When sourcing stainless steel for machining or general-purpose corrosion-resistant applications, EN 1.4305 (AISI 303) and EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) are two widely used grades.
While both are austenitic stainless steels with good corrosion resistance, their chemical composition, machinability, and application focus differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right material for your project and avoiding unnecessary costs.
What is 1.4305 stainless steel?
Stainless steel type 1.4305 is popularly known as grade 303 stainless steel. Grade 303 is the most readily machineable of all the austenitic grades of stainless steel. The machineable nature of grade 303 is due to the presence of Sulphur in the steel composition.
What is the equivalent of 1.4301 stainless steel?
Stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 304L are also known as 1.4301 and 1.4307 respectively. Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel.
1. Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | EN 1.4305 (AISI 303) | EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) |
|---|---|---|
| C (%) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.07 |
| Si (%) | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 1.00 |
| Mn (%) | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 2.00 |
| P (%) | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.045 |
| S (%) | 0.15 – 0.35 | ≤ 0.015 |
| Cr (%) | 17.0 – 19.0 | 17.5 – 19.5 |
| Ni (%) | 8.0 – 10.0 | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| N (%) | – | ≤ 0.11 |
| Mo (%) | – | – |
Does 1.4305 have lower corrosion resistance than 1.4301?
Yes. Sulfur inclusions in 1.4305 make it more prone to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments.
Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
| Property | EN 1.4305 (AISI 303) | EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 500 – 750 | 500 – 700 |
| Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa) | ≥ 190 | ≥ 210 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | ≥ 35 | ≥ 45 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 230 | ≤ 215 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Can 1.4301 stainless steel be cold formed?
Yes. It has excellent ductility and can be deep drawn, bent, or rolled without cracking.
What is the machinability rating of 1.4305?
1.4305 has one of the best machinability ratings among austenitic stainless steels, typically rated at 70–80% (compared to free-machining carbon steels at 100%).
Is 1.4305 stainless steel magnetic?
In the annealed condition, both 1.4305 and 1.4301 are non-magnetic. However, after cold working, they may show slight magnetism.
Can 1.4305 stainless steel be welded?
Welding is possible but not recommended due to high sulfur content, which increases hot cracking risk. Use 1.4301 for welded assemblies.
Which is cheaper, 1.4305 or 1.4301?
A: Prices vary by market, but 1.4305 is often slightly cheaper in bar form. 1.4301 has a wider supply range and global availability.
What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4307 stainless steel?
In summary, EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) is generally preferred when higher mechanical strength and wear resistance are required, while EN 1.4307 (AISI 304L) is a better choice for applications involving extensive welding or exposure to corrosive environments. The final choice depends on the specific needs of the application.
However, as a global exporter, GNEE offers 1.4301/304 and 1.4305/303 steel tubes and U-tubes to meet customer needs. Many European customers from Germany, Spain, and other countries purchase our high-quality 1.4301/304 stainless steel welded and seamless tubes. Please contact us for more information.es@gescosteel.com
