EN 10088-2 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 Stainless Steel Plate

EN 10088-2 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 stainless steel plate is an austenitic flat product supplied to EN 10088-2, the European standard for stainless steel sheet, plate and strip for general purposes. X5CrNi18-10 contains no more than 0.07 % carbon, 17.5 – 19.5 % chromium and 8.0 – 10.5 % nickel, and it is the standard 18-8 type stainless steel. EN 10088-2 lists it as cold rolled strip up to 8 mm, continuously hot rolled strip up to 13.5 mm and hot rolled plate up to 75 mm in the solution annealed condition. It is also one of the few austenitic grades listed in the cold worked condition (process route 2H) at every tensile level from +C700 to +C1300. Table 7 rates it resistant to intergranular corrosion as delivered, but not after the standard sensitization treatment.

SHH STEEL works as a steel sourcing partner with long-term relationships with Chinese stainless mills that roll austenitic CrNi hot rolled plate, coil, cold rolled sheet and cold worked strip. For large tonnages, the buyer can contract directly with a suitable mill, with SHH STEEL assisting for a modest service fee and handling follow-up and documents. For small orders we consolidate demand, so that 1 – 5 t lots are placed against genuine mill production instead of stock of unknown origin. Each shipment can be released after third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency the buyer nominates, and payment by TT or LC is accepted. The rest of this page covers the technical side of EN 10088-2 1.4301 and the steps we take so that the sheet that arrives is the sheet that was ordered.

The table below lists the concerns buyers raise most often when sourcing EN 10088-2 X5CrNi18-10 sheet and plate from China, and how SHH STEEL deals with each of them.

1.4301 is the EN counterpart of UNS S30400, Type 304, in ASTM A240 (see ASTM A240 Type 304 sheet and plate). For pressure equipment it is ordered to EN 10028-7; see EN 10028-7 1.4301 pressure vessel plate.

A heat can meet both 1.4301 and S30400 if chromium is 18.0 – 19.5 % and silicon at most 0.75 %. Some cross-reference tables quote older 304 limits (0.07 % carbon, 17.5 – 19.5 % chromium, 8.0 – 10.5 % nickel), so the edition in the order should be checked. SHH STEEL checks these overlaps when a buyer needs dual certification.

1.4301 is also listed in EN 10028-7:2016 for pressure purposes. That standard may set its own test and property requirements, which we have not reproduced here.

Edition note: the values on this page are taken from EN 10088-2:2014. A revised edition (EN 10088-2:2024) has since been published. If your contract names the newer edition, SHH STEEL checks the order against that text before production, and any difference is raised at the quotation stage rather than after rolling.

The 1.4301 chemical composition below is the cast (heat) analysis from EN 10088-2:2014 Table 1. Values are percentages by mass; a single figure is a maximum.

Carbon up to 0.07 % is what separates 1.4301 from the low-carbon 1.4307. Footnote b to Table 1 permits controlled sulphur ranges: 0.015 – 0.030 % for machinability, 0.008 – 0.015 % for weldability, and 0.015 % max. for polishability. SHH STEEL checks carbon, chromium and nickel on every certificate as part of the 1.4301 chemical composition review.

Product analysis tolerances (EN 10088-2 Table 5)

A product analysis is a check made on the delivered sheet. It is not mandatory under EN 10088-2; it is carried out when agreed at the time of enquiry and order, and SHH STEEL can arrange it through a partner laboratory. The permissible tolerances on the cast limits are:

Where several product analyses are made on one cast, individual results may exceed the maximum or fall below the minimum, but not both for the same element. If a product analysis is required, it should be stated in the order together with the Table 5 tolerances.

The 1.4301 mechanical properties below are the room-temperature values from EN 10088-2:2014 Table 7 for austenitic steels in the solution annealed condition. Test pieces are transverse; the A80 elongation applies below 3 mm and the proportional elongation A from 3 mm.

Rp1.0 values are for guidance only. For continuously hot rolled products, 20 MPa higher minimum Rp0.2 and 10 MPa higher Rp1.0 may be agreed. For strip in rolling widths below 300 mm tested longitudinally, the minimum proof strength is reduced by 15 MPa and elongation by 5 % (constant gauge) or 2 % (proportional gauge). For bigger sizes than those listed, mechanical values are to be agreed.

* For stretcher levelled material, the minimum elongation is 5 % lower. Table 7 rates 1.4301 resistance to intergranular corrosion (EN ISO 3651-2) as “yes” in the delivery condition and “no” in the sensitized condition, where sensitization is 15 minutes at 700 °C followed by air cooling.

