1.4404 Vs 316L Stainless Steel – What’s The Difference?

1.4404 and AISI 316L stainless steels are often viewed as identical materials. And in most cases, they are functionally equivalent. However, subtle differences in naming standards, specifications, and regional usage may matter depending on your project, compliance requirements, or sourcing destination.

In this article, we compare 1.4404 and 316L based on chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, applications, and industries to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

 

 

Aspect	EN 1.4404	AISI 316L
Naming Standard	European (EN 10088)	American (ASTM A240, A276)
Typical Use Region	Europe, Asia	North America, Global
Material Number	X2CrNiMo17-12-2	UNS S31603
Certification	EN 10204 3.1, CE	ASTM, ASME, NACE
Applications	Food, pharma, architecture	Marine, medical, chemicals

 

Chemical Composition

Element	EN 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2)	AISI 316L (UNS S31603)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03%	≤ 0.03%
Chromium (Cr)	16.5–18.5%	16.0–18.0%
Nickel (Ni)	10.0–13.0%	10.0–14.0%
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.0–2.5%	2.0–3.0%
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0%	≤ 2.0%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0%	≤ 1.0%
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.015%	≤ 0.03%
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.11%	≤ 0.10%

Conclusion: Chemically, both grades are nearly identical. 1.4404 follows European EN 10088 standards, while 316L follows ASTM/UNS designation. Slight variation may occur in molybdenum and nickel content range.

 

Mechanical Properties

Property	EN 1.4404	AISI 316L
Tensile Strength (MPa)	500–700 MPa	485–620 MPa
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥ 190 MPa	≥ 170 MPa
Elongation (%)	≥ 40%	≥ 40%
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	≤ 217
Density (g/cm³)	8.00	8.00

 

Is 1.4404 more corrosion resistant than 316?

Yes. 1.4404 (like 316L) includes molybdenum, offering better pitting resistance than 304 or 1.4301, especially in saltwater or acidic environments.

 

Can both grades be welded easily?

Absolutely. Both 1.4404 and 316L have low carbon content, which prevents carbide precipitation during welding, improving intergranular corrosion resistance.

 

What certificates are available for 1.4404 and 316L?

1.4404: EN 10204 3.1, CE Marking, EN 10088

316L: ASTM A240 / A276, ASME, NACE, ISO
 

Why Choose GNEE for 1.4404 / 316L Stainless Steel?

Full range in stock, ready for export

Dual-certified material available (EN + ASTM)

Value-added services: cutting, polishing, beveling

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Product Forms Supplied by GNEE

Form	Available Sizes	Standard
Sheets & Plates	0.5mm–50mm thickness	EN 10088 / ASTM A240
Round Bars	Ø 5mm–300mm	ASTM A276 / EN 10088
Pipes & Tubes	OD 6mm–610mm, SCH 10–160	ASTM A312 / EN 10216
Coils & Strips	0.3mm–3mm thickness	EN 10088-2
Flanges & Fittings	DN 15–DN 600	ASTM A182 / A403