differences between 1.4541 and 1.4878 stainless steel

What is 1.4541 stainless steel?

1.4541 stainless steel, also known as AISI 321 or X6CrNiTi18-10, is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel used for applications requiring excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion and good high-temperature performance. Its key features include excellent corrosion resistance, good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, and superior weldability due to the addition of titanium, which prevents chromium carbide precipitation. It is widely used in the chemical, food, and aerospace industries for components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive environments.

 

What is 1.4878 steel number?
Material No. AISI 321 H / 1.4878 is an austenitic, heat-resistant stainless steel. It offers moderate resistance to carburized gases and low resistance to oxidized and reduced sulfuric gases. It can be processed into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire.

 

What is the difference between 1.4541 and 1.4878?

1.4541 (AISI 321) and 1.4878 (AISI 321H) are both titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steels, but 1.4878 has slightly higher carbon and silicon, making it a heat-resistant grade with better creep strength for prolonged high-temperature use (up to 850°C), while 1.4541 is the standard grade, suitable for general corrosion resistance but less robust at extreme heats.

 

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)

 

1.4541 vs. 1.4878 Stainless Steel ：Corrosion Resistance

1.4541 and 1.4878 offer similar, good corrosion resistance in neutral environments and are resistant to intergranular corrosion, but both are susceptible to pitting corrosion in warm chloride-rich environments like sea air or seawater. Material 1.4878 is a heat-resistant version of 1.4541, with slightly higher carbon and titanium content, allowing it to be used at higher temperatures (up to 850°C) compared to 1.4541.

 

1.4541 vs. 1.4878 Stainless Steel ：Heat Resistance

While 1.4541 and 1.4878 share similar heat resistance, with both being used in temperatures up to 850-900°C in air, 1.4878 (AISI 321H) has a higher maximum operating temperature in a neutral environment, reaching up to 850°C compared to 1.4541's (AISI 321) 870°C for intermittent service and 925°C for continuous service but is better suited for applications up to 850°C.

 

What is the difference between 1.4541 and 1.4401 material?

The main difference is that 1.4401 (AISI 316) contains molybdenum for superior pitting/crevice corrosion resistance, especially in chlorides, while 1.4541 (AISI 321) uses titanium to stabilize against intergranular corrosion, making it better for high-temperature welding/service without losing corrosion resistance, though 1.4401 generally offers better overall corrosion protection.

 

If you have a project need for 321H 1.4878 stainless steel bar, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process these products into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service.Email: sales@gneestainless.com