What is 1.4301 stainless steel?
Type 304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel are also known as 1.4301 and 1.4307, respectively. Type 304 stainless steel is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is sometimes still referred to by the older name 18/8, which stems from its nominal composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
1. Overview of 1.4301 and 1.4307 Stainless Steel
Both EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4307 belong to the austenitic stainless steel family and are equivalent to AISI 304 and AISI 304L respectively.
The key difference lies in the carbon content:
1.4301 (304) has a maximum carbon content of 0.07%
1.4307 (304L) has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%
This small variation significantly affects weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.
2. Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | EN 1.4301 (304) % | EN 1.4307 (304L) % |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.07 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Si | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 1.00 |
| Mn | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 2.00 |
| P | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.015 |
| Cr | 17.5 – 19.5 | 17.5 – 19.5 |
| Ni | 8.0 – 10.5 | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| N | ≤ 0.11 | ≤ 0.11 |
| Fe | Balance | Balance |
Key takeaway: Lower carbon in 1.4307 reduces carbide precipitation during welding, improving resistance to sensitization.
3. Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
1.4301 has slightly higher tensile and yield strength, while 1.4307 offers better weldability.
| Property | 1.4301 (304) | 1.4307 (304L) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 520 | ≥ 480 |
| Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa) | ≥ 210 | ≥ 170 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 45 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 215 | ≤ 215 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.93 | 7.93 |
4. Corrosion Resistance
1.4301: Excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures of 425–860°C may cause sensitization.
1.4307: Similar general corrosion resistance, but superior performance in welded structures due to reduced risk of intergranular corrosion.
5. Applications
| Industry | 1.4301 (304) Applications | 1.4307 (304L) Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Tanks, kitchen equipment, brewing vessels | Welded food processing tanks, dairy equipment |
| Chemical | Storage containers, pipes | Welded chemical tanks and pipelines |
| Architecture | Facades, handrails | Welded structural components |
| Marine (mild) | Deck fittings, boat trim | Welded marine equipment |
Is 1.4307 weaker than 1.4301?
Yes, slightly. 1.4307 has lower tensile and yield strength due to reduced carbon, but it still meets the strength requirements for most applications.
Can I use 1.4301 instead of 1.4307 for welded structures?
Yes, but post-weld heat treatment or pickling may be necessary to restore corrosion resistance if 1.4301 is used in welding.
Are 1.4301 and 1.4307 interchangeable in food-grade applications?
Yes. Both are safe for food contact, but 1.4307 is preferred for welded food equipment due to better weldability.
Which is more cost-effective?
1.4301 is generally slightly cheaper because it has higher carbon content and slightly better strength. However, for welded structures, the long-term maintenance cost of 1.4307 may be lower.
who choose us?
GNEE offers 1.4301 stainless steel in a variety of product forms, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel plates, coils, strips, round bars, profiles, welded tubes, and seamless pipes. A variety of surface finishes (2B, BA, No. 4, HL, and 8K mirror) are available upon request, along with cut-to-length services.
Leveraging a stable raw material supply chain, rigorous quality testing (EN 10204 3.1 certification), flexible processing capabilities, and a global logistics network, GNEE provides competitively priced, fast-delivery, and highly customized stainless steel solutions, while ensuring product performance and quality. These solutions meet the diverse needs of industries such as food, chemical, construction, and machinery manufacturing.