Cold worked condition (process route 2H)

EN 10088-2 Table 17 defines the tensile strength levels for the cold worked condition (process route 2H): +C700 = 700 – 850 MPa, +C850 = 850 – 1 000 MPa, +C1000 = 1 000 – 1 150 MPa, +C1150 = 1 150 – 1 300 MPa and +C1300 = 1 300 – 1 500 MPa. Table 18 defines 0.2 % proof strength levels: +CP350 = 350 – 500 MPa, +CP500 = 500 – 700 MPa, +CP700 = 700 – 900 MPa, +CP900 = 900 – 1 100 MPa and +CP1100 = 1 100 – 1 300 MPa. Intermediate values may be agreed. The steel may be specified by tensile strength, by proof strength or by hardness, but only one parameter in the order. The maximum thickness for each level decreases as the strength rises, and remaining elongation depends on the work-hardening behaviour, so more exact information should be requested from the mill.

EN 10088-2 lists 1.4301 2H material at all five tensile levels from +C700 to +C1300 and at all five proof strength levels from +CP350 to +CP1100 (X = available).

Minimum proof strength at elevated temperature (EN 10088-2 Table 12, +AT)

EN 10088-2 Table 12 gives values from 100 °C to 550 °C for this grade, for the solution annealed condition (+AT). They are minimum values for design and are not tested unless agreed.

EN 10088-2 Table A.1 gives the following guideline temperatures for 1.4301:

The footnotes to Table A.1 state that with a continuous furnace the upper part of the range is usually preferred or even exceeded, and that the lower end of the range should be aimed at when the heat treatment is part of further processing, because otherwise the mechanical properties may be affected. Solution annealing may be omitted if hot working and cooling achieve the required mechanical properties and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

The Euro Inox tables give the same 1 000 – 1 100 °C range with cooling in air or water. Because 1.4301 is rated “no” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization, slow cooling through the sensitizing range should be avoided. Annealed material is delivered as +AT; 2H material is delivered at the ordered strength level.

The values below are approximate reference figures for X5CrNi18-10 at room temperature, from the worldstainless “Tables of Technical Properties”, which follow EN 10088-1. They are suitable for design estimates and weight calculation; where a figure is critical, use EN 10088-1 itself.

The EN 10088-1 table as reproduced by Häuselmann lists 1.4301 as not magnetisable, with a modulus of 200 GPa at 20 °C falling to 186 GPa at 200 °C and 172 GPa at 400 °C. Thermal expansion is higher and conductivity lower than for ferritic grades, which matters for welding distortion.

1.4301 has good general corrosion resistance in atmospheric, fresh water and food environments. The Euro Inox fabrication tables describe it as having outstanding welding, deep drawing and polishing properties and as resistant to intergranular corrosion up to 6 mm thickness. EN 10088-2 Table 7 rates its resistance to intergranular corrosion, tested to EN ISO 3651-2, as “yes” in the delivery condition but “no” in the sensitized condition, defined in a footnote as 15 minutes at 700 °C followed by air cooling.

For welded plate above about 6 mm, or where sensitization is a concern, the low-carbon EN 10088-2 1.4307 plate is the usual choice.

As EN 10088-2 notes, corrosion resistance depends strongly on the environment and cannot always be judged from laboratory tests, so experience with the grade in similar service should be used.

1.4301 is readily weldable by the common processes. The Euro Inox tables describe its welding properties as outstanding.

• The Euro Inox fabrication tables rate TIG/MIG, manual metal arc and resistance welding as suitable for 1.4301, and autogenous welding as suitable with restrictions.
• Filler materials listed are 1.4316, 1.4551, 1.4302 and 1.4301.
• The same tables give resistance to intergranular corrosion up to 6 mm thickness; for thicker welded sections 1.4307 is usually specified.
• EN 10088-2 does not specify welding procedures; these are published guidelines and general practice.

These points reflect industry practice for austenitic CrNi stainless steels rather than requirements of EN 10088-2, which does not specify welding procedures. In the SHH STEEL workshop, blanks and slit strips are cut with clean, burr-free edges so that seam, spot and tube welding run without edge preparation problems.

The Euro Inox tables describe 1.4301 as having outstanding deep drawing properties. It work-hardens during forming, so forces are higher than for carbon steel and springback should be allowed for; 2H material needs larger bend radii.

Thick plate is cut by plasma or waterjet, and sheet by laser or shearing. Machining needs sharp tools and positive feeds to avoid work hardening at the cut.

We run our own workshop next to the warehouse, so 1.4301 hot rolled plate and X5CrNi18-10 plate blanks can be delivered cut to size, laser-cut or bent, with protective film on visible surfaces. Details are on our steel cutting services and bending and forming services pages.

1.4301 is listed in EN 10088-2 as cold rolled strip (annealed or 2H), continuously hot rolled strip and hot rolled plate.

EN 10088-2 Table 7 gives mechanical values for hot rolled plate up to 75 mm; for bigger sizes the mechanical values shall be agreed at the time of enquiry and order. Under section 6.9 of the standard, EN ISO 18286 normally applies only to individually rolled quarto plate, while continuously rolled material follows EN ISO 9444-2. For 2H material, the maximum thickness falls as the strength level rises.

