What is 1.4401 stainless steel?
1.4401 stainless steel is a widely used austenitic stainless steel, corresponding to 316 stainless steel in international standards. Its resistance to crevice and pitting corrosion in chloride-containing environments is superior to 304 stainless steel. Available in a variety of product forms, including plates, bars, pipes, and wire, it is widely used in the chemical industry, food processing, medical equipment, marine engineering, and other fields. It is a commonly used stainless steel grade that balances performance and practicality.
What is 1.4404 steel?
316L stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel. According to the EN standard, this steel's chemical designation is 1.4404 or X2CrNiMo17-12-2; according to the UNS standard, it's UNS S31603. Its combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and ease of processing makes it widely used in various industries.
Chemical composition of 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steels:
| Property | 1.4401 (316) | 1.4404 (316L) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition (wt%) | ||
| Carbon (C) | Max 0.08 | Max 0.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 - 18.0 | 16.0 - 18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 - 14.0 | 10.0 - 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 - 3.0 | 2.0 - 3.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | Max 0.045 | Max 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | Max 0.030 | Max 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 1.0 | Max 1.0 |
Physical Properties of 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steels:
| Physical Properties | ||
| Density (g/cm³) | ~7.98 | ~7.98 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1375-1400 | 1375-1400 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | ~16.3 | ~16.3 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) | ~500 | ~500 |
| Electrical Resistivity (µΩ·m) | ~72 at 20°C | ~72 at 20°C |
Mechanical Properties of 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steels:
| Property | Type 316 (S31600) | Type 316L (S31603) |
|
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset |
30,000 |
25,000 |
|
Ultimate Tensile Strength |
75,000 |
70,000 |
|
Percent Elongation in 2 in. or 51mm |
40.0 |
40.0 |
|
Hardness, Max. |
217 |
217 |
Corrosion Resistance:
Both 1.4401 and 1.4404 offer excellent corrosion resistance due to their molybdenum content and are suitable for environments containing chlorides. However, 1.4404's lower carbon content makes it a better choice for applications involving welding or where the risk of intergranular corrosion is higher.
Weldability:
1.4401 (also known as 316 stainless steel) requires special care during welding, as improper handling can easily lead to carbide precipitation, which can cause corrosion problems. However, 1.4404 (also known as 316L stainless steel) has a lower carbon content, making it easier to weld. Post-weld annealing is generally not required, resulting in better weldability.
What is the difference between 1.4401 and 1.4404?
The main difference between 1.4401 and 1.4404 lies in their carbon content: 1.4401 (316) has a higher carbon content, requiring careful handling during welding to prevent carbide precipitation and corrosion issues, while 1.4404 (316L) has lower carbon, making it easier to weld with no need for post-weld annealing generally.
What is the difference between 1.4401 and 1.4301?
1.4401 (316) and 1.4301 (304) differ mainly in alloy composition: 1.4401 contains molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to corrosion, especially in chloride environments, while 1.4301 lacks molybdenum and has slightly lower corrosion resistance but is more cost-effective.
GNEE is a professional supplier of austenitic stainless steel, super austenitic stainless steel, duplex steel, super duplex steel and other materials. At present, the total investment is RMB 30 million, the plant area is more than 35,000 square meters, and the number of employees is more than 200. It has internationally advanced high-precision production equipment and first-class processing technology. The product implementation standards include: national standard, American standard, Japanese standard, German standard, European standard, Russian standard, etc. At the same time, non-standard products can be customized according to customer requirements.
We offer 1.4401 in standard product forms including tubes, pipes, plates, strips, sheets, round bars, flat bars, forgings, hexagonal bars and wires. These products are available in a wide variety of sizes. For detailed specifications and product information, please visit the following website.
Products:https://www.plate-steel-china.com/
