1.4303 material Equivalent Grade

When procuring high-formability austenitic stainless steel, metallurgy engineers and procurement managers frequently encounter EN 1.4303 (X4CrNi18-12). Renowned for its exceptionally low work-hardening rate, this grade is the premier choice for severe cold heading, deep drawing, and precision metal spinning.

 

Understanding 1.4303 material equivalent grades across international standards (such as AISI, UNS, JIS, and GB) is critical to ensuring compliance, avoiding manufacturing downtime, and optimizing procurement costs.

 

What  is 1.4303 Stainless Steel?

1.4303 stainless steel (European designation X4CrNi18-12) is an austenitic stainless steel with a high nickel content. Compared to standard 304 stainless steel (8%–10% Ni), 1.4303 increases the nickel content to 11%–13%. This high nickel content significantly reduces the work-hardening rate, making the material less prone to hardening or cracking during cold stamping or deep drawing. It is ideally suited for multi-stage deep drawing, cold heading, and spinning processes, typically eliminating the need for intermediate annealing.
Its corrosion resistance is comparable to that of 304, making it suitable for general industrial applications, food processing, and atmospheric environments.

 

1.4303 Stainless Steel Equivalent Grade 

Standard System	Equivalent Grade	Designation
EN / DIN	1.4303	X4CrNi18-12
AISI / ASTM	305	AISI 305 / UNS S30500
JIS (Japan)	SUS 305
BS (UK)	305S19 (historic)
ISO	X4CrNi18-12	ISO 15510:2014
GB (China)	0Cr18Ni12
AFNOR (France)	Z5CN18-11
GOST	12X18H11 (12Х18Н11)

 

EN 1.4303 Chemical Composition 

The defining feature of 1.4303 is its elevated nickel content. Nickel stabilizes the austenite matrix and prevents transformation to martensite during heavy cold deformation.

Element (wt %)	EN 1.4303 (X4CrNi18-12)	AISI 305 (UNS S30500)	JIS SUS305	AISI 304 (For Comparison)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.07%	≤ 0.12%	≤ 0.08%	≤ 0.07%
Chromium (Cr)	17.0% – 19.0%	17.0% – 19.0%	17.0% – 19.0%	17.5% – 19.5%
Nickel (Ni)	11.0% – 13.0%	11.0% – 13.0%	11.0% – 13.0%	8.0% – 10.5%
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.00%	≤ 2.00%	≤ 2.00%	≤ 2.00%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00%	≤ 0.75%	≤ 1.00%	≤ 0.75%
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015%	≤ 0.030%	≤ 0.030%	≤ 0.015%

 

1.4303 / AISI 305 Mechanical Properties

Grade 1.4303 combines excellent ductility with non-magnetic properties, retaining its non-magnetic nature even after severe cold working.
Tensile strength (Rm): 500–700 MPa
Yield strength (Rp0.2): 200 MPa
Elongation (A5): 45% (high ductility allows for deep drawing without intermediate annealing)
Hardness (HB): 201 HBW
Magnetic properties: Non-magnetic in the annealed state; maintains low magnetic permeability after cold deformation compared to Grade 304.

 

1.4303 / AISI 305 Sstainless Steel  Applications

Due to its superior cold formability, 1.4303 is heavily utilized across industrial sectors requiring complex geometries:

Cold Formed Fasteners: High-duty bolts, cold-headed rivets, and specialty screws.

Deep-Drawn Components: Complex kitchenware, deep shells, electronic instrument housings, and chemical containers.

Spinning & Stamping: Reflector dishes, spun covers, and severe stretch-formed parts.

Non-Magnetic Machinery: Components for medical MRI devices or electronic equipment requiring minimal magnetic interference post-processing.

 

Can AISI 304 be substituted for 1.4303 (AISI 305)?

It depends on the forming process. For simple bending or light drawing, 304 works. However, for multi-stage deep drawing, cold heading, or severe spinning, 304 will work-harden rapidly, leading to cracking, tool wear, and the need for frequent stress-relief annealing. 1.4303 (AISI 305) is specifically engineered to eliminate these cold-forming issues.

 

What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4303?

The primary technical distinction lies in the nickel content. 1.4301 (304) has 8.0%–10.5% Nickel, while 1.4303 (305) has 11.0%–13.0% Nickel. The extra nickel lowers the work-hardening rate significantly.

 

Is 1.4303 stainless steel magnetic?

In the solution-annealed state, 1.4303 is fully non-magnetic (austenitic). Unlike 304, which can become noticeably magnetic after cold working due to deformation-induced martensite, 1.4303 maintains extremely low magnetic permeability even after severe cold deformation.

 

How does 1.4303 perform in welding?

1.4303 exhibits excellent weldability across all standard fusion and resistance welding methods (TIG, MIG, SMAW). Post-weld heat treatment is generally not required unless intergranular corrosion risks exist in heavy sections.

 

1.4303 Stainless Steel Product Forms

Product Type	Size Range
Cold Rolled Coil/Sheet	Thickness: 0.3 mm – 6.0 mm
Hot Rolled Plate	Thickness: 3.0 mm – 50 mm
Stainless Steel Strip	Width: 10 mm – 600 mm
Round Bar	Diameter: 6 mm – 100 mm
Pipe / Tube	OD: 6 mm – 219 mm (welded/seamless)

We offer 1.4303 in standard product forms including tubes, pipes, plates, strips, sheets, round bars, flat bars, forgings, hexagonal bars and wires. These products are available in a wide variety of sizes. For detailed specifications and product information, please visit the following website.

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