1.4301 vs. 1.4306 Stainless Steel: Key Differences

If you are choosing between EN 1.4301 and EN 1.4306 stainless steels, understanding their chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and application suitability is essential for making the right purchasing decision. Both grades belong to the austenitic 18/8 stainless steel family, equivalent to AISI 304 and AISI 304L, but they differ mainly in carbon content and weldability performance.1.4306 has a lower carbon content (0.03% max) than 1.4301 (0.07% max), which improves its weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

 

What is X5CrNi18-10, 1.4301, AISI 304?
1.4301 stainless steel is equivalent to AISI 304 (also known as UNS S30400). According to European standards, it is also known as X5CrNi18-10. Due to its nominal composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it is sometimes referred to by its older name, 18/8. It can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires.

 

What is 1.4306, X2CrNi19-11?
Acid resistant stainless steel with the addition of nitrogen, reduced carbon content and increased chromium 18-20% and nickel 10-12%. Otherwise, the improved version of grade 1.4307 / AISI 304L. Used where normal 304 or 304L material is not sufficient and increased corrosion resistance is required.

 

Can 1.4301 be used instead of 1.4306?
Yes, but if welding is involved or the component will operate in corrosive environments (especially chloride or acid exposure), 1.4306 is recommended.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4306 Stainless Steel:  Chemical Composition (EN 10088-1 Standard)

Element	EN 1.4301 (AISI 304)	EN 1.4306 (AISI 304L)
C (Carbon)	≤ 0.07%	≤ 0.030%
Si (Silicon)	≤ 1.00%	≤ 1.00%
Mn (Manganese)	≤ 2.00%	≤ 2.00%
P (Phosphorus)	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%
S (Sulfur)	≤ 0.015%	≤ 0.015%
Cr (Chromium)	17.5–19.5%	17.5–19.5%
Ni (Nickel)	8.0–10.5%	10.0–12.0%
N (Nitrogen)	≤ 0.11%	≤ 0.11%

1.4301 vs. 1.4306 Stainless Steel:  Mechanical Properties 

Property	EN 1.4301	EN 1.4306
Density	7.93 g/cm³	7.93 g/cm³
Tensile Strength (MPa)	≥520	≥500
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥210	≥190
Elongation (%)	≥45	≥45
Hardness (HB)	≤215	≤200
Max Service Temperature	870°C	870°C

 

1.4301 and 1.4306 Stainless Steel: Weldability

1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) has good weldability, but the heat-affected zone is prone to sensitization during welding, which reduces its corrosion resistance. 1.4306 (X2CrNi19-11), as an ultra-low carbon variant (carbon content ≤0.03%), significantly improves weldability by minimizing carbide formation, making it the preferred choice for critical welding applications requiring extremely high post-weld corrosion resistance.

1.4301 and 1.4306 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

1.4301 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in mild environments (e.g., air, fresh water), but its high carbon content (≤0.07%) may lead to localized corrosion (e.g., intergranular corrosion) after welding or prolonged exposure to corrosive media. 1.4306 stainless steel has an ultra-low carbon content (≤0.03%) and a slightly higher nickel content, thus exhibiting excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion and pitting corrosion, making it particularly suitable for welded joints or chemically corrosive environments.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4306 Stainless Steel: Applications

1.4301 stainless steel is widely used in general applications such as kitchen equipment, building decoration, and non-critical piping, where corrosion resistance requirements are not high. 1.4306 stainless steel is more suitable for high-precision or corrosion-sensitive applications, such as pharmaceutical equipment, food processing machinery, and welded components in chemically corrosive environments.

 

1.4306 stainless steel price per kg
The 1.4301 stainless steel price per kg is typically around US$2.4–US$3.2,while 1.4306 stainless steel ranges from US$2.6–US$3.5, depending on product type, thickness, and surface finish (2B, BA, No.4, or mirror).Bulk orders or CIF delivery quotes can be customized based on destination port and tonnage. 

 

If you have any project needs for 304 or 304L stainless steel, please feel free to place an order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We can process them into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.