1.4404 stainless steel chemical composition

What is 1.4404 stainless steel?
1.4404 stainless steel, also known as AISI 316L or X2CrNiMo17-12-2, is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that offers superior corrosion resistance and excellent weldability. It is widely used in chemical processing, marine environments, food-grade equipment, and pharmaceutical applications where resistance to chlorides and acids is essential.

 

What is the chemical composition of 1.4404 stainless steel?
1.4404 stainless steel contains approximately 16.5–18.5% chromium, 10.0–13.0% nickel, and 2.0–2.5% molybdenum, with carbon content ≤ 0.03%. It also contains small amounts of silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen, with iron as the balance. This low-carbon, molybdenum-added composition offers excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.

 

What is the molybdenum content in 1.4404 stainless steel?
1.4404 contains 2.0% to 2.5% molybdenum, which significantly improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich environments like seawater or chemical processing.

 

1.4404 stainless steel Mechanical Properties

Property	Value (Annealed)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	500 – 700
Yield Strength (0.2% MPa)	≥ 190
Elongation (%)	≥ 40
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215
Density (g/cm³)	8.00

 

 Is 1.4404 stainless steel the same as 316L?
Yes. EN 1.4404 is the European equivalent of AISI 316L stainless steel. Both have low carbon content (≤ 0.03%) and enhanced corrosion resistance due to molybdenum, making them interchangeable in most applications.

 

What is the difference between 1.4401 and 1.4404 stainless steel?
The main difference lies in carbon content: 1.4401 has ≤ 0.07% carbon, while 1.4404 has ≤ 0.03%, which gives 1.4404 better weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. 1.4404 is often preferred in pharmaceutical, food-grade, and welded pressure vessel applications.

 

Is 1.4404 stainless steel suitable for welding?
Yes. The low carbon content in 1.4404 (≤ 0.03%) minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making it ideal for welded structures. Post-weld heat treatment is usually not required for corrosion protection.

 

 Does 1.4404 stainless steel have magnetic properties?
1.4404 is non-magnetic in the annealed condition due to its austenitic structure. However, slight magnetism may be induced by cold working (e.g., bending or forming).

 

What are typical applications of 1.4404 based on its composition?
1.4404 is widely used in:Food processing and pharmaceutical equipment,Heat exchangers and chemical tanks,Marine components,Surgical instruments,Architectural applications.