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1.4408 vs 1.4541 stainless steel: differences

What material is 1.4408 equivalent to?

Material 1.4408 is equivalent to ASTM A351 CF8M in American standards and SCS14A in Japanese and Korean standards. It is a cast austenitic stainless steel also known by the designation GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 under EN/ISO standards.

What is 1.4541 material ?

Material 1.4541, also known as AISI 321, is a titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion, good high-temperature strength, and good oxidation resistance up to 900°C in air. Key characteristics include its good weldability, ductility, and toughness at both high and cryogenic temperatures. It is used in applications such as automotive exhaust systems, heat exchangers, and in the chemical, food, and aerospace industries.

1.4408 vs 1.4541 stainless steel: Chemical Composition 

Element (%) EN 1.4408 (AISI CF8M / ASTM A351) EN 1.4541 (AISI 321 / ASTM A240)
C (Carbon) ≤ 0.07 ≤ 0.08
Si (Silicon) ≤ 1.00 ≤ 1.00
Mn (Manganese) ≤ 1.50 ≤ 2.00
P (Phosphorus) ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.045
S (Sulfur) ≤ 0.03 ≤ 0.015
Cr (Chromium) 18.0 – 21.0 17.0 – 19.0
Ni (Nickel) 9.0 – 12.0 9.0 – 12.0
Mo (Molybdenum) 2.0 – 3.0 -
Ti (Titanium) - ≥ 5 × C (Stabilized with Ti)
N (Nitrogen) ≤ 0.10 -

1.4408 vs 1.4541 stainless steel: Mechanical Properties 

Property 1.4408 (CF8M) 1.4541 (321)
Tensile Strength (MPa) 485 – 655 ≥ 500
Yield Strength (MPa) ≥ 200 ≥ 190
Elongation (%) ≥ 30 ≥ 40
Density (g/cm³) 7.9 7.9
Hardness (HB) ≤ 192 ≤ 215
Heat Resistance Up to 870°C Up to 850°C

Are 1.4408 and 1.4541 interchangeable?
Not directly. 1.4408 is cast, while 1.4541 is wrought. They have different production methods and mechanical behavior.

1.4408 and 1.4541, Which one has better corrosion resistance?

1.4541 has better corrosion resistance in general, especially in welded applications, because it is titanium-stabilized. 1.4408 is a cast stainless steel that contains molybdenum, which provides good resistance to general corrosion, but 1.4541's titanium stabilization makes it more resistant to intergranular corrosion, particularly after welding or exposure to high temperatures.

1.4408 and 1.4541, Which grade is better for welding?

Grade 1.4541 is generally better for welding than 1.4408 due to its titanium stabilization, which prevents intergranular corrosion after welding, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications. While 1.4408 has good general weldability at room temperature, its higher carbon content makes it more susceptible to corrosion after welding unless treated correctly.

Can 1.4408 be used in high-temperature applications?
It can, but 1.4541 is more stable above 800°C, making it better for exhaust and thermal systems.

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