SHH STEEL can supply 1.4301 hot rolled plate and coil, 1.4301 cold rolled sheet and coil, and cold worked strip, in standard sizes or cut to your drawing.

Surface finish is ordered by the process route symbols of EN 10088-2 Table 6; trade names from ASTM and JIS are shown for reference. Not every route is available for every grade, and the mill confirms which ones it can supply.

The No.1, No.4 and BA cross-references follow worldstainless and IMOA comparison tables; EN 10088-2 itself defines only the EN symbols, and not every route is available for every grade. Special finishes such as 1J and 2J apply to one surface unless otherwise agreed. For cold rolled sheet, 1.4301 2B is the most common delivery finish.

The usual 1.4301 equivalent, and the answer to most 304 equivalent enquiries, is UNS S30400.

For ASME pressure work the grade is ordered as ASME SA-240 304 plate. The higher-carbon spring grade EN 10088-2 1.4310 plate is a different steel.

1.4301 vs 1.4307 and 1.4310

Compared with EN 10088-2 1.4307 plate, 1.4301 allows more carbon (0.07 % against 0.030 %), has a slightly higher minimum proof strength (210 against 200 MPa for plate) and is listed in the 2H cold worked condition, but it is rated “no” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization. Compared with EN 10088-2 1.4310 plate, it has less carbon and more nickel, so it work-hardens less and suits forming and welding rather than springs.

Typical applications of 1.4301 plate and sheet listed in the Euro Inox fabrication tables include:

• Kitchen equipment and tableware
• Domestic appliances
• Architecture
• Food industry equipment
• Automotive parts
• Pressure parts (to EN 10028-7)

For pressure equipment, 1.4301 plate is ordered to EN 10028-7; for other uses, EN 10088-2 applies.

Its deep drawing and polishing properties make 1.4301 the usual choice for formed and visible parts. SHH STEEL can advise on the finish and condition for each use.

For 1.4301 the main risks are substitution with lower-alloy grades, the wrong finish and using it where welded thick sections need 1.4307.

None of these steps is complicated, but they need to be agreed at the start. When you send an enquiry, tell us which of these points matters most to you, and the order will be built around it.

Every 1.4301 order is supported by documents and checks that make the material traceable to the heat:

• Cast analysis with carbon, chromium and nickel checked
• Tensile test (transverse) to Table 7, or to the ordered 2H level
• Impact test for plate over 10 mm when agreed
• Intergranular corrosion test to EN ISO 3651-2 when agreed
• Thickness, flatness and surface inspection
• Additional checks through our third-party testing service: PMI, dimensional, flatness and surface inspection

If the order does not name an inspection document, EN 10088-2 requires only a test report 2.2. Because this is rarely enough for general fabrication or export work, SHH STEEL supplies an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate as standard and a 3.2 certificate when an independent inspector (TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency you nominate) witnesses testing and countersigns the document.

Ordering example and lead time

Following the pattern of the example in EN 10088-2, a typical order line would read: 10 plates, 8 mm × 2 000 mm × 5 000 mm, EN ISO 18286, EN 10088-2, steel X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301), process route 1D, inspection certificate 3.1 to EN 10204. Mill production lead time is generally 30 – 40 days from order confirmation, depending on the rolling schedule, the size and the tests requested. Consolidated small lots follow the same mill schedule, and we send progress updates at rolling, testing and packing.

• Mill relationships: long-term cooperation with Chinese stainless mills helps us secure competitive pricing and steadier delivery for 1.4301 and related austenitic grades.
• Direct mill contracts: for larger tonnages you can contract directly with a suitable mill, for a modest service fee, while we handle follow-up and documents.
• Order consolidation: 1 – 5 t lots are combined so they can be placed against genuine mill production.
• Own workshop: slitting, cut-to-length, laser cutting, bending and protective film before shipment.
• Inspection and certificates: third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or your nominated agency, with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates.
• Flexible payment: TT, LC or a combination of both.
• Port logistics: coil and sheet are packed seaworthy with heat-number labels and shipped through our worldwide shipping service, together with other grades if needed.

As a 1.4301 plate supplier SHH STEEL also stocks and sources the wider range of stainless steel sheets and plates, so mixed orders of different stainless grades can travel in one container with one set of paperwork.

EN 10088-2 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 is the standard 304-type austenitic steel, supplied as hot rolled plate up to 75 mm, cold rolled sheet in 2B, 2R and polished finishes, and cold worked 2H strip for formed, welded and visible parts. Choosing it is the easy part. Getting genuine material that matches the certificate, in the gauge and finish your parts need and on a predictable schedule, is where a sourcing partner earns its place, and that is the work SHH STEEL does every day through long-term mill cooperation, consolidation and its own workshop.

The next step is simple. Send SHH STEEL your drawing, or an enquiry with the quantity, thickness, width, finish and delivery destination, and we will judge whether a direct mill contract or consolidation with processing fits your order better, and quote accordingly. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.