X2CrNi19-11/1.4306 /304L stainless steel

What Is X2CrNi19-11 / 1.4306 Stainless Steel?

X2CrNi19-11 (also known as EN 1.4306) is a low-carbon, high-nickel austenitic stainless steel, representing a specialized version of AISI 304L (specifically, the high-nickel variant of 304L). Compared to standard 304L (1.4307), 1.4306 contains a higher nickel content (10%–13%), resulting in superior corrosion resistance and formability; it is particularly well-suited for demanding applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and sanitary sectors.
Steel grade 1.4306 is covered by standards such as EN 10088-2 (general-purpose flat products), EN 10088-3 (bars and semi-finished products), and EN 10028-7 (flat products for pressure purposes). In the solution-annealed condition, the steel exhibits a fully austenitic microstructure, is non-magnetic, and retains excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures as low as -270°C.

 

X2CrNi19-11 / 1.4306 Stainless Steel.pdf

 

What is the difference between 1.4306 and 1.4307?

1.4306 (X2CrNi19-11) contains 10.0–12.0% nickel and 18.0–20.0% chromium per EN 10088-2, while 1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9) contains 8.0–10.5% nickel and 17.5–19.5% chromium. The additional alloy content in 1.4306 improves pitting resistance, intergranular corrosion resistance in as-welded condition, and deep-drawing formability. When ordering, specify EN 1.4306 explicitly; do not rely on the generic "304L" designation alone.
 

What is the equivalent of 1.4306 stainless steel?

Standard	Equivalent Grade
AISI	304L (High Ni)
ASTM	A240 / A276 Type 304L
UNS	S30403
EN	1.4306 / X2CrNi19-11
JIS	SUS 304L
GB (China)	00Cr19Ni10

 

Chemical Composition Comparison: 1.4306 vs. 1.4307 (EN 10088-3)

Element	1.4306 (X2CrNi19-11)	1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9)
Carbon	Max 0.030%	Max 0.030%
Chromium	18.00 – 20.00%	17.50 – 19.50%
Nickel	10.00 – 12.00%	8.00 – 10.50%
Manganese	Max 2.00%	Max 2.00%
Silicon	Max 1.00%	Max 1.00%
Nitrogen	Max 0.11%	Max 0.11%
Phosphorus	Max 0.045%	Max 0.045%
Sulfur	Max 0.015%	Max 0.015%
Iron	Balance	Balance

 

X2CrNi19-11 / 1.4306 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties (Annealed)

In the solution-annealed condition (heated to 1000–1100 °C followed by rapid cooling), 1.4306 exhibits the following minimum or typical mechanical properties per EN 10088-2 and EN 10088-3:

roperty	Value	Standard Reference
Tensile Strength	460 – 680 MPa (flat products, +AT) 500 – 700 MPa (bar ≤ 160 mm)	EN 10088-2 / EN 10088-3
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)	≥ 180 MPa (flat products, +AT) ≥ 190 MPa (bar ≤ 160 mm, +AT)	EN 10088-2 / EN 10088-3
Elongation at Fracture	≥ 40% (longitudinal, +AT)	EN 10088-2
Brinell Hardness	≤ 200 (+AT) / ≤ 215 (+A)	EN 10088-2 / EN 10088-3
Impact Energy (+20 °C, transverse)	≥ 60 J	EN 10088-2
Impact Energy (−196 °C, transverse)	≥ 60 J	EN 10088-2
Density	7.9 g/cm³	-
Modulus of Elasticity	200 GPa (at 20 °C)	-

 

Physical Properties

Property	Value at 20 °C	Value at 100 °C	Value at 300 °C	Value at 500 °C
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	15	16	18	21
Thermal Expansion (10−6/K)	16.0	16.5	17.5	18.5
Electrical Resistivity (Ω·mm²/m)	0.73
Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K)	500

 

Is 1.4306 stainless steel magnetic?

No. In the solution-annealed condition, 1.4306 is fully austenitic and non-magnetic (relative permeability μr ≈ 1.002–1.005). Cold working induces a partial martensitic transformation that can raise magnetic permeability; the degree depends on the amount of cold reduction.

 

Can X2CrNi19-11 be welded without post-weld heat treatment?

Yes. The low carbon content (≤ 0.030%) suppresses chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding, and the steel is certified as resistant to intergranular corrosion in both the delivery and sensitized conditions per EN ISO 3651-2. For most applications with section thicknesses ≤ 6 mm and single-pass welds, post-weld solution annealing is unnecessary. For multi-pass thick-section welds in severe corrosive service, pickling and passivation (ASTM A380/A380M) is recommended to remove heat tint and restore the passive layer.

 

Is 1.4306 suitable for marine environments?

1.4306 offers better corrosion resistance than standard 304L in moderate chloride environments, making it suitable for coastal architectural applications outside the splash zone where periodic rain washing occurs. However, for continuous seawater immersion, splash zone exposure, or environments with chloride concentrations exceeding approximately 200 ppm at temperatures above 40 °C, 316L (1.4404) with 2.0–2.5% molybdenum is the standard recommendation per NORSOK M-001 and ISO 21457.

 

1.4306 Stainless Steel Applications

Chemical Processing: Equipment and piping handling mildly acidic or corrosive media.
Pharmaceuticals: Clean-room vessels and sterile piping lines.
Food & Dairy: Processing components requiring high hygiene and cleanability.
Pressure Vessels: Welded components needing intercrystalline corrosion resistance without post-weld annealing.

 

 

Why Choose GNEE Stainless Steel?

We offer customized value-added services for 1.4306 material:
Precision Cutting: Laser, plasma, and waterjet cutting services for plates.
Surface Finishing: A range of options including mirror (8K), brushed, and sandblasted finishes.
Heat Treatment: Solution annealing to ensure an optimal austenitic microstructure.
All GNEE products come with a Material Test Certificate (MTC) compliant with EN 10204 3.1 and support inspections by third-party agencies such as SGS, TUV, BV, or ABS.

 

X2CrNi19-11 / 1.4306 / 304L Stainless Steel Specifications

Product Category	Sub-Types / Supply Condition	Common Standards	Size Range (Dimensions)
Plates & Sheets	Hot Rolled (No.1), Cold Rolled (2B, BA, HL)	ASTM A240, EN 10088-2	Thickness: 0.3mm – 100mm; Width: up to 2500mm
Coils & Strips	Cold Rolled, Precision Slit Strips	ASTM A240, EN 10088-2	Thickness: 0.1mm – 6.0mm; Custom Widths
Seamless Pipes	Annealed & Pickled, Polished	ASTM A312, EN 10216-5	OD: 6mm – 630mm; WT: 0.5mm – 50mm
Welded Pipes	ERW, EFW, Longitudinal or Spiral Welded	ASTM A312, EN 10217-7	OD: 10mm – 2000mm; Custom Wall Thickness
Round Bars	Bright Bar, Peeled, Black/Forged Bar	ASTM A276, EN 10088-3	Diameter: 2mm – 500mm
Hex / Square Bars	Cold Drawn, Hot Rolled	ASTM A479, EN 10088-3	Size: 5mm – 150mm