EN 10088-2 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4404 Stainless Steel Plate

EN 10088-2 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4404 stainless steel plate is a low-carbon austenitic flat product supplied to EN 10088-2, the European standard for stainless steel sheet, plate and strip for general purposes. X2CrNiMo17-12-2 contains up to 0.030 % carbon, 16.5 – 18.5 % chromium, 10.0 – 13.0 % nickel and 2.00 – 2.50 % molybdenum, the same alloy ranges as 1.4401 but with less than half the carbon. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting in chloride environments and to non-oxidising acids, and the low carbon keeps the steel resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding. EN 10088-2 lists 1.4404 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. Table 7 rates it resistant to intergranular corrosion both as delivered and 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 1.4404 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 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 sheet and plate from China, and how SHH STEEL deals with each of them.

1.4404 is the EN counterpart of UNS S31603, Type 316L, in ASTM A240 (see ASTM A240 Type 316L sheet and plate). For pressure equipment it is ordered to EN 10028-7; see EN 10028-7 1.4404 pressure vessel plate.

A heat can meet both 1.4404 and S31603 if chromium is 16.5 – 18.0 %, molybdenum at most 2.50 % and silicon at most 0.75 %. Against JIS SUS316L the nickel overlap is only 12.0 – 13.0 %. A 316L heat with more than 2.50 % molybdenum is closer to 1.4432 than to 1.4404. SHH STEEL checks these overlaps when a buyer needs dual certification.

1.4404 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 1.4404 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 1.4404 low carbon limit of 0.030 % is what separates it from 1.4401. 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, molybdenum and nickel on every certificate as part of the 1.4404 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 1.4404 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 1.4404 resistance to intergranular corrosion (EN ISO 3651-2) as “yes” in both the delivery condition and the sensitized condition.

Cold worked condition (process route 2H)

EN 10088-2 Tables 19 and 20 list no cold worked (2H) strength levels for 1.4404, so the grade is ordered in the solution annealed condition (+AT). Where a higher strength is needed, 1.4401 (+C700 and +C850) or the nitrogen-alloyed 1.4406 are the usual options.

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 1.4404:

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. Because 1.4404 is rated “yes” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization, it is less sensitive to cooling rate than 1.4401, but rapid cooling is still normal practice. Material is delivered as +AT.

The values below are approximate reference figures for X2CrNiMo17-12-2 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 1.4404 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. These are the same values as for 1.4401; the lower carbon content does not change the physical properties in any way that matters for design.

The Euro Inox fabrication tables describe 1.4404 as similar to 1.4401 but resistant to intergranular corrosion at thicknesses above 6 mm. For 1.4401 they list improved corrosion resistance, especially against non-oxidising acids, and high resistance to localised corrosion. EN 10088-2 Table 7 rates 1.4404 resistance to intergranular corrosion, tested to EN ISO 3651-2, as “yes” in the delivery condition and “yes” in the sensitized condition.

Where more molybdenum is wanted with the same low carbon, EN 10088-2 1.4432 plate (2.50 – 3.00 % Mo) is the next step; where higher strength is needed, the nitrogen-alloyed 1.4406.

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.

1.4404 is readily weldable by the common processes, and its low carbon is the reason it is chosen for welded plate.

• The Euro Inox fabrication tables rate TIG/MIG, manual metal arc and resistance welding as suitable for 1.4404, and autogenous welding as suitable with restrictions.
• Filler materials listed are 1.4430, 1.4455 and 1.4576.
• EN 10088-2 Table 7 rates 1.4404 “yes” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization, so heavy welded sections do not need a stabilized grade for this reason.
• 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 1.4404 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. Table 7 gives it the same room-temperature strength as 1.4401, so forming behaviour is similar.

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 1.4404 hot rolled plate and X2CrNiMo17-12-2 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.

1.4404 is listed in EN 10088-2 as cold rolled strip, continuously hot rolled strip and hot rolled plate, all solution annealed.

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 1.4404 hot rolled plate and coil, and 1.4404 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 1.4404 polishability as good.

The usual 1.4404 equivalent, and the answer to most 316L equivalent enquiries, is UNS S31603.

For Chinese pressure vessels the grade is ordered as GB/T 713.7 S31603 pressure vessel plate. All three foreign grades allow up to 3.00 % molybdenum, while 1.4404 is capped at 2.50 %.

1.4404 vs 1.4401 and 1.4432

Compared with EN 10088-2 1.4401 plate, 1.4404 limits carbon to 0.030 % against 0.07 % and is rated “yes” for intergranular corrosion after sensitization, where 1.4401 is rated “no”; Table 7 gives the same plate strength (220 MPa proof, 520 – 670 MPa). Compared with 1.4432, it has less molybdenum (2.00 – 2.50 % against 2.50 – 3.00 %) and slightly lower nickel, with the same Table 7 plate values.

Typical applications of 1.4404 plate and sheet follow those of 1.4401 in the Euro Inox fabrication tables, with the advantage in welded sections:

• Chemical, food-processing and textile equipment
• Drinking water, cooling water and waste water systems
• Tanks for aggressive media
• Welded vessels and plate above 6 mm
• Pressure parts (to EN 10028-7)

For pressure equipment, 1.4404 plate is ordered to EN 10028-7; for other uses, EN 10088-2 applies.

Buyers choose 1.4404 when the part is welded and 1.4401 could sensitize. SHH STEEL can advise when 1.4432 or 1.4406 is the better choice.

For 1.4404 the main risks are carbon above 0.030 %, low molybdenum, and certificates that only show 316L 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 1.4404 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
• Impact test for plate over 10 mm when agreed
• Intergranular corrosion test to EN ISO 3651-2 when agreed, as delivered or sensitized
• 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 welded chemical, food and water 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, 10 mm × 2 000 mm × 6 000 mm, EN ISO 18286, EN 10088-2, steel X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404), 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 1.4404 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 1.4404 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 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4404 is the low-carbon 316L-type austenitic steel, supplied as hot rolled plate up to 75 mm and cold rolled sheet for welded chemical, food and water 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.