1.4541 vs. 1.4878 Stainless Steel: Key Differences

What is 1.4541 SS equivalent to?

1.4541 SS is equivalent to AISI 321, UNS S32100, and JIS SUS321. It is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel, essentially a titanium-added version of the common 304 grade, and is preferred for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications.

 

What is 1.4878 steel number?

The 1.4878 steel number refers to an austenitic heat-resistant stainless steel that is also known by its AISI grade AISI 321H and EN designation X8CrNiTi18-10. This material is stabilized with titanium, making it resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, and is used in high-stress, high-temperature applications like furnaces and engine parts.

 

 

1.4541 vs. 1.4878 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition (EN standard ranges, wt.%)

Element	1.4541 (AISI 321)	1.4878 (AISI 321H)
C (Carbon)	≤ 0.08%	0.04 – 0.10%
Si (Silicon)	≤ 1.00%	≤ 1.00%
Mn (Manganese)	≤ 2.00%	≤ 2.00%
P (Phosphorus)	≤ 0.045%	≤ 0.045%
S (Sulfur)	≤ 0.015%	≤ 0.015%
Cr (Chromium)	17.0 – 19.0%	17.0 – 19.0%
Ni (Nickel)	9.0 – 12.0%	9.0 – 12.0%
Ti (Titanium)	≥ 5 × C, ≤ 0.70%	≥ 4 × C, ≤ 0.70%

1.4541 vs. 1.4878 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties (at room temperature)

Property	1.4541 (AISI 321)	1.4878 (AISI 321H)
Tensile Strength (Rm)	500 – 700 MPa	520 – 750 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	≥ 200 MPa	≥ 210 MPa
Elongation (A5)	≥ 40%	≥ 35%
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	≤ 217
Operating Temperature	Up to ~870 °C	Up to ~950 °C (better creep resistance)

Feature	1.4541 (AISI 321)	1.4878 (AISI 446)
Type	Austenitic stainless steel	Ferritic stainless steel
Carbon Content	≤0.08%	≤0.2%
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent in oxidizing environments; good intergranular corrosion resistance	Excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance; moderate general corrosion resistance
Temperature Resistance	Up to 900°C continuous; suitable for high-temperature applications	Up to 1100°C continuous; ideal for furnace and heat treatment applications
Mechanical Properties	High toughness and ductility, good weldability	High strength at elevated temperatures, lower ductility
Typical Applications	Aerospace, chemical, food processing, heat exchangers	Industrial furnaces, chimney linings, high-temperature equipment
Weldability	Excellent, especially with low-carbon 321H variant	Limited; may require preheating and special welding techniques

 

Differences between 1.4878 and 1.4541 stainless steel

The main difference is that 1.4878 (AISI 321H) is a heat-resistant version of 1.4541 (AISI 321), with a higher carbon and titanium content and superior high-temperature strength, allowing it to operate at higher temperatures (up to 850°C) compared to 1.4541. Both are titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steels with good corrosion resistance, but 1.4878 is specifically designed for sustained use in elevated temperature environments like high-temperature structural applications and equipment.

 

What is 1.4541 vs 1.4301 material?

1.4541 is titanium-stabilized, making it more resistant to carbide precipitation during welding and high-temperature service, whereas 1.4301 lacks this stabilization and may become sensitive to corrosion when exposed to temperatures above 425°C.