EN 10088-2 X5CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4401 Stainless Steel Plate

EN 10088-2 X5CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4401 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. X5CrNiMo17-12-2 contains up to 0.07 % carbon, 16.5 – 18.5 % chromium, 10.0 – 13.0 % nickel and 2.00 – 2.50 % molybdenum. The molybdenum gives better resistance to pitting in chloride environments and to non-oxidising acids than the 18-10 CrNi grades. EN 10088-2 lists 1.4401 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, solution annealed, and as 2H material at +C700 and +C850. Table 7 rates it resistant to intergranular corrosion as delivered but not after sensitization.

SHH STEEL works as a steel sourcing partner with long-term relationships with Chinese stainless mills that roll austenitic CrNiMo hot rolled plate, coil and cold rolled sheet. 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 1.4401 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 X5CrNiMo17-12-2 sheet and plate from China, and how SHH STEEL deals with each of them.

1.4401 is the EN counterpart of UNS S31600, Type 316, in ASTM A240 (see ASTM A240 Type 316 sheet and plate). For pressure equipment it is ordered to EN 10028-7; see EN 10028-7 1.4401 pressure vessel plate.

A heat can meet both 1.4401 and S31600 if chromium is 16.5 – 18.0 % and silicon at most 0.75 %. The narrower EN molybdenum range (2.00 – 2.50 %) means a 316 heat with more than 2.50 % molybdenum does not meet 1.4401. SHH STEEL checks these overlaps when a buyer needs dual certification.

1.4401 is also listed in EN 10028-7:2016 for pressure purposes, as is the low-carbon 1.4404 (EN 10028-7 1.4404 pressure vessel plate). 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 1.4401 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.

The 1.4401 molybdenum content of 2.00 – 2.50 % is what distinguishes it from 1.4301. 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 molybdenum, nickel and carbon on every certificate as part of the 1.4401 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 1.4401 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.

Table 7 rates 1.4401 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 1.4401 2H material at the +C700 and +C850 tensile levels and the +CP350 and +CP500 proof strength levels (X = available). Footnotes to Tables 19 and 20 refer to EN 10151 for higher values.

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 1.4401:

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 1 030 – 1 110 °C range with cooling in air or water, slightly higher than for 1.4301. Because 1.4401 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 at the ordered level.

The values below are approximate reference figures for X5CrNiMo17-12-2 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 1.4401 as not magnetisable, with a modulus of 200 GPa at 20 °C falling to 186 GPa at 200 °C and an electrical resistivity of 0.75 Ω·mm²/m. The density of about 8.0 g/cm³ is slightly higher than for 1.4301, which matters for weight calculation.

The Euro Inox fabrication tables describe 1.4401 as having improved corrosion resistance, especially against non-oxidising acids, and high resistance to localised corrosion. They give resistance to intergranular corrosion at up to 300 °C in continuous operation and 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 and “no” in the sensitized condition (15 minutes at 700 °C, air cooled).

For welded plate above about 6 mm, the low-carbon EN 10088-2 1.4404 plate is the usual choice; the Euro Inox tables describe it as similar to 1.4401 but resistant to intergranular corrosion above 6 mm.

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.

1.4401 is readily weldable by the common processes.

• The Euro Inox fabrication tables rate TIG/MIG, manual metal arc and resistance welding as suitable for 1.4401, and autogenous welding as suitable with restrictions.
• Filler materials listed are 1.4430, 1.4576 and 1.4403.
• The same tables give resistance to intergranular corrosion up to 6 mm thickness; for thicker welded sections 1.4404 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 CrNiMo 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.

Annealed 1.4401 forms well with standard austenitic practice and work-hardens during forming, so forming 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 1.4401 hot rolled plate and X5CrNiMo17-12-2 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.

1.4401 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.

SHH STEEL can supply 1.4401 hot rolled plate and coil, and 1.4401 cold rolled sheet and coil, 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. The Euro Inox tables rate 1.4401 polishability as good.

The usual 1.4401 equivalent, and the answer to most 316 equivalent enquiries, is UNS S31600.

For Chinese pressure vessels the grade is ordered as GB/T 713.7 S31608 pressure vessel plate. All three foreign grades allow up to 3.00 % molybdenum, while 1.4401 is capped at 2.50 %.

1.4401 vs 1.4404 and 1.4301

Compared with 1.4404, 1.4401 allows more carbon (0.07 % against 0.030 %) and is rated “no” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization, where 1.4404 is rated “yes”; Table 7 gives the same plate strength. Compared with EN 10088-2 1.4301 plate, it adds 2.00 – 2.50 % molybdenum and more nickel, improving resistance to chlorides and non-oxidising acids, and its plate has a slightly higher minimum proof strength (220 against 210 MPa).

Typical applications of 1.4401 plate and sheet listed in the Euro Inox fabrication tables include:

• Chemical, food-processing and textile equipment
• Drinking water, cooling water and waste water systems
• Swimming pool linings
• Water reservoirs
• Tanks for aggressive media
• Pressure parts (to EN 10028-7)

For pressure equipment, 1.4401 plate is ordered to EN 10028-7; for other uses, EN 10088-2 applies.

Buyers choose 1.4401 when 1.4301 is not resistant enough to chlorides or acids. SHH STEEL can advise when the low-carbon 1.4404 is the better choice for welded plate.

For 1.4401 the main risks are low or missing molybdenum, using it where heavy welded sections need 1.4404, and certificates that only show 316 limits.

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 1.4401 order is supported by documents and checks that make the material traceable to the heat:

• Cast analysis with carbon, chromium, nickel and molybdenum 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 water, food and chemical equipment 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, 6 mm × 1 500 mm × 6 000 mm, EN ISO 18286, EN 10088-2, steel X5CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4401), 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 1.4401 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 1.4401 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 X5CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4401 is the molybdenum-alloyed 316-type austenitic steel, supplied as hot rolled plate up to 75 mm, cold rolled sheet and 2H strip for water, food and chemical equipment. 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.