1.4404 vs. 1.4432 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition
May 29, 2026
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What is the equivalent material of 1.4404 stainless steel?
EN 1.4404 stainless steel (European standard) is a globally used low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, and its core equivalent material is AISI 316L (US standard). Due to their highly similar chemical composition and properties, they are often considered interchangeable materials in industrial trade, and are also designated with the EN standard designation X2CrNiMo17-12-2 and UNS number S31603. If you are looking for a substitute for 1.4404 or need to procure materials, 316L is the internationally recognized and most readily available standard equivalent grade.
what is 1.4432 Stainless Steel?
EN 1.4432 (X2CrNiMo17-12-3) stainless steel is a high-quality high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel. It exhibits excellent resistance to chlorides, non-oxidizing acids, and intergranular corrosion, and is an upgraded version of standard 316L (EN 1.4404), offering even greater corrosion resistance. EN 1.4432 is widely used in the chemical, shipbuilding, and pharmaceutical industries.
Is 1.4432 the same as 316L?
Yes, 1.4432 is often treated as an equivalent to 316L stainless steel. Both are low-carbon, austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys. However, 1.4432 typically has a slightly higher molybdenum content (2.5–3.0%) than standard 316L, making it a premium variant with superior corrosion resistance.
What's the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4432?
The primary difference between 1.4404 and 1.4432 is their molybdenum content. Both are low-carbon austenitic stainless steels equivalent to grade 316L, but 1.4432 has a slightly higher molybdenum concentration (usually 2.5% to 3.0%), providing enhanced corrosion and pitting resistance.
| Standard | 1.4404 | 1.4432 |
| EN Name | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-3 |
| AISI/ASTM | 316L | 316L (High Mo version) |
| UNS | S31603 | S31603 |
| Structure | Austenitic | Austenitic |
1.4404 vs. 1.4432 Stainless Steel: Chemical Composition
| Element (%) | EN 1.4404 (Standard 316L) | EN 1.4432 (Enhanced 316L) |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.5 – 18.5 | 16.5 – 18.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 13.0 | 10.5 – 13.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 2.5 | 2.5 – 3.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.11 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
1.4404 vs. 1.4432 Stainless Steel:Mechanical Properties
At room temperature in solution annealed condition (1D/2B)
| Property | 1.4404 | 1.4432 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥ 200 - 220 MPa | ≥ 200 - 220 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 500 – 700 MPa | 500 – 700 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | ≥ 40 - 45 % | ≥ 40 % |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 215 | ≤ 215 |
1.4404 vs. 1.4432 Stainless Steel: Corrosion resistance
Both grades are "acid-resistant" austenitic stainless steels, but compared with 1.4404 (316L) stainless steel, 1.4432 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance. The main difference lies in their molybdenum (Mo) content: 1.4404 contains approximately 2.0%–2.5% Mo, while 1.4432 contains 2.5%–3.0% Mo. In chloride-rich environments such as seawater or industrial chemical processing, 1.4432 stainless steel provides better resistance to pitting corrosion. It also demonstrates significantly improved crevice corrosion resistance in stagnant, low-oxygen areas where localized corrosion commonly occurs.
| Metric | Calculation / Factor | 1.4404 (316L) | 1.4432 (316L High Mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PREN Value | Cr + 3.3 × Mo + 16 × N | 23.1 – 28.5 | 24.7 – 30.2 |
| Critical Pitting Temperature (CPT) | Resistance to pitting initiation | ~24°C – 27°C | ~27°C – 30°C |
| Critical Crevice Temperature (CCT) | Resistance in tight gaps | ~15°C | ~18°C |
Can 1.4404 replace 1.4432?
If the application environment is in a high-concentration chloride environment (such as seawater, certain chemical processing, paper mill wastewater) or a high-temperature acidic environment, 1.4404 may experience pitting or crevice corrosion due to its low molybdenum content. Under these harsh conditions, it is not recommended to use 1.4404 to replace 1.4432.
What is the difference between 1.4404 and 1.4435 stainless steel?
Due to the increased molybdenum and nickel content, the pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) of 1.4435 is significantly higher than that of 1.4404. The 1.4404 PREN value is typically between 23 and 26, suitable for general chemical, food processing, and building decoration environments. The 1.4435 PREN value is typically between 26 and 29, suitable for applications requiring extremely high resistance to chloride corrosion.
316L 1.4404 1.4432 stainless steel supplier
If you have any needs for 316L 1.4404 1.4432 stainless steel projects, please feel free to place an order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We can process them into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, pipes, bars, and wires. For detailed chemical compositions and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.
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If purchasing 1.4432, be sure to check that the molybdenum (Mo) content on the Material Certificate (MTC) is indeed 2.5% or higher, and confirm the delivery condition. It is typically solution annealed to ensure optimal corrosion resistance.
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