301 vs X5CrNiMo17-12-2: 55% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
301 vs X5CrNiMo17-12-2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
301
1.4310
Austenitic stainless steel with the highest work-hardening rate of all 300-series grades. Lower Cr and Ni (17/7 vs 18/9 for 304) makes it metastable — cold working induces martensite transformation for extreme strength (UTS >1300 MPa in full-hard temper). THE stainless spring steel. Used for stainless springs, washers, clips, structural components requiring high strength + corrosion resistance, and railway car bodies.
X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4401
Standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel, known as AISI 316. Similar to 1.4404 (316L) but with higher carbon content (max 0.07%) providing slightly better high-temperature strength. Not resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding — for welded constructions prefer 1.4404 (316L). Used in chemical processing, marine environments, and applications requiring improved pitting resistance over 1.4301 (304).
| 301 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4310 | 1.4401 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 301 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.05–0.15% | ≤ 0.07% | Partial |
| Si | 0–2% | ≤ 1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | ≤ 2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 301 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 520–720 | — | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 205 | — | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
301 and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 have moderate differences (55% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 301 the same as X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
301 and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 have a 55% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 301 with X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (55% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 301 and X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Ni. 301 is a Stainless Steel grade, while X5CrNiMo17-12-2 is a Stainless Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.