1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition

What material is 1.4401 steel pipe?

1.4401 steel pipe is a high-quality austenitic stainless steel commonly referred toas AISI 316 or marine-grade stainless steel. It features added molybdenum (2%-3%),offering superior corrosion resistance compared to 304, making it ideal for chloride-rich,chemical, and marine environments.

 

What is 1.4404 steel material?

1.4404 (also known as AISI 316L or X2CrNiMo17-12-2) is a low-carbon, austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel designed for high corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and acids. It is widely used in welded components for chemical processing, pharmaceutical, marine, and food industries due to its excellent weldability and immunity to intergranular corrosion.

 

What material is equivalent to 1.4401 1.4404?

Material 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) is equivalent to AISI 316 stainless steel, while 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) is equivalent to AISI 316L. Both are molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steels frequently used interchangeably or jointly certified (316/316L) due to their excellent corrosion resistance and similar mechanical properties.

 

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition

Property	1.4401 Stainless Steel (316)	1.4404 Stainless Steel (316L)
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.08%	≤ 0.03%
Manganese (Mn)	2.00-2.50%	2.00-2.50%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00%	≤ 1.00%
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.030%	≤ 0.030%
Chromium (Cr)	16.00-18.00%	16.00-18.00%
Nickel (Ni)	10.00-14.00%	10.00-14.00%
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.00-3.00%	2.00-3.00%
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.10%	≤ 0.10%

Note: Due to its slightly higher carbon content, the strength of 1.4401 is typically marginally higher than that of 1.4404; however, in practical applications, the difference is negligible.

 

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel:Mechanical Properties 

At room temperature in the solution-annealed condition 

Mechanical Properties
Yield Strength (Re)	≥ 205 MPa (min)	≥ 170 MPa (min)
Tensile Strength (Rm)	500-700 MPa	480-650 MPa
Elongation (A)	≥ 40%	≥ 40%
Hardness (HRB)	≤ 90	≤ 90
Modulus of Elasticity (E)	193-200 GPa	193-200 GPa
Impact Toughness (Charpy V-notch)	≥ 40 J at -196°C	≥ 40 J at -196°C

 

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Physical Properties 

(Both grades share nearly identical physical properties)

Physical Properties
Density	7.98 g/cm³	7.98 g/cm³
Melting Point	1375-1400°C	1375-1400°C
Thermal Expansion (20-100°C)	16.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°C	16.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°C
Specific Heat (20°C)	500 J/kg·K	500 J/kg·K
Electrical Resistivity (20°C)	0.72 μΩ·cm	0.72 μΩ·cm
Thermal Conductivity (20°C)	16.3 W/m·K	16.3 W/m·K

 

 

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

Both 1.4401 (316) and 1.4404 (316L) are copper-alloyed austenitic stainless steels, characterized by excellent resistance to pitting and chloride corrosion. The primary distinction lies in their carbon content: 1.4404 is the low-carbon variant (≤0.03%), offering superior resistance to intergranular corrosion compared to the standard-carbon 1.4401 (≤0.07%), making it particularly well-suited for welded components. Both grades demonstrate exceptional corrosion resistance across the vast majority of marine and chemical environments.

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Weldability

1.4404 (316L) offers superior weldability compared to 1.4401 (316) due to its ultra-low carbon content ( 0.03%), which eliminates the need for post-weld annealing toprevent intergranular corrosion. While both are austenitic stainless steels with goodwelding properties, 1.4404 is preferred for thick, complex, or heavily weldedstructures.

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Strength

The strength properties of 1.4401 (AISI 316) and 1.4404 (AISI 316L) are essentially identical; the yield strength is typically >200 MPa, and the tensile strength falls within the range of 500–700 MPa. The primary difference lies in their carbon content (1.4404: <0.03% C; 1.4401: <0.07% C); 1.4404 exhibits superior resistance to intergranular corrosion and is well-suited for welding.

1.4401 vs 1.4404 Stainless Steel: Applications

1.4401 stainless steel tubing is suitable for general-purpose applications, food processing, and structural components where extensive welding is not required.
1.4404 stainless steel tubing is the preferred choice for chemical storage tanks, pharmaceutical equipment, and marine applications involving extensive welding.

 

We have established deep cooperative relationships with top-tier steel mills including TISCO, BAOSTEEL, POSCO, and JISCO to ensure the full traceability of our raw materials. We maintain a standing inventory of over 1,000 tons of 316/316L series stock, ready for immediate shipment to help you significantly reduce lead times. Our facilities are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced processing machinery, featuring laser cutting, waterjet cutting, bending, coil slitting, and surface polishing capabilities. We implement a fully traceable management system throughout our operations and provide Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) that comply with the EN 10204 3.1 standard; furthermore, we welcome independent inspections by third-party agencies such as SGS, BV, and TUV.

 

International Standards	ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, EN 10088-3, JIS G4304/4305
Equivalent Grades	1.4401 / 316 / SUS316; 1.4404 / 316L / SUS316L
Surface Finish	2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL (Hairline), 8K Mirror, Sandblasted

 

Available Product Forms by Gnee 

Product Category	Product Type	Specification/Dimensions (Customizable)
Flat Products	Sheets & Plates	Cold rolled: 0.3-6.0mm; Hot rolled: 3.0-100mm
	Steel Coils	Width: 1000/1219/1500/2000mm or Slit edge
Long Products	Round Bars	Diameter: 2mm - 500mm (Peeled, Polished, or Black)
	Hexagonal / Square Bars	For machining and structural components
	Flat Bars	Slit or hot rolled flat bar
Tubular Products	Seamless Pipes/Tubes	For high-pressure or corrosive fluid transport
	Welded Pipes/Tubes	Large diameter or decorative applications
Structural Shapes	Angles, Channels, Beams	Equal/Unequal angles, U-channels, H-beams
Fittings & Flanges	Pipe Components	Elbows, Tees, Reducers, Flanges (WN, SO, BL)