difference between 1.4401 and 1.4408
If you're sourcing corrosion-resistant stainless steel components for demanding applications, you may come across designations like 1.4408, 1.4401, and 316L. Are these materials interchangeable? What are the differences between 1.4408 (cast stainless steel) and 1.4401/316L (wrought stainless steel)? Let's break it down for you.
What is 1.4401 stainless steel?
Stainless steel types 1.4401 and 1.4404 are also known as grades 316 and 316L respectively. Grade 316 is an austenitic grade second only to 304 in commercial importance. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum that gives it improved corrosion resistance.
What is 1.4408 stainless steel?
EN 1.4408, also known as GX5CrNiMo19-11-2, is a cast stainless steel, commonly used as a material for investment castings,It is an austenitic stainless steel, and is often compared to AISI 316 (S31600).
What material is 1.4408 equivalent to?
In fact, GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 (EN 1.4408) is the same stainless steel material as SS316 and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 (EN 1.4401) in EN 10088-3.
Is 1.4408 equivalent to SS316L?
No, 1.4408 is the cast version of austenitic stainless steel, roughly comparable to 316 or 316L, but with different mechanical properties due to the casting process.
Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | 1.4408 (G-X5CrNiMo19-11-2) | 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) | 316L (1.4404) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Si | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Mn | ≤ 1.50% | ≤ 2.00% | ≤ 2.00% |
| P | ≤ 0.035% | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| S | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Cr | 18.0 – 20.0% | 16.5 – 18.5% | 16.5 – 18.5% |
| Ni | 9.0 – 11.0% | 10.0 – 13.0% | 10.0 – 13.0% |
| Mo | 2.0 – 3.0% | 2.0 – 2.5% | 2.0 – 2.5% |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1.4408 (as-cast) | 1.4401 / 316 | 316L (1.4404) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 440 – 730 | ≥ 520 | ≥ 485 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 195 | ≥ 220 | ≥ 170 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 25 | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 230 | ≤ 215 | ≤ 217 |
Physical Properties
| Property | 1.4408 | 1.4401 / 316 / 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.9 – 8.0 | 7.9 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | ~15 | ~16.3 |
| Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·cm) | ~75 | ~74 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | ~200 | ~193 |
Application
1.4408 (Cast 316 equivalent):
Ideal for valve bodies, pump housings, impellers, and marine castings due to its corrosion resistance and suitability for complex shapes.
1.4401 / 316 (Wrought):
Used in tanks, piping, heat exchangers, and chemical equipment where good corrosion resistance and formability are needed.
316L (1.4404):
Best choice for welded structures in chloride-rich environments such as seawater, pharmaceutical, and food processing.
Call to Action
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