304 Stainless Steel vs X5CrNiMo17-12-2: 63% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
304 Stainless Steel vs X5CrNiMo17-12-2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
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.
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).
| 304 Stainless Steel | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4401 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304 Stainless Steel | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | ≤ 0.07% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | ≤ 1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | ≤ 2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 520–720 | — | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 210 | — | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | — | % |
Compatibility Assessment
304 Stainless Steel and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 have moderate differences (63% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 Stainless Steel the same as X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
304 Stainless Steel and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 have a 63% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 304 Stainless Steel with X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (63% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 304 Stainless Steel and X5CrNiMo17-12-2?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 304 Stainless Steel is a Stainless Steel grade, while X5CrNiMo17-12-2 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.