difference between 1.4404 and 1.4408

1.4404 vs 1.4408 Stainless Steel: Full Comparison of Composition, Properties, and Applications

 

In stainless steel procurement, 1.4404 (UNS S31603) and 1.4408 (UNS S31600) are both part of the 316 series austenitic stainless steels, yet they differ significantly in composition, mechanical properties, and manufacturing process. These differences make each grade suitable for distinct industrial applications.

This article provides a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of 1.4404 and 1.4408 from the perspective of engineering requirements and procurement decision-making. Whether you're sourcing for pressure-resistant piping or complex cast components, this guide helps you avoid performance overkill, reduce costs, and select the most appropriate grade for your application.

 

 

What is 1.4401 Stainless Steel?

1.4401 (AISI 316) is one of the most widely used grades of stainless steel. It is typically used in welded applications where strength and corrosion resistance are essential. With a higher carbon content compared to 1.4408, 1.4401 offers superior mechanical properties and is used for welding structures that require high temperature resistance and durability. It is commonly found in marine, food processing, and chemical industries.

 

What is 1.4408 steel equivalent to?

1.4408 is also known as 3l6LSi grade or GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 cast stainless steel. It is equivalent to several other material grades. Common equivalent materials include ASTM A351 CF8M, ASTM A743 CF8M, ASTM A744 CF8M, AISI 316, and JIS SCS14A.

 

Is 1.4408 the same as 316L?

No, they are not exactly the same. While 1.4408 and 316L share similar chemical compositions and corrosion resistance, they differ significantly in their manufacturing process and carbon content.

 

1.4404 vs 1.4408: Key Differences

Property	EN 1.4404	EN 1.4408
Form / Product Type	Wrought material (e.g., pipes, plates, bars)	Cast material (e.g., valves, pump housings)
Standard	EN 10088-1 (wrought stainless steels)	EN 10283 (corrosion-resistant steel castings)
Equivalent to	AISI 316L / UNS S31603	AISI CF8M (cast equivalent of 316)
Carbon Content	≤ 0.03%	≤ 0.07%
Applications	Pressure vessels, piping, sheet metal, tanks	Valve bodies, pump casings, marine castings

 

1.4404 vs 1.4408 stainless steel :Chemical Composition

Element	1.4404 (Wrought)	1.4408 (Cast)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03	≤ 0.07
Chromium (Cr)	16.50 – 18.50	18.00 – 20.00
Nickel (Ni)	10.00 – 13.00	9.00 – 12.00
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.00 – 2.50	2.00 – 3.00
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.00	≤ 1.50
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.00	≤ 1.50
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.10	-

 

1.4404 vs 1.4408 stainless steel :Mechanical Properties (at Room Temp)

Property	1.4404 (Wrought)	1.4408 (Cast)
Tensile Strength (Rm)	500 – 700 MPa	440 – 640 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	≥ 200 MPa	≥ 210 MPa
Elongation (A5)	≥ 40% (Longitudinal)	≥ 30%
Impact Energy (ISO-V)	≥ 100 J	≥ 60 J
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	130 - 200

1.4404 vs 1.4408 stainless steel : Corrosion Resistance

Both offer excellent resistance to chlorides and acetic acids due to the Molybdenum content.
Because 1.4404 has lower carbon, it is slightly better for heavy-gauge welding without the risk of sensitization (intergranular corrosion).
1.4408 is the "workhorse" for chemical-resistant pump housings and valve bodies.

 

1.4404 vs 1.4408 stainless steel :  Weldability

1.4404: Excellent weldability with standard fillers (e.g., 316LSi).
1.4408: Good weldability, but requires care to avoid casting defects. Usually welded with 1.4430 or 316L filler metals.

 

1.4404 vs 1.4408 stainless steel : Applications

1.4404 (Wrought Stainless Steel / Equivalent to 316L)	1.4408 (Cast Stainless Steel / CF8M)
Pharmaceutical processing equipment	Valve bodies (Gate, Globe, Ball Valves)
Food processing equipment	Pump casings and impellers
Pressure vessel piping and tubes	Flanges and complex pipe fittings
Heat exchangers	Marine hardware
Architectural fittings	-

 

 

If you have project requirements involving 1.4404 or 1.4408 stainless steel, we welcome your orders. GNEE maintains a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from, available in various practical forms such as plates, coils, pipes, bars, wires, and castings. Please contact our factory today for detailed chemical composition specifications and free samples. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.

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1.4404 1.4408 stianless steel Specification

Product Category	1.4404 (Wrought / 316L)	1.4408 (Cast / CF8M)
Material Nature	Rolled, Forged, or Cold Drawn	Molten Metal Casting
Common Product Forms	Sheets, Plates, Coils, Round Bars, Seamless/Welded Pipes, Hexagonal Bars, Flat Bars, Forged Flanges.	Valve Bodies, Pump Casings, Impellers, Investment Casting Parts, Sand Casting Components, Complex Fittings.
Primary Standard	EN 10088-2, EN 10088-3	EN 10213
Manufacturing Process	Hot/Cold Rolling, Forging, Machining	Investment Casting, Sand Casting, Centrifugal Casting
Surface Finish	2B, NO.1, BA, Mirror (8K), Brushed/Hairline	Pickled, Sand-blasted, or Machined (CNC)

FAQ 

🔹Q1: What is the relationship between 1.4404 and 316L? Can they be used interchangeably?
A: 1.4404 is equivalent to American standard 316L (022Cr17Ni12Mo2), and the performance is exactly the same; 1.4408 corresponds to American standard 316 (0Cr17Ni12Mo2), and the difference between the two is the same as the difference between 316L and 316.

🔹Q2: Can 1.4408 replace 1.4404 for welding scenarios?
A: Not recommended. The risk of intergranular corrosion increases after welding of 1.4408. If the project involves welding + strong corrosion (such as chemical pipelines), replacement may cause leakage accidents, and the maintenance cost far exceeds the price difference of materials.

🔹Q3: How to avoid purchasing "non-standard" 1.4404?
A: ① Choose a direct supplier from a steel mill that provides a third-party test report (such as SGS); ② Check the "carbon content + titanium content" in the material certificate (1.4404 does not require the addition of titanium, while 1.4408 may be stabilized with the addition of titanium, so please be careful to distinguish).