What is 1.4404 Stainless Steel?
Jan 13, 2026
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1.4404 stainless steel, commonly known as 316L or UNS S31603, is a low-carbon, molybdenum-enhanced austenitic stainless steel. It is renowned for its superior corrosion resistance compared to standard 304 grades, particularly against chlorides and acids, making it a critical material for demanding environments like chemical processing, marine applications, and pharmaceutical equipment.
This grade is standardized globally under different naming systems, facilitating international procurement.
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| EN (Europe) | 1.4404 |
| ASTM/AISI (USA) | 316L, UNS S31603 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS316L |
| KS (Korea) | STS316L |
The addition of molybdenum (Mo) is the key to its enhanced performance.
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.03 | 16.5 - 18.5 | 10.0 - 13.0 | 2.0 - 2.5 |
Properties are typically given for solution-annealed condition.
| Property | Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Value | ≥ 200 MPa | 490 - 690 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 215 |
Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4404 / 316L
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: The molybdenum content provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing environments (e.g., seawater, de-icing salts).
Low Carbon Content: The "L" grade (≤0.03% C) minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring excellent intergranular corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.
Good Formability and Weldability: Maintains good ductility and can be welded using all standard methods.
Primary Applications:
Marine & Coastal: Boat fittings, underwater components, facade cladding in salty atmospheres.
Chemical & Process Industry: Tanks, pipes, valves for handling acidic and halogen-containing media.
Pharmaceutical & Food: Equipment requiring high cleanliness and resistance to sterilizing agents.
Medical Implants: Certain alloys within this specification are used for surgical instruments and implants.
What is the main difference between 1.4401 (316) and 1.4404 (316L)?
The core difference is the carbon content. 1.4404 (316L) has a maximum of 0.03% carbon, which prevents harmful chromium carbide formation during welding, making it the preferred choice for heavy welded sections that cannot be post-weld heat treated. 1.4401 (316) has a higher carbon limit (typically ≤0.07%) and may offer slightly higher strength in the annealed condition.
Is 316L (1.4404) stainless steel magnetic?
Like other austenitic grades, 1.4404 is essentially non-magnetic in the annealed state. However, cold working (like cutting or bending) can induce a slight magnetic response.
Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4404 / 316L Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel is your professional partner for high-quality 1.4404 / 316L stainless steel, supplying a full range of products including plates, coils, pipes, and bars with complete processing services like cutting and surface finishing. We provide certified materials (EN 10204 3.1), competitive pricing, and reliable global logistics. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.
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