1.4301 vs. 1.4541 Stainless Steel: Composition

What is 1.4301 stainless steel equivalent ?

1.4301 stainless steel is the European/German standard (Werkstoff No.) for the very common AISI 304 grade, also known as Type 304, which is the most versatile stainless steel, often called "18/8" due to its 18% chromium and 8% nickel content, with equivalents like UNS S30400, EN X5CrNi18-10, and JIS SUS 304.

What is 1.4541 material?

1.4541 is the European standard designation for titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel, also known as AISI/ASTM Grade 321 or German grade X6CrNiTi18-10. It possesses good corrosion resistance, excellent high-temperature strength, and resistance to sensitization (intergranular corrosion) due to the presence of titanium, making it highly suitable for high-temperature applications such as automotive exhaust systems, aerospace, and chemical equipment.

 

What is the difference between 1.4541 and 1.4301 material?
1.4301 is a basic, general-purpose stainless steel suitable for moderate service conditions, but it is susceptible to carbide precipitation (sensitization) and corrosion after welding or heating above 425°C (800°F). 1.4541 stainless steel, with the addition of titanium, "fixes" the carbon, preventing the formation of chromium carbides and thus maintaining corrosion resistance in welded joints and during high-temperature use (427-816°C / 800-1850°F).

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4541 Stainless Steel: Composition

1.4301 (AISI 304) contains approximately 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni). In comparison, 1.4541 (AISI 321) has the same chromium and nickel content as 1.4301, but also contains 0.5% titanium (Ti), which stabilizes the alloy at high temperatures and prevents sensitization.

Element	1.4301 (AISI 304)	1.4541 (AISI 321)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.07%	≤ 0.08%
Chromium (Cr)	17.5–19.5%	17.0–19.0%
Nickel (Ni)	8.0–10.5%	9.0–12.0%
Titanium (Ti)	–	≥5×C (typically 0.5%)

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4541 Stainless Steel: Mechanical Properties

Property	1.4301 (AISI 304)	1.4541 (AISI 321)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	≥ 520	≥ 500
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥ 210	≥ 200
Elongation (%)	≥ 45	≥ 40
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	≤ 215

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4541 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

1.4301 (AISI 304) offers good general corrosion resistance, while 1.4541 (AISI 321) is superior, especially in welded parts and high-temperature service (above 425°C) because it's titanium-stabilized, preventing carbide formation and thus resisting intergranular corrosion (IGC) that can plague 1.4301 after welding or heating.

What is the density of 1.4541 stainless steel?

The density of 1.4541 stainless steel (also known as AISI 321) is approximately 7.9 g/cm³ or 7900 kg/m³ (7.9 kg/dm³), a common value for austenitic stainless steels, though some sources list it slightly lower at 7.8 g/cm³ or 7.92 g/cm³ depending on exact composition and temperature.

 

What is the difference between 1.4541 and 1.4571 material?
The main difference is that 1.4541 (AISI 321) is a titanium-stabilized stainless steel based on 1.4301 (AISI 304), while 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti) is a molybdenum-containing 1.4404 (AISI 316L) grade that is also stabilized with titanium. This means 1.4571 has additional molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance, making it a better choice in chloride-rich environments, while 1.4541 is a more basic, cost-effective option for high-temperature applications where molybdenum is not critical.

 

GNEE currently has SUS 321 (UNS S32100) products in stock, including: plates, sheets, coils, strips, tubes, bars, and wires. In addition, we offer a variety of surface finishes for you to choose from, such as: No.1, 2B, 2D, BA, No.3, No.4, HL, No.8, sandblasting, etc.
We guarantee 100% quality. We will never deliver any defective products to our customers. Please contact us to customize your required product specifications, including shape, condition, surface treatment, and processing technology.Email: sales@gneestainless.com