1.4404 stainless steel VS.1.4435: What’s the difference?

Apr 25, 2025

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Here's a clear, procurement-friendly comparison between 1.4404 (316L) and 1.4435 (316L with higher Mo and Ni) stainless steel - often used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and hygienic applications:

1.4404 Stainless Steel

What is 1.4404 stainless steel equivalent to?

1.4404 (316L Stainless Steel)

🔹European Standard: Defined in EN 10088-2:2014 as X2CrNiMo17-12-2.

🔹Equivalent Grades: ASTM 316L (UNS S31603), China 022Cr17Ni12Mo2.

🔹Core Features: Extra-low carbon austenitic stainless steel (C ≤ 0.03%) with 2.0–2.5% molybdenum (Mo). Offers good corrosion resistance in environments like seawater and mild acids/alkalis. Widely used in chemical, medical, and marine engineering sectors.

What is stainless steel 1.4435?

🔹Historical Grade: Previously considered an equivalent to 316L (e.g., DIN 17400), but now mostly phased out in EN standards.

🔹Specialized Grade: Defined in some standards (e.g., EN 10088-1:2005) as X2CrNiMo18-14-3. Known as 316Lmod or 724L, specifically designed for highly corrosive environments.

Core Features: Extra-low carbon (C ≤ 0.03%) with higher molybdenum (2.5–3.0%) and nickel (12.5–15.0%) content. Exhibits superior resistance to intergranular and selective corrosion. Primarily used in urea production, pharmaceuticals, and other high-demand applications.

1.4404 stainless steel VS.1.4435: Chemical Composition

Parameter	1.4404 (316L)	1.4435 (Modified 316L)
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.0–2.5%	2.5–3.0% (enhanced Cl⁻ resistance)
Nickel (Ni)	10.0–13.0%	12.5–15.0% (improved austenite stability)
Nitrogen (N)	≤0.11% (varies)	≤0.11% (stricter in some standards)
Ferrite Content	Not specified	≤1.0% (minimizes intergranular corrosion)
Pitting Resistance Equivalent (PREN)	26–28	28–30 (for aggressive corrosion)
Intergranular Corrosion Test	Must pass ASTM A262 Practice E	Must pass Huey test (5 cycles in boiling 65% HNO₃, corrosion rate ≤0.18 mm/year)

Mechanical Properties (Typical Values at Room Temperature)

(Per EN 10088-2 / ASTM A240)

Property	1.4404 (316L)	1.4435 (316L Low Sulfur)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	485–795	485–795
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, MPa)	205–515	205–515
Elongation (% in 50mm)	≥40	≥40
Hardness (HRB)	≤95	≤95

1.4404 stainless steel VS.1.4435: Welding Process Differences

🔹1.4404: Standard welding processes (TIG, MIG), use ER316L electrodes (e.g., E316L-16), no preheating needed.

🔹1.4435: Requires controlled heat input to prevent carbide precipitation. Use niobium- or titanium-stabilized fillers (e.g., E316LNb). Post-weld solution annealing (1050–1150°C, rapid cooling) is recommended.

🔹What is the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4432?

EN 1.4404 and 1.4432/1.4436 have a versatile corrosion resistance and are suitable for a wide range of applications. The grades with higher molybdenium content ( 1.4432,1.4436) have somewhat enhanced corrosion resistance compared with grades with lower Molybdenium content (1.4404).

1.4404 stainless steel VS. 1.4435: How to choose?

🔹 Typical Applications for 1.4404 (316L)

Choose 1.4404 when standard corrosion resistance is sufficient (Mo 2.0–2.5%, PREN ≈ 23–25):

Marine structural parts

Chemical storage tanks and pipelines

Food processing equipment

Heat exchangers

General industrial fabrication

It offers good chloride resistance at a more economical cost.

🔹 Typical Applications for 1.4435

Choose 1.4435 when higher corrosion resistance or material purity is required (Mo 2.5–3.0%, higher Ni 12.5–15.0%, PREN ≈ 25–27):

Pharmaceutical production equipment

Biotech and high-purity piping systems

Medical devices and surgical components

Aggressive chemical processing environments

High-chloride or high-temperature corrosive media

Its higher molybdenum and nickel content provides better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

GNEE offers a wide range of high-quality 1.4404 stainless steel in various specifications at wholesale prices. As a purchasing manager, you can find the best deals to meet your industry needs. We offer multiple grades of 1.4404 stainless steel tubing and various surface treatments to meet your diverse requirements. You can rely on our reliable supply and cost-effective solutions. Email: sales@gneestainless.com