What Material Is 1.4404 Equivalent To?

1.4404 is the EN material number for a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel with the EN 10088 designation X2CrNiMo17-12-2. It is the European counterpart of AISI 316L and is specified under the equivalent designations shown below in the EN, ASTM/UNS, JIS, ISO, GB and GOST systems. Its defining feature is the maximum 0.030% carbon content, which prevents chromium carbide precipitation during welding and eliminates intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone.

1.4404 and Its International Equivalents

Standard system	Designation
EN material number	1.4404
EN 10088 designation	X2CrNiMo17-12-2
UNS	S31603
AISI	316L
JIS	SUS316L
ISO 15510	X2CrNiMo17-12-2
GB/T 20878	022Cr17Ni12Mo2
GOST	03Ch17N14M3

Chemical Composition (ASTM A240 Limits for UNS S31603)

Element	Limit (wt%)
Carbon, max	0.030
Manganese, max	2.00
Phosphorus, max	0.045
Sulfur, max	0.030
Silicon, max	0.75
Chromium	16.0-18.0
Nickel	10.0-14.0
Molybdenum	2.0-3.0
Nitrogen, max	0.10

Mechanical Properties (Annealed)

Property	Value
Tensile strength, min	485 MPa (70 ksi)
Yield strength, min	170 MPa (25 ksi)
Elongation, min	40%
Hardness, max	217 HB / 95 HRB

The values above are minimum requirements from ASTM A240 for plate, sheet and strip; EN 10216-5 and EN 10217-7 specify equivalent requirements for seamless and welded tubes of 1.4404.

1.4401 vs 1.4404 vs 1.4571

1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2, UNS S31600) has a carbon limit of 0.07% with identical chromium, nickel and molybdenum ranges. It is slightly stronger at room temperature but can precipitate chromium carbides when welded in thick sections, so 1.4404 is preferred for welded construction. 1.4571 (X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2, UNS S31635) is the titanium-stabilized variant: titanium combines with carbon and suppresses sensitization, and 1.4571 is widely used in Europe for chemical apparatus. The choice between 1.4404 and 1.4571 is usually a matter of tradition, availability and welding procedure, since both solve the sensitization problem by different mechanisms.

Applications

1.4404 is specified for welded process equipment, storage tanks, heat exchangers, piping systems and pharmaceutical and food-contact components where chlorides or mild acids are present. Typical industries include chemical processing, pulp and paper, water treatment, marine fittings, medical devices and biotechnology.

FAQ

Q1. What is 1.4404 equivalent to?

1.4404 is equivalent to UNS S31603, AISI 316L, JIS SUS316L, ISO X2CrNiMo17-12-2 and GB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2.

Q2. Is 1.4404 the same as AISI 316L?

Yes. 316L is the AISI designation for the same low-carbon molybdenum austenitic grade.

Q3. What is the difference between 1.4401 and 1.4404?

The carbon limit. 1.4401 allows up to 0.07% carbon, while 1.4404 allows only 0.030%. 1.4404 is preferred where welding could otherwise cause sensitization.

Q4. Is 1.4571 equivalent to 1.4404?

Not exactly. 1.4571 is the titanium-stabilized grade 316Ti and is an alternative, not a strict equivalent, for welded applications.

Q5. What is the Chinese equivalent of 1.4404?

Per GB/T 20878, the designation is 022Cr17Ni12Mo2, corresponding to the grade previously written as 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 in older Chinese standards.

Q6. Why is the low carbon content important?

Carbon below 0.030% prevents chromium carbide precipitation at weld heat-affected zones, preserving corrosion resistance without post-weld heat treatment.