Which is better 1.4301 or 1.4307?

What is 1.4301 stainless steel?

Type 304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel are also known as 1.4301 and 1.4307, respectively. Type 304 stainless steel is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is sometimes still referred to by the older name 18/8, which stems from its nominal composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

 

What is 1.4307 stainless steel?

1.4307 is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, also known as 304L stainless steel, with excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and versatility. It is an economical alternative to other grades of stainless steel and is widely used in food and beverage production, bathroom fixtures, and building materials. Due to its low carbon content, 1.4307 stainless steel is more resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding compared to standard 304 stainless steel, and is easier to machine and polish.

 

What is the equivalent of 1.4307 stainless steel?
The material 1.4307 is equivalent to ASTM 304L, UNS S30403, and X2CrNi18-9. It is also known by other designations such as 304S11 and EN 1.4306. This is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and weldability.

 

What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4307 stainless steel?
In summary, EN 1.4301 (AISI 304) is generally preferred when higher mechanical strength and wear resistance are required, while EN 1.4307 (AISI 304L) is a better choice for applications involving extensive welding or exposure to corrosive environments. The final choice depends on the specific needs of the application.

Chemical Composition Comparison

Element	EN 1.4301 (304) %	EN 1.4307 (304L) %
C	≤ 0.07	≤ 0.03
Si	≤ 1.00	≤ 1.00
Mn	≤ 2.00	≤ 2.00
P	≤ 0.045	≤ 0.045
S	≤ 0.015	≤ 0.015
Cr	17.5 – 19.5	17.5 – 19.5
Ni	8.0 – 10.5	8.0 – 10.5
N	≤ 0.11	≤ 0.11
Fe	Balance	Balance

 

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

1.4301 has slightly higher tensile and yield strength, while 1.4307 offers better weldability.

Property	1.4301 (304)	1.4307 (304L)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	≥ 520	≥ 480
Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa)	≥ 210	≥ 170
Elongation (%)	≥ 45	≥ 40
Hardness (HB)	≤ 215	≤ 215
Density (g/cm³)	7.93	7.93

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4307 Stainless Steel: Corrosion Resistance

1.4307 (304L) has better corrosion resistance, particularly after welding, compared to 1.4301 (304) due to its lower carbon content. While both grades offer good resistance in general environments, 1.4307's low carbon prevents the formation of chromium carbides in the heat-affected zone during welding, which helps maintain its corrosion resistance.

 

1.4301 vs. 1.4307 Stainless Steel: Weldability

1.4307 (304L) has better weldability than 1.4301 (304) due to its lower carbon content, which reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone after welding. 1.4301 is suitable for applications with no welding or minimal welding, while 1.4307 is the preferred choice for heavy gauge components or any application with extensive welding.

 

What is the difference between 1.4306 and 1.4307?
1.4306 and 1.4307 are both low-carbon austenitic stainless steels, but 1.4306 has higher nickel and chromium content, making it more corrosion resistant than 1.4307. While 1.4307 (known as 304L) is common for welded structures due to its weldability, 1.4306 offers superior corrosion resistance and slightly better fatigue resistance, making it suitable for applications with higher corrosion demands.

 

GNEE supplies both 1.4301 and 1.4307 in a complete range of product forms:

Stainless steel sheets, coils, plates, pipes, tubes, bars, profiles

Surface options: 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, 8K mirror

Cutting, polishing, slitting, bending, laser processing

Certificates: EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2, ISO 9001, PED, SGS, BV, TÜV.