When choosing stainless steel for demanding industrial applications, two commonly compared grades are EN 1.4404 (AISI 316L) and EN 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti). Both belong to the 316 family, known for excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-containing environments. However, their differences in composition, mechanical properties, and applications can affect long-term performance and cost.
What is 1.4404 stainless steel material?
Grade 1.4404 or 316L is an austenitic stainless steel type AISI 316 which has very good corrosion resistance due to its high chromium and molybdenum content combined with a low carbon content.
What material is 1.4571 equivalent to?
1.4571 is a stainless steel grade, also known as X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 or AISI 316Ti.
1. Chemical Composition
| Grade | Standard Equivalent | Key Alloying Elements | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4404 | AISI 316L | Cr 16.5–18.5%, Ni 10–13%, Mo 2–2.5%, C ≤ 0.03% | Low-carbon for excellent weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion |
| 1.4571 | AISI 316Ti | Cr 16.5–18.5%, Ni 10–13%, Mo 2–2.5%, Ti stabilized |
Titanium addition prevents carbide precipitation at high temperatures
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2. Corrosion Resistance
1.4404 (316L): Outstanding resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride solutions. Ideal for marine, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
1.4571 (316Ti): Comparable general corrosion resistance, but performs better under prolonged exposure at 500–800°C due to titanium stabilization.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4404 (316L) | 1.4571 (316Ti) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 500–700 | 500–700 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 220 | ≥ 220 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
4. Weldability & Fabrication
1.4404: Excellent weldability without post-weld heat treatment. Preferred for piping, tanks, and complex fabrications.
1.4571: Weldable, but slightly harder to process; titanium stabilization reduces risk of intergranular corrosion during welding in thick sections.
Which stainless steel grade has better high-temperature resistance?
1.4404 (316L): Recommended for service temperatures up to about 400°C, after which it may suffer from intergranular corrosion.
1.4571 (316Ti): Titanium stabilization allows it to withstand temperatures up to 600°C, making it suitable for furnaces, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems.
Both 1.4404 (316L) and 1.4571 (316Ti) are excellent stainless steels within the 316 family. The main difference lies in low-carbon weldability versus titanium stabilization for high-temperature strength. Your choice should depend on the operating environment, fabrication requirements, and lifecycle cost.
At Gnee, we supply a full range of stainless steel tubes, sheets, plates, and custom-cut solutions in both 1.4404 and 1.4571 grades, ensuring compliance with EN, ASTM, and ASME standards.Mail:es@gescosteel.com
