When sourcing stainless steel for chemical processing, marine, food-grade, or pharmaceutical equipment, two common terms often appear in documentation: 1.4404 and 316. While they're frequently used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same-especially when technical requirements or compliance standards matter.
This article explains the key differences between stainless steel 1.4404 and 316, helping buyers choose the right material for performance, certification, and global sourcing.
| Designation | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4404 | EN 10088 (Europe) | Molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel with low carbon |
| 316 | ASTM A240 (USA) | AISI 316 refers to a general class of stainless with 2–3% Mo; carbon content may vary |
| EU EN |
USA | Germany DIN,WNr |
Japan JIS |
France AFNOR |
England BS |
Italy UNI |
China GB |
Sweden SS |
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| X2CrNiMo18-14-3 (1.4435) |
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| Element | 1.4401 / AISI 316 (%) | 1.4404 / AISI 316L (%) |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.07 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 16.5–18.5 | 16.5–18.5 |
| Ni | 10.0–13.0 | 10.0–13.0 |
| Mo | 2.00–2.50 | 2.00–2.50 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| Si | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.9–8.0 | g/cm³ | 20°C |
| Melting Point | 1370–1450 | °C | - |
| Thermal Conductivity | 15 | W/(m·K) | 20°C |
| Linear Expansion | 16.5×10⁻⁶ | 1/°C | 20–100°C avg. |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.75×10⁻⁶ | Ω·m | 20°C |
| Elastic Modulus | 193–200 | GPa | 20°C |
1.4404 has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, which minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion during or after welding,Standard 316 (if not 316L) can have up to 0.08% carbon, making it more prone to sensitization if not post-weld treated.
Thanks to its low carbon, 1.4404 is ideal for welded components like pressure vessels, piping, tanks, and food-grade equipment,Buyers working with welded assemblies should always confirm whether the 316 steel offered is 316L or not.
1.4404 is classified under the European EN 10088 standard.
316 is under ASTM A240 or A276, commonly used in North America and international projects.
Not exactly. 1.4404 is equivalent to 316L, the low-carbon version of 316. Standard 316 may have higher carbon and lower weld resistance.
Yes-if you ensure it's 316L, not high-carbon 316. Always check the material certificate or UNS number (S31603 for 316L).
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Gnee supplies 1.4404 stainless steel plates, tubes, and coils in strict compliance with EN 10088, ASTM A240, and ASME standards. We serve buyers in over 60+ countries, from OEMs to EPC contractors.
Gnee Steel is a supplier of 1.4404 and 316L stainless steels, with products covering: Seamless Tubes: Sizes: 4 - 219mm; Thickness: 0.5 - 20mm; Welded Tubes: Sizes: 5.0 - 1219.2mm; Thickness: 0.5 - 20mm; Plates: Plate Thickness 0.1 to 100mm; Plate Width 10-2500mm; We work with steel mills to provide our customers with Alloy 625 that meets or exceeds many leading industry standards including ASTM, ASME, SAE, AMS, ISO, DIN, EN and BS. Feel free to contact us for a quote at info@gneestainless.com.
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