What is 1.4523 Stainless Steel?
Mar 05, 2026
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1.4523 stainless steel, widely known as 904L or UNS N08904, is a high-alloy, low-carbon austenitic stainless steel. Distinguished by its high chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper content, it delivers exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, particularly sulfuric acid. This makes it a premium material for critical applications in the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and pollution control industries.
The premium grade 1.4523 is standardized under several common designations.
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| EN (Europe) | 1.4523 |
| ASTM/AISI (USA) | 904L, UNS N08904 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS904L |
Its superior performance is derived from a carefully balanced, high-alloy chemistry.
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Mo | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.035 | 19.0 - 23.0 | 23.0 - 28.0 | 4.0 - 5.0 | 1.0 - 2.0 |
It offers good mechanical properties combined with its unparalleled corrosion resistance.
| Property | Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Value | ≥ 220 MPa | 490 - 690 MPa | ≥ 35% | ≤ 230 |
Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4523 / 904L
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Excels in resisting uniform corrosion from sulfuric, phosphoric, and acetic acids, and offers excellent resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion.
High Alloy Content: The significant amounts of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper work synergistically to handle both oxidizing and reducing environments.
Low Carbon & Good Weldability: The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation, and it can be welded using common techniques with matching high-alloy filler materials.
Primary Applications:
Chemical Processing: Reactors, tanks, and piping for producing and handling sulfuric acid and other aggressive chemicals.
Pollution Control: Scrubbers, ducting, and chimney liners in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) plants.
Pharmaceutical: Equipment requiring high purity and resistance to cleaning agents.
Sea Water Applications: Heat exchangers and piping where resistance to brackish water or seawater is needed.
What makes 904L (1.4523) different from and superior to 316L (1.4404)?
The key differences are the much higher overall alloy content and the addition of copper. 904L contains significantly more chromium, nickel, and molybdenum than 316L, and its 1-2% copper content dramatically enhances its resistance to reducing acids like sulfuric acid. This makes 904L suitable for severe chemical environments where 316L would rapidly corrode. Its Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) is also considerably higher.
Is 1.4523 (904L) stainless steel difficult to machine or form?
Due to its high work hardening rate and toughness, 904L can be more challenging to machine and form than standard austenitic grades like 304 or 316. It requires powerful machinery, rigid setups, sharp cutting tools, and appropriate speeds and feeds. For forming, it may require more force and careful attention to springback. However, with the correct techniques and tools, it can be successfully processed.
Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4523 / 904L Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel stocks and supplies high-performance 904L (1.4523) stainless steel in plate, pipe, and fitting forms to meet the demands of the most corrosive applications. Our materials come with full traceability and certification. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.
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