1.4301 vs. 1.4305 stainless steel: key differences

If You Are Looking For Stainless Steel Materials For Machining Or Fabrication, understanding the difference between 1.4301 And 1.4305 Stainless Steel is crucial. Although both belong to the AISI 304 Series, their chemical compositions and machining behaviors differ significantly, influencing cost, performance, and end-use applications.

In this article, Gnee provides a detailed comparison between 1.4301 (AISI 304) and 1.4305 (AISI 303) stainless steels to help buyers choose the right grade for their projects.

 

What is 1.4305 stainless steel?

1.4305, also known as AISI 303, is an austenitic stainless steel with a high sulfur content, making it exceptionally easy to machine. This free-machining grade is used for making parts like bolts, nuts, and gears, where machinability is more critical than high corrosion resistance. However, the sulfur addition lowers its corrosion resistance and makes it non-weldable.

What is 1.4301 stainless steel?

1.4301 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as Grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel, famous for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and high tensile strength. It is widely used in various industries due to its balance of properties, making it suitable for applications ranging from household items like sinks to structural and architectural features, and even chemical and medical equipment.

 

Grade	AISI Equivalent	EN Number	Type	Key Feature
1.4301	304	X5CrNi18-10	Austenitic	Excellent corrosion resistance & weldability
1.4305	303	X8CrNiS18-9	Austenitic	Superior machinability due to sulfur addition

Both steels are part of the 300 series austenitic family, but 1.4305 (303) contains higher sulfur content, improving machinability while slightly reducing corrosion resistance compared to 1.4301 (304).

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4305 stainless steel:  Chemical Composition Comparison

Element	1.4301 (304) %	1.4305 (303) %	Key Effect
Carbon (C)	≤0.07	≤0.10	Slightly higher in 303 for strength
Manganese (Mn)	≤2.0	≤2.0	Improves toughness
Silicon (Si)	≤1.0	≤1.0	Improves oxidation resistance
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.045	≤0.20	Higher in 303 to aid machining
Sulfur (S)	≤0.015	0.15–0.35	Key difference; improves machinability
Chromium (Cr)	17.5–19.5	17.0–19.0	Corrosion resistance
Nickel (Ni)	8.0–10.5	8.0–10.0	Strength and ductility

Key takeaway:1.4305 (AISI 303) offers better machinability for turning and milling, while 1.4301 (AISI 304) offers better corrosion resistance and weldability.

1.4301 vs. 1.4305 stainless steel:  Mechanical Properties 

Property	1.4301 (304)	1.4305 (303)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	520–720	500–700
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥210	≥190
Elongation (%)	≥45	≥40
Hardness (HB)	≤215	≤230
Density (g/cm³)	8.0	8.0

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4305 stainless steel:  Corrosion Resistance

1.4301 stainless steel offers excellent resistance to oxidation, acids, and chloride environments; it is widely used in the food processing, chemical, and marine industries. 1.4305 stainless steel offers moderate corrosion resistance; it is not recommended for use in marine or chloride environments. It is best suited for dry environments and machined parts.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4305 stainless steel:  Machinability & Weldability

Property	1.4301	1.4305
Machinability	★★★☆☆	★★★★★ (excellent)
Weldability	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆ (poor due to sulfur)
Formability	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Polishing	★★★★★	★★★★☆

1.4305 is the most machinable of all austenitic grades, making it ideal for automatic lathes and high-speed CNC machining.
1.4301 remains the best choice for welded structures and high-corrosion environments.

 

Does 1.4305 stainless steel resist chloride corrosion?
Not recommended. The high sulfur content in 1.4305 reduces pitting resistance in chloride environments. Use 1.4404 (316L) or 1.4571 (316Ti) instead.

 

Can 1.4305 be welded?
Only limited weldability. The sulfur addition may cause cracking or porosity. If welding is required, 1.4301 (304) is the better option.

 

Which has higher pressure resistance?
Both grades have similar yield strength, but 1.4301 performs better under sustained pressure or cyclic stress.

 

Why Choose Gnee for 1.4301 & 1.4305 Stainless Steel

✅ Over 18 years of export experience

✅ ISO / SGS / BV certified stainless steel factory

✅ Full range: pipes, bars, tubes, coils, and sheets

✅ 100% PMI, UT, and mechanical testing before delivery

✅ Custom cutting, polishing, bending, and machining services

✅ Secure export packaging: pallets, wooden cases, moisture-proof wrapping

✅ Short lead time: 7–15 working days

Email: sales@gneestainless.com

Product Form	Material Grade	Size Range	Standard
Seamless Pipe	1.4301 / 1.4305	OD 6–508 mm	ASTM A312 / EN 10216-5
Welded Pipe	1.4301 / 1.4305	OD 10–600 mm	ASTM A249 / A269
Round Bar	1.4301 / 1.4305	Dia 3–200 mm	ASTM A276 / A479
Tube / U-Bend	1.4301	OD 6–60 mm	ASME SA213
Sheet / Coil	1.4301	0.3–8 mm thick	ASTM A240