304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs 304 Stainless Steel: 83% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs 304 Stainless Steel
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
304 / X5CrNi18-10
1.4301
The world's most widely used stainless steel — the original 18/8 austenitic. Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric, organic, and inorganic environments. Excellent formability and weldability. Not recommended for chloride-rich or marine environments (use 316L). Used in food processing, kitchen equipment, architecture, tanks, and general engineering.
304 Stainless Steel
1.4301
The most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability. Standard choice for food processing, chemical, and architectural applications.
| 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | 304 Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4301 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | 304 Stainless Steel | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.07% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.045% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | 304 Stainless Steel | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 500–700 | 520–720 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 190 | ≥ 210 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and 304 Stainless Steel share some characteristics (83% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 / X5CrNi18-10 the same as 304 Stainless Steel?
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and 304 Stainless Steel have a 83% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace 304 / X5CrNi18-10 with 304 Stainless Steel?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (83%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 304 / X5CrNi18-10 and 304 Stainless Steel?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. 304 / X5CrNi18-10 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 304 Stainless Steel is a Stainless Steel grade.
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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.