Stainless Steel – An Overview of the Differences
Stainless steel is not just stainless steel: Depending on the alloy, additives, and manufacturing process, the materials differ significantly in their corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and processing properties. In particular, the well-known grades 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4408, and 1.4571 are frequently used – but they clearly differ in composition and application.
sich die Werkstoffe deutlich in ihrer Korrosionsbeständigkeit, Temperaturfestigkeit und Verarbeitungseigenschaften. Besonders die bekannten Sorten 1.4301, 1.4404, 1.4408 und 1.4571 werden häufig verwendet – unterscheiden sich aber klar in Zusammensetzung und Einsatzbereich.
Comparison Table of Stainless Steel Materials
|
Material No. |
AISI / Designation |
Type / Structure |
Main Alloying Elements |
Properties & Differences |
Typical Applications |
|
1.4301 |
AISI304, V2A |
Austenitic |
Cr 18 %, Ni 8 % |
Standard stainless steel, good corrosion resistance, not seawater resistant, not acid resistant; easy to polish, good cold formability |
Kitchen, household appliances, architecture, container construction, general plant engineering |
|
1.4404 |
AISI316L, V4A |
Austenitic |
Cr 17 %, Ni 10 %, Mo 2 %, C ≤ 0.03 % |
Contains molybdenum → significantly higher resistance to chlorides, acids, and seawater; low carbon content → better weldability, polishable |
Chemical industry, food technology, medical technology, offshore, shipbuilding, and seawater applications |
|
1.4408 |
AISI316 Cast |
Austenitic (Cast) |
Cr 17 %, Ni 10 %, Mo 2 % |
Casting variant of 1.4404 (V4A); same corrosion resistance, but coarser structure; ideal for castings and fittings |
Valves, fittings, pump housings, connecting parts, foundry components |
|
1.4571 |
AISI316Ti |
Austenitic |
Cr 17 %, Ni 10 %, Mo 2 %, titanium stabilized |
Titanium-stabilised variant of 1.4401/1.4404; very good resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding; more temperature resistant than 1.4404, slightly harder to polish |
High-temperature and welded constructions, chemical plants, exhaust systems, heat exchangers |
|
1.4581 (supplementary) |
AISI314 |
Austenitic, heat resistant |
Cr 25 %, Ni 20 % |
High-alloy stainless steel with high temperature resistance, even in oxidation; less corrosion resistant in chloride media |
Furnaces, combustion chambers, high-temperature plants, heat exchanger tubes |
Summary
- 1.4301 (V2A / AISI 304):Standard stainless steel for general applications.
- 1.4404 (V4A / AISI 316L):Molybdenum alloyed, best all-round corrosion resistance.
- 1.4408:Casting variant of 1.4404 for fittings and castings.
- 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti):Titanium stabilized, ideal for high temperatures and welded constructions.
- 1.4581 (AISI 314):High-temperature material, less resistant to chlorides, but extremely heat resistant.