What Material Is 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) Stainless Steel?

What Is 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)?

1.4301 is the EN 10088-1 material number for the austenitic stainless steel whose older DIN designation is X5CrNi18-10. It is the grade that most of the world calls 304 or AISI 304. Chromium at about 18% and nickel at 8 - 10.5% keep the structure fully austenitic, so annealed material is non-magnetic, very ductile and easy to form and weld.

Because it is produced in enormous volumes, 1.4301 is available in nearly every product form and surface finish, which makes it the default choice for general corrosion service in food, chemical, architectural and water-handling equipment.

Equivalent Grades for 1.4301

Standard	Equivalent designation
EN 10088-1	1.4301
Old DIN	X5CrNi18-10
AISI / ASTM	304; 304L where extra-low carbon is required
JIS	SUS304
GB (China)	06Cr19Ni10

1.4301 and 1.4307 (304L) differ mainly in carbon level. The low-carbon version is preferred for heavy-section welding, where sensitisation and intergranular corrosion are a risk, while 1.4301 delivers slightly higher strength in the annealed state.

Chemical Composition of 1.4301

Element	Content (%)
Carbon (C)	0.07 max
Chromium (Cr)	17.5 - 19.5
Nickel (Ni)	8.0 - 10.5
Manganese (Mn)	2.00 max
Silicon (Si)	1.00 max
Phosphorus (P)	0.045 max
Sulfur (S)	0.015 max

The chromium-to-nickel balance keeps the microstructure austenitic at room temperature. Holding carbon at or below 0.07% limits chromium carbide precipitation during welding, which is why the grade performs well in fabricated assemblies.

Mechanical and Physical Properties (Annealed)

Tensile strength (Rm): 500 - 700 MPa, EN 10088-2 annealed condition

Yield strength (Rp0.2): 200 MPa minimum, EN 10088-2

Elongation (A5): 45% minimum, EN 10088-2

Hardness: 215 HB max per EN ISO 6506-1, approximately 210 HV per EN ISO 6507-1

Impact toughness (Charpy V): 100 J minimum at 20 degrees C, DIN EN ISO 148-1

Modulus of elasticity: about 193 GPa

Density: 7.9 g/cm3

Melting range: 1400 - 1450 degrees C

These values are for the annealed condition. Cold working raises both strength and magnetic permeability, so heavily drawn wire or rolled strip may show a slight magnetic response even though the same grade is non-magnetic after annealing.

Product Forms and Typical Applications

Cold rolled sheet and plate: 0.3 - 6.0 mm, smooth 2B or BA finish for precision work

Hot rolled plate: 3 mm and above, for structural and industrial use

Coil: cold or hot rolled, supplied in 2B, BA, No.4 or mirror finish

Tube and pipe: seamless or welded, for fluid transport and structural duty

Bar and rod: round, square or hexagonal, for machining

Strip and foil: thin and narrow stock for stamping and electronic parts

Fittings and flanges: piping components to ANSI, DIN and JIS dimensions

Angles, channels and profiles: fabricated structural members

Typical end uses include kitchen and catering equipment, chemical and process tanks, architectural facades and cladding, food and beverage lines, sanitary water systems and heat exchanger parts. The grade satisfies EN 10088, ASTM A240 and JIS G4305, which simplifies sourcing across markets.

FAQ: Working with 1.4301 Stainless Steel

Q: Is 1.4301 the same as 304?
Yes in practice. 1.4301 is the EN designation and 304 is the AISI / ASTM designation for the same 18% chromium, 8% nickel austenitic grade.

Q: Is 1.4301 stainless steel magnetic?
Annealed 1.4301 is austenitic and essentially non-magnetic. Cold working or welding can produce a small magnetic response, which is normal and not a defect.

Q: What is the yield strength of 1.4301?
The minimum 0.2% proof strength in the annealed condition is 200 MPa, with tensile strength in the range of 500 - 700 MPa.

Q: Can 1.4301 be welded?
Yes. It is one of the most weldable stainless grades. Use low heat input, matching filler, and pickling or passivation after welding to restore corrosion resistance.

Q: What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4307?
Carbon content: 1.4301 allows up to 0.07% C, while 1.4307 stays at 0.030% max. Choose 1.4307 for heavy welded sections; choose 1.4301 where higher annealed strength matters.

Q: Where should 1.4301 not be used?
Avoid it in chloride-rich or marine atmospheres, where pitting and crevice corrosion are likely, and in high-temperature creep service above roughly 500 degrees C.