304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs 316L: The classic stainless comparison — 316L adds Mo for chloride resistance
304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs 316L
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.
316L
1.4404
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
| 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | 316L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4404 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | 316L | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.03% | 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 | 316L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 500–700 | 520–680 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 190 | ≥ 220 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 40 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
316L has 2-3% Mo for pitting resistance (PREN ~25 vs ~18). 304 is ~20% cheaper. Use 304 for indoor/mild environments; 316L mandatory for chlorides, marine, pharma, and food processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 / X5CrNi18-10 the same as 316L?
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and 316L have a 80% composition overlap. The classic stainless comparison — 316L adds Mo for chloride resistance
Can I replace 304 / X5CrNi18-10 with 316L?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (80%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 304 / X5CrNi18-10 and 316L?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 304 / X5CrNi18-10 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 316L 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.