1.4301 vs 1.4404: differences explained
1.4301 vs 1.4404 (V2A vs V4A): 1.4404 adds 2–2.5 % Mo for chloride resistance (PREN 24 vs 18), costs 25–40 % more; strength, magnetism and weldability are equal. EN 10088 numbers side by side and when V4A is worth it.
Overview
In German-speaking and Northern European practice the 304/316 question is asked with material numbers — 1.4301 or 1.4404? — or with the old Krupp names V2A or V4A. The metallurgy is the same as for the ASTM grades: 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) carries 2–2.5 % molybdenum and about 3 % more nickel than 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10), which lifts the pitting resistance equivalent from about 18 to 24 and lets the steel survive chlorides — coastal air, road salt, pool water, brines — that stain and pit 1.4301. Mechanically, magnetically and in fabrication the two are twins.
The EN twist is that 1.4404 is already the low-carbon (≤ 0.03 %) grade, so it also solves weld sensitization in thick sections, whereas 1.4301 (C ≤ 0.07 %) has its own low-carbon sister 1.4307. The table compares the EN 10088-2 flat-product values and gives the cost and decision rules.
1.4301 vs 1.4404 side by side
| Property | 1.4301 | 1.4404 |
|---|---|---|
| EN name | X5CrNi18-10 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| Trade name | V2A (18/8, 18/10) | V4A |
| ASTM / UNS twin | 304 / S30400 | 316L / S31603 |
| Chromium | 17.5–19.5 % | 16.5–18.5 % |
| Nickel | 8.0–10.5 % | 10.0–13.0 % |
| Molybdenum | — | 2.0–2.5 % |
| Carbon max | 0.07 % | 0.030 % |
| PREN | ≈ 18–19 | ≈ 23.5–25 |
| CPT (6 % FeCl₃) | ≈ 5–10 °C | ≈ 15–20 °C |
| Rp0.2 min, hot-rolled plate (+AT) | 210 MPa | 220 MPa |
| Rp0.2 min, cold-rolled sheet (+AT) | 230 MPa | 240 MPa |
| Rm, plate | 520–720 MPa | 520–670 MPa |
| Elongation A | ≥ 45 % | ≥ 40 % |
| Hardness max (annealed) | 215 HB | 215 HB |
| Magnetic (annealed) | no | no |
| Weld sensitization risk | moderate (> 6 mm: use 1.4307) | none in practical thickness |
| Filler metal | 19 9 L (308L) | 19 12 3 L (316L) |
| Machinability | ≈ 45 % | ≈ 40 % |
| Polish / decorative finish | excellent | excellent |
| Corrosion class (EN 1993-1-4 CRC) | CRC II | CRC III |
| Fastener class (ISO 3506) | A2 | A4 |
| Relative price (2026, sheet) | 1.00 | ≈ 1.25–1.40 |
Which should you choose?
1.4404 (V4A) for coastal and urban-industrial facades, swimming pools and spas, de-icing-salt exposure, chemical and pharmaceutical process equipment, brine and seawater splash, medical devices, and any outdoor part that is crevice-prone or rarely washed. EN 1993-1-4 puts it in corrosion resistance class III.
1.4301 (V2A) for kitchens, catering, food and beverage plant, inland architecture and interiors, water tanks, automotive trim, appliance panels and fasteners indoors — corrosion resistance class II is ample and the 25–40 % saving is real.
If 1.4301 parts in the target environment show tea staining within a year, the answer is 1.4404. For warm chloride water (indoor pools, hot brine) neither is adequate — go to 1.4462 duplex or 1.4539.
- Kitchens, catering, food and dairy equipment
- Inland architecture, interiors, lift panels, handrails
- Water tanks, breweries, wineries
- Appliance and automotive trim
- Indoor fasteners (A2), decorative tube
- Nitric-acid and oxidizing media
- Coastal (≤ 10 km) and marine exposure
- Swimming pools, spas, water treatment (with maintenance)
- Road-salt zones: bridges, tunnels, street furniture, railings
- Chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic process plant
- Seawater splash, brine, desalination pre-treatment
- Outdoor fasteners (A4), medical instruments
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 1.4301 and 1.4404?
1.4404 contains 2–2.5 % molybdenum (and more nickel) and is limited to 0.03 % carbon; 1.4301 has no molybdenum and up to 0.07 % carbon. Molybdenum raises chloride pitting resistance from PREN ≈ 18 to ≈ 24. Strength, formability, weldability and magnetism are essentially identical.
What do V2A and V4A mean?
Krupp trade names from 1912: V2A = the 18/8 Cr-Ni austenitic (today 1.4301/1.4307), V4A = the Mo-bearing Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic (today 1.4401/1.4404/1.4571). They are colloquial, not standard designations.
Is 1.4404 stronger than 1.4301?
Marginally on paper (Rp0.2 220 vs 210 MPa for plate), but not in any way that changes a design. Choose between them on corrosion resistance.
Is 1.4404 the same as 1.4401?
1.4401 is the 316 with up to 0.07 % C; 1.4404 is the 316L with ≤ 0.03 % C. Same corrosion class; 1.4404 is preferred for welded equipment and is usually what stockists hold (dual-certified 1.4401/1.4404).
Which should I use for a balcony railing?
Inland: 1.4301 with a smooth (≤ Ra 0.5 µm) brushed or polished finish. Within a few kilometres of the sea, or where road salt reaches: 1.4404 (or 1.4571). Grind-marks and rough finishes pit first whatever the grade.
Are 1.4301 and 1.4404 magnetic?
No in the annealed state; both may show slight magnetism after heavy cold work, 1.4404 less so because of its higher nickel.
Related comparisons
Verified against EN 10088-2:2014. Last checked: September 2026.