304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs X8CrNiS18-9: 68% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
304 / X5CrNi18-10 vs X8CrNiS18-9
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.
X8CrNiS18-9
1.4305
THE free-cutting austenitic stainless — AISI 303. Sulfur 0.15-0.35% for short-breaking chips and excellent machinability. Not weldable (hot cracking risk from S). Reduced corrosion resistance vs 304 due to sulfide inclusions. Used for high-volume CNC screw machine production of fittings, shafts, bushings, valves, and any turned stainless part where machining cost dominates.
| 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | X8CrNiS18-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4305 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | X8CrNiS18-9 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.1% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 | X8CrNiS18-9 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 500–700 | 500–750 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 190 | ≥ 190 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 35 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and X8CrNiS18-9 have moderate differences (68% 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 / X5CrNi18-10 the same as X8CrNiS18-9?
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and X8CrNiS18-9 have a 68% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 304 / X5CrNi18-10 with X8CrNiS18-9?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (68% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 304 / X5CrNi18-10 and X8CrNiS18-9?
The main differences are in the following elements: S, Cr. 304 / X5CrNi18-10 is a Stainless Steel grade, while X8CrNiS18-9 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.