If you are looking for stainless steel grades that offer excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine and chemical environments, 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steels (equivalent to AISI 316 and 316L) are among the most popular choices.
Understanding the difference in their corrosion resistance, composition, and performance is essential for selecting the right material for your project.
What are their equivalent international standards?
1.4401 → AISI 316 / SUS316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4404 → AISI 316L / SUS316L / X2CrNiMo17-12-2
| Property | EN 1.4401 | EN 1.4404 |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalent Grade | AISI 316 | AISI 316L |
| Standard | EN 10088-1 | EN 10088-1 |
| Chemical Composition | C ≤ 0.07%, Cr 16.5–18.5%, Ni 10–13%, Mo 2–2.5% | C ≤ 0.03%, Cr 16.5–18.5%, Ni 10–13%, Mo 2–2.5% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior (better resistance to intergranular corrosion) |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent (low carbon minimizes carbide precipitation) |
| Typical Applications | Chemical processing, marine fittings, heat exchangers | Food industry, marine equipment, pharmaceutical and pressure vessels |
1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance
While both grades contain molybdenum (Mo), which enhances resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion, the difference lies in their carbon content:
1.4401 (AISI 316) has a higher carbon level (up to 0.07%), which may lead to carbide precipitation during welding and slightly reduce resistance to intergranular corrosion.1.4404 (AISI 316L), with its low carbon content (max 0.03%), effectively prevents this issue, making it more corrosion-resistant after welding or heat exposure.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | EN 1.4401 | EN 1.4404 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 530–680 | 500–700 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 210 | ≥ 220 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 45 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 215 | ≤ 215 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
What is the main difference between 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steel?
The primary difference lies in carbon content. 1.4401 has a higher maximum carbon content (≤ 0.07%) than 1.4404 (≤ 0.03%). 1.4404's lower carbon content makes it more resistant to carbide precipitation during welding, improving its weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion in the weld zone. In many applications, their properties are very similar, so they are often used interchangeably.
Can 1.4401 replace 1.4404?
Yes, in most applications, 1.4404 can replace 1.4401, but it's important to consider the key difference: 1.4404's lower carbon content makes it more suitable for welding and more resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding.
Applications
Both grades are widely used in industries requiring high corrosion resistance and hygiene:
Chemical process equipment
Heat exchangers and condensers
Food and beverage processing plants
Marine and coastal structures
Pressure vessels and piping systems
Pharmaceutical and medical equipment
What is the equivalent casting material for 316L?
CF3M is an austenitic stainless steel casting alloy defined by ASTM A744/A744M, designed for corrosion-resistant service in demanding industrial environments. It is the low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing version of CF8M and is compositionally equivalent to wrought 316L stainless steel.
1.4401 & 1.4404 Stainless Steel Price Trend
The current 1.4404 stainless steel sheet price per kg (as of Q4 2025) ranges between USD 3.2 – 4.0/kg, depending on thickness, surface finish, and order quantity.
Due to the rising molybdenum prices, 1.4404 remains slightly more expensive than 1.4401, but offers better long-term corrosion performance in critical applications.
Gnee supplies both 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steel plates, coils, and sheets, certified by ISO, SGS, and BV, with full traceability and mill test reports (EN 10204 3.1).
✅ In Stock: Over 2,000 tons of 316/316L plates in standard thicknesses (0.5mm–50mm).
✅ Customized Cutting: Laser cutting, water jet, and CNC polishing available.
✅ Strict Quality Control: 100% PMI and ultrasonic testing.
✅ Fast Delivery: 7–15 working days worldwide.
✅ Packaging: Export-standard wooden pallets with moisture-proof wrapping.
✅ Payment Terms: T/T, L/C, or other flexible terms accepted.
