254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 vs 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5: Both super-austenitics — 254 SMO is more corrosion resistant
254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 vs 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7
1.4547
Super-austenitic stainless steel with 6% Mo. PREN >40 for outstanding pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Bridges the gap between standard austenitics and nickel alloys. Used in seawater systems, flue gas desulfurization, bleach plants, and offshore.
904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5
1.4539
Super-austenitic stainless steel with high Mo and Cu content. Excellent resistance to sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride environments. Bridges the gap between standard austenitics (316L) and nickel alloys (Inconel/Hastelloy). Used in chemical processing, oil & gas, and pharmaceutical.
| 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 | 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4547 | 1.4539 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 | 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.02% | 0–0.02% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.7% | 0–0.7% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.03% | 0–0.03% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 | 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 650–850 | 490–690 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 300 | ≥ 220 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 35 | ≥ 35 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
254 SMO has 6% Mo (vs 4-5%) and PREN >40 (vs ~35 for 904L). 904L has higher Cu (1.2-2%) for better sulfuric acid resistance. 254 SMO is the step up when 904L is borderline in chloride environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 the same as 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5?
254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 and 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 have a 65% composition overlap. Both super-austenitics — 254 SMO is more corrosion resistant
Can I replace 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 with 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (65% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 and 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5?
The main differences are in the following elements: Mo, Ni, Cu, N. 254 SMO / X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 904L / X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 is a Stainless Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
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