304 Stainless Steel vs X12CrNi25-21: 41% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
304 Stainless Steel vs X12CrNi25-21
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.
X12CrNi25-21
1.4845
Heat-resistant 25Cr-21Ni austenitic stainless — AISI 310S (low-C variant). Oxidation resistance to 1050°C continuous, 1150°C intermittent. Higher Cr+Ni than 304/316 = much better high-temperature scaling resistance. Used for furnace parts, radiant tubes, heat treatment fixtures, kiln linings, and thermocouple protection tubes. Also used in petrochemical cracker tubes.
| 304 Stainless Steel | X12CrNi25-21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4301 | 1.4845 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10095 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | 304 Stainless Steel | X12CrNi25-21 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.15% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | — | — |
| S | |||
| Cr | |||
| Ni | |||
| N |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | X12CrNi25-21 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 520–720 | 490–690 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 210 | ≥ 190 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 45 | ≥ 35 | % |
| Hardness HB | |||
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
304 Stainless Steel and X12CrNi25-21 have significantly different compositions (41% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 304 Stainless Steel the same as X12CrNi25-21?
304 Stainless Steel and X12CrNi25-21 have a 41% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace 304 Stainless Steel with X12CrNi25-21?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (41% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between 304 Stainless Steel and X12CrNi25-21?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. 304 Stainless Steel is a Stainless Steel grade, while X12CrNi25-21 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.