difference between 1.4404 and 1.4432

When selecting stainless steel for your projects, understanding the difference between 1.4404 (316L) and 1.4432 is essential. Both grades belong to the austenitic stainless steel family and are highly resistant to corrosion, but they have key differences in chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications.

 

What is 1.4404 Stainless Steel?

1.4404 stainless steel, also known as 316L stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance due to its high chromium, nickel, and molybdenum contents. Its low carbon content (<0.03%) improves resistance to intergranular corrosion (sensitization) during welding, making it suitable for the manufacture of thick-gauge welded components. It can be processed into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact us today.

 

What material is 1.4432 equivalent to?

1.4436, 1.4435, and 1.4432 materials are better and more refined equivalents of austenitic 316L steel. The basic difference between grades is the concentration of alloying additives - Nickel, Molybdenum, and Chromium.

 

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).

Standards

Standard	Designation
EN 10028-7, PED 2014/68/EU	1.4432
EN 10088-2	1.4432
EN 10088-3	1.4432; 1.4435
EN 10088-4	1.4432

difference between 1.4404 and 1.4432：composition

Property	1.4404 (316L)	1.4432
Chromium (Cr)	16.5 – 18.5%	17.0 – 19.0%
Nickel (Ni)	10.0 – 14.0%	9.0 – 12.0%
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.0 – 3.0%	2.0 – 2.5%
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03%	≤ 0.03%
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0%	≤ 2.0%
Tensile Strength	500–700 MPa	500–700 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 200 MPa	≥ 200 MPa
Elongation	≥ 40%	≥ 35%

 

Is 1.4404 more resistant to corrosion than 1.4432?
Yes, 1.4404 (316L) has a higher nickel content and better resistance to chlorides, making it more suitable for marine and highly corrosive environments.

 

Which has higher strength, 1.4404 or 1.4432?
Both have similar strength properties (tensile strength ~500–700 MPa), but 1.4404 is often preferred for marine and chemical applications.

 

Which is better for food processing, 1.4404 or 1.4432?

For the food processing industry, 1.4432 (AISI 316L) is often preferred over 1.4404. The carefully controlled low carbon content of 1.4432 further reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion, particularly in welds or heat-affected zones, making it more suitable for use in complex food processing equipment such as pipes, tanks, and storage vessels. Essentially, while both are food-grade, 1.4432 offers enhanced protection against corrosion risks in demanding food industry applications.