EDELSTAHL SCHNEIDTECHNIK RHEIN-RUHR

Alloy 1.4401 /
AISI 316

Austenitic stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance compared to 1.4301

1.4401, also known as AISI 316, is a non-rusting, austenitic stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance compared to 1.4301. It belongs to the group of chromium-nickel-molybdenum steels and is internationally designated as AISI 316.

Chemical Composition (in %):

Element

Anteil

Carbon (C)

≤ 0,07

Chromium (Cr)

16,5 – 18,5

Nickel (Ni)

10,0 – 13,0

Molybdenum (Mo)

2,0 – 2,5

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 2,0

Silicon (Si)

≤ 1,0

Phosphorus (P)

≤ 0,045

Sulfur (S)

≤ 0,015

Nitrogen (N)

≤ 0,11

Properties:

  • Corrosion resistance:
    Very good resistance, particularly to chloride-containing media and non-oxidizing acids (e.g. sulfuric acid).
  • Molybdenum addition:
    Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 1.4301/1.4307
  • Weldability:
    Good weldability; however, solution annealing may be required for critical applications
  • Magnetism:
    Non-magnetic in solution-annealed condition
  • Formability:
    Good formability and polishable

Applications:

  • Chemical plant engineering
  • Pharmaceutical and food industry
  • Offshore technology
  • Medical technology
  • Swimming pools (chloride-containing water)
  • Exhaust systems

Differences to other alloys:

Alloy

Differences

1.4301

1.4401 offers better chloride resistance due to Mo addition

1.4404

Also known as 316L, with lower carbon content (≤ 0.03 %) offering better weldability and lower risk of intergranular corrosion

1.4571

Similar to 1.4401 but additionally stabilized with titanium, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications

Conclusion:

1.4401 (AISI 316) is a versatile stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, improved pitting resistance due to molybdenum, and good weldability and formability. It is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and offshore industries, as well as in swimming pool and exhaust system applications.

Note: The information in this datasheet is provided for description purposes only; no liability is assumed!