301 vs 304 / X5CrNi18-10: Both austenitic — 301 work-hardens dramatically for spring use
301 vs 304 / X5CrNi18-10
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.
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.
| 301 | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4310 | 1.4301 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 301 | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.05–0.15% | 0–0.07% | Partial |
| Si | 0–2% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.045% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 301 | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 520–720 | 500–700 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 205 | ≥ 190 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
301 has lower Ni (7 vs 9%) making it metastable — cold work transforms austenite to martensite (UTS >1300 MPa full-hard). 304 stays austenitic and softer. Choose 301 for stainless springs, clips, and structural sheet; 304 for welded/formed general use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 301 the same as 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
301 and 304 / X5CrNi18-10 have a 60% composition overlap. Both austenitic — 301 work-hardens dramatically for spring use
Can I replace 301 with 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (60% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 301 and 304 / X5CrNi18-10?
The main differences are in the following elements: C, Cr, Ni. 301 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 304 / X5CrNi18-10 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.