1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: corrosion resistance
Nov 18, 2025
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What is 1.4301 stainless steel?
1.4301 is a type of austenitic stainless steel, also known as AISI 304 or "18/8" stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance, is easy to weld and form, and is widely used in household items, architectural panels, and food processing equipment. It is a versatile and popular grade of stainless steel due to its good mechanical properties, strength, and ability to be deep-drawn into various shapes.
What is 1.4372 stainless steel?
1.4372 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as AISI 201, that is a cost-effective alternative to higher-nickel steels due to its lower nickel and higher manganese content. It offers good strength, ductility, and weldability, making it suitable for applications like household appliances, automotive parts, and architectural features. However, its corrosion resistance is more limited than some other grades, and it has poor machinability.
EN 1.4301 Stainless Steel vs. EN 1.4372 Stainless Steel
1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: Chemical Composition (Major Elements, %)
| Element | 1.4372 (X12CrMnNiN17-7-5) | 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.15 | ≤0.07 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0 | 17.5–19.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 3.5–5.5 | 8.0–10.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5.5–7.5 | ≤2.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.05–0.25 | ≤0.11 (typically trace) |
1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4372 | 1.4301 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥635 MPa (higher strength) | ≥520 MPa (moderate strength) |
| Yield Strength | ≥245 MPa (Mn/N strengthening) | ≥215 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40% (good ductility) | ≥40% (excellent ductility) |
| Hardness | Typically ≤217 HBW | Typically ≤187 HBW |
1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: Physical Properties
| Property | 1.4372 | 1.4301 |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~16 W/(m·K) | ~16.2 W/(m·K) |
| Linear Thermal Expansion | 17.3×10⁻⁶/℃ | 17.2×10⁻⁶/℃ |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic (austenitic) | Non-magnetic (austenitic) |
1.4372 vs 1.4301 stainless steel: corrosion resistance
1.4301 (AISI 304) has superior corrosion resistance compared to 1.4372 (AISI 201) due to its higher nickel and chromium content, making it more suitable for harsh environments. 1.4372 offers good resistance against atmospheric and acidic environments, but its lower nickel content makes it more susceptible to corrosion, particularly in high-chloride conditions.
Which is better, 1.4301 or 1.4372?
201 stainless steel has a lower nickel content (approximately 3.5-5.5%) and a higher manganese content (5.5-7.5%), making it more susceptible to corrosion, especially in high-chloride environments. In contrast, 1.4301 (304) contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, which significantly enhances its oxidation and corrosion resistance, making it widely used in chemical processing, food production, and marine applications.
Which stainless steel grade is most corrosion resistant?
Most stainless steel ordered around the world is Grade 304. It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known. While 316 comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids.
If you have a project need for 201 and 304 stainless steel , we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process these bars into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service.Email: sales@gneestainless.com
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