processing equipment
1.4301 stainless steel Chemical Composition
| Chemical Composition (wt%) | Physical Properties | ||||||
| Element | Min | Max | Density (g/cm³) | Melting Point (°C) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) | Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·m) |
| Carbon (C) | - | 0.08 | 7.93 | 1398-1454 | 16.2 | 500 | 72 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 | 20.0 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 | 12.0 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Nitrogen (N) | - | 0.10 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Phosphorus (P) | - | 0.045 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sulphur (S) | - | 0.030 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Silicon (Si) | - | 1.0 | - | - | - | - | |
Characteristics and application areas of 1.4404 stainless steel
1.4404 stainless steel, also known as AISI 316L or X2CrNiMo17-12-2, is also an austenitic stainless steel, but contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance in reducing and chloride environments. This stainless steel is often used in marine environments, chemical processing, and medical fields.
| Material | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Ni | Cr | Mo | N |
| 316 | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.03 | 10.0~14.0 | 16.0~18.5 | 2.00~3.00 | ≤0.10 |
| 316L | ≤0.03 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | 10.0~14.0 | 16.0~18.0 | 2.00~3.00 | ≤0.10 |
| Grade | UNS | Tensile Strength (MPa) min | Yield Strength (MPa) min | Elongation (%) min | Brinell Hardness (HB) max | Rockwell Hardness (HRB)max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | S31600 | 515 | 205 | 40 | 217 | 95 |
| 316L | S31603 | 485 | 170 | 40 | 217 | 95 |
How to choose the right stainless steel material for yourself
The main difference between these two stainless steels is their composition and corrosion resistance. 1.4404 generally has better corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments, due to the molybdenum element. However, 1.4301 is sufficient in most conventional applications and is less expensive.
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