1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel: Key Differences

When sourcing stainless steel, understanding the differences between common grades is critical for ensuring performance, cost efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. In this guide, we compare 1.4301 (AISI 304)​ and 1.4031 (AISI 420 modified, martensitic stainless steel)​ - two widely used alloys that serve very different purposes. Whether you are in construction, automotive, food processing, or manufacturing, knowing which grade fits your application can save time, prevent failures, and optimize procurement decisions.

EN 1.4301 is a widely used austenitic stainless steel, equivalent to AISI 304, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability (deep drawing), and weldability, making it the common "18/8" steel used in household items (sinks, saucepans), architectural trim, food processing, and chemical equipment. It contains about 18% Chromium (Cr) and 8-10% Nickel (Ni), giving it good mechanical properties, strength, and hygiene for food contact.

 

 

EN 1.4031 (X39Cr13) Stainless Steel is a martensitic stainless steel most closely equivalent to AISI 420, also known as AISI 420 (S42000) Stainless Steel or X39Cr13 in other standards, offering good hardness, strength, and moderate corrosion resistance, ideal for tools and high-strength parts.

 

 

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel: Key Differences：Standards

Property	1.4301 (X5CrNi18‑10)	1.4031 (X39Cr13)
Common Name	AISI 304 / EN 1.4301	Martensitic stainless (similar to 420)
Standard	EN 10088‑1, ASTM A240 (304)	EN 10088‑3, similar to ASTM A276 Type 420 Modified
Type	Austenitic	Martensitic
Main Alloying Elements	Cr ~18%, Ni ~8%, low C	Cr ~13%, C higher (~0.35–0.45%), no Ni

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition (Typical Ranges)

Element	1.4301 (% by mass)	1.4031 (% by mass)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.07	0.35 – 0.45
Chromium (Cr)	17.5 – 19.5	12.5 – 14.5
Nickel (Ni)	8.0 – 10.5	≤ 0.75
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0	≤ 1.0
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0	≤ 1.0
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.040
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015	≤ 0.030
Molybdenum (Mo)	- (sometimes trace)	-

Authority Note:​ Data based on EN 10088‑1/3 and ASTM equivalencies. Higher carbon in 1.4031 increases hardenability but reduces corrosion resistance compared to 1.4301.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel:   Mechanical Properties 

Property	1.4301	1.4031 (Quenched & Tempered)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	500 – 700	700 – 950
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥ 200	≥ 500
Elongation (%)	≥ 40	≥ 12
Hardness (HBW)	≤ 215	200 – 300 (depends on temper)
Density (g/cm³)	7.93	7.70
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)	~193	~200

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel:   Corrosion Resistance

Factor	1.4301	1.4031
General Corrosion	Excellent (especially in oxidizing environments)	Moderate; susceptible to rust in moist/chloride environments
Pitting/Crevice Corrosion	Good resistance due to Cr & Ni content	Poor - lacks sufficient Cr/Ni
Stress Corrosion Cracking	High resistance	Low resistance
Acid Resistance	Fair in dilute acids	Poor in most acids

 

Comparison of 1.4301 and 1.4031 Stainless Steel
1.4301 is an austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability; typical room temperature properties include a tensile strength of approximately 520–720 MPa. 1.4031 is a martensitic stainless steel (EN X39Cr13) that can achieve high strength/hardness through heat treatment (tensile strength ≥800 MPa in the quenched and tempered state), but has lower corrosion resistance; it is commonly used in applications where wear resistance is more important than corrosion resistance, such as cutlery, blades, valves, and mechanical parts.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel: Hardness
1.4031, after heat treatment, achieves significantly higher hardness than 1.4301: typical Vickers hardness is 520–560 HV (quenched and tempered state), while the Vickers hardness of annealed 1.4301 is ≤200 HV, with a common upper limit of HB ≤187 / HRB ≤90; in the soft state, 1.4031 also has higher hardness, approximately 200–250 HV.

 

Is 1.4301 Magnetic?
Due to its austenitic structure, 1.4301 is non-magnetic in the annealed state, but may become slightly magnetic after cold working; this does not adversely affect corrosion resistance or performance for most applications.

 

Weldability Comparison of 1.4031 and 1.4301
1.4301 is easily welded using common welding processes (TIG/MIG/resistance welding) with good weldability, and post-weld heat treatment is not required for most applications; in contrast, 1.4031 is more difficult to weld due to its martensitic phase transformation, and usually requires preheating and post-weld heat treatment to control hardness, deformation, and cracking risks.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4031 Stainless Steel: Applications Comparison

Industry/Use	1.4301 Preferred	1.4031 Preferred
Food & Beverage Processing	✅ Tanks, piping, surfaces	❌ Not recommended
Architecture & Interior	✅ Cladding, handrails	Limited decorative use
Automotive Components	Decorative trim	✅ Shafts, spindles, cutlery
Chemical/Petrochemical	✅ Vessels, fittings	❌ Avoid corrosive fluids
Cutlery & Tools	❌ Softer edge	✅ Knife blades, surgical tools
Medical Devices	✅ Instruments, implants	Limited use (non‑implant)

 

 

At GNEE, EN 1.4301 is available in various forms to meet diverse industrial needs:
Plates and Sheets (cold rolled and hot rolled)
Bars and Rods (round, square, hexagonal)
Tubes (seamless and welded)
Wires and Strips (for springs, fasteners, electrical applications)
Forgings and Custom Parts (according to drawings or specifications)
Testing and Documentation: Mill Test Certificates, EN 10204 3.1, Chemical Reports, Mechanical Reports, Destructive Testing Reports, Non-Destructive Testing Reports, PMI Test Reports, Visual Inspection Reports, Third-Party Inspection Reports, NABL Certified Laboratory Reports.
Packaging: Wooden crates, bubble wrap, steel strapping, or packaged according to customer requirements.Email: sales@gneestainless.com