If you're sourcing austenitic stainless steel for critical applications, you're likely to encounter grades like 1.4301 (AISI 304) and 1.4306 (AISI 304L – low carbon version). While they may appear similar at first glance, choosing the correct one can affect your product’s weldability, corrosion resistance, compliance, and cost-efficiency.
This guide breaks down the differences between 1.4301 and 1.4306, helping stainless steel buyers and engineers make informed procurement decisions.
What is X5CrNi18-10, 1.4301, AISI 304?
Among the known 18/8 base combinations, 304 stainless steel is the most popular, basic and mature chromium-nickel stainless steel grade with excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion and pitting corrosion.
What is 1.4307, X2CrNi18-9, AISI 304L?
Grade similar to material 1.4301 / AISI 304 with additionally reduced carbon content. The application is the same as the model grade. Steel often comes with AISI 304 as double-certified in the form of sheets, pipes or bars
What is 1.4306, X2CrNi19-11?
Acid resistant stainless steel with the addition of nitrogen, reduced carbon content and increased chromium 18-20% and nickel 10-12%. Otherwise, the improved version of grade 1.4307 / AISI 304L. Used where normal 304 or 304L material is not sufficient and increased corrosion resistance is required.
| Grade | EN Number | AISI Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 | 304 | General-purpose austenitic stainless steel |
| 1.4306 | X2CrNi19-11 | 304L | Low-carbon version of 304, improved weldability |
| Standard | Steel Grade | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition % | ||||||||||
| C: | Mn: | Si: | P: | S: | Cr: | Ni: | Mo: | Cu: | N: | |
| EN | X5CrNi18-10 - 1.4301 | |||||||||
| <0.07 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.015 | 17.5 - 19.5 | 8.0 - 10.5 | - | - | <0.11 | |
| ASTM | AISI 304 - UNS S30400 - TP304 | |||||||||
| <0.08 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.030 | 17.5 - 20.0 | 8.0 - 11.0 | - | - | <0.10 | |
| EN | X2CrNi19-11 - 1.4306 | |||||||||
| <0.03 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.015 | 18.0 - 20.0 | 10.0 - 12.0 | - | - | <0.1 | |
| EN | X2CrNi18-9 - 1.4307 | |||||||||
| <0.03 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.030 | 17.5 - 19.5 | 8.0 - 10.0 | - | <1.0 | <0.11 | |
| ASTM | AISI 304L - UNS S30403 - TP304L | |||||||||
| <0.03 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.030 | 17.5 - 20.0 | 8.0 - 13.0 | - | - | <0.10 | |
| EN | 1.4303 - X4CrNi18-12 | |||||||||
| <0.06 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.030 | 17.0 - 19.0 | 11.0 - 13.0 | - | - | <0.11 | |
| ASTM | AISI 304LN - UNS S30453 | |||||||||
| <0.03 | <2.0 | <1.0 | <0.045 | <0.030 | 18.0 - 20.0 | 8.0 - 12.0 | - | - | 0.10 - 0.16 | |
Properties of cold-rolled strips according to EN 10151:
Parameters at elevated and lowered temperatures:
| Properties | Temperatures (℃) | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -196 | -150 | -80 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 450 | 500 | 550 | ||
| Tensile strength, Rm (MPa) | >1250 | >1100 | >860 | >494 | >450 | >420 | >400 | >390 | >380 | >380 | >380 | >370 | >360 | >330 | |
| Yield strength, Rp0,2 (MPa) | >300 | >315 | >270 | >190 | >157 | >142 | >127 | >118 | >110 | >104 | >98 | >95 | >92 | >90 | |
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