AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate | A240 Type 444 | UNS S44400
What is AISI 444 Stainless Steel?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 444 is widely known and searched under many different names and designations, including AISI 444, ASTM A240 Type 444, ASME SA240 Type 444, UNS S44400, 444 stainless steel, 444 stainless steel plate, SUS444, 1.4521, X2CrMoTi18-2 and molybdenum-bearing ferritic 444. All these names refer to the same extra-low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing, titanium- and/or niobium-stabilized ferritic stainless steel.
AISI 444 contains about 17.5–19.5% chromium and 1.75–2.50% molybdenum, with carbon limited to 0.025% and titanium plus niobium for stabilization. This combination gives much better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than A240 430 or A240 434. In many hot-water and mild chloride environments it is used as a nickel-free alternative to a240 316l.
The grade remains magnetic, non-hardenable by conventional quench and temper, and is normally supplied annealed. Typical uses include water-heater tanks, solar water tanks, heat-exchanger components, food equipment and welded ferritic fabrications that need higher chloride resistance than 430/439.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 444 as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery.
AISI 444 is frequently compared with A240 430, A240 434, A240 439, A240 441, A240 436 and a240 316l. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 444 / A240 Type 444 / UNS S44400 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS (SUS444), EN 1.4521 | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000–12000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, 2D, No.1, BA | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 Type 444 material when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 444 (UNS S44400):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.50 – 19.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.75 – 2.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.035 |
| Ti + Nb | ≥ 0.20 + 4(C+N), ≤ 0.80 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The defining features of AISI 444 are extra-low carbon, 1.75–2.50% molybdenum, and titanium/niobium stabilization. Molybdenum raises pitting resistance. Stabilization and low carbon protect welded joints from intergranular corrosion. SHH STEEL carefully controls Mo and stabilizer content so AISI 444 performs consistently in water-tank and chloride service.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical ASTM A240 values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 415 MPa (60 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 20% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HBW |
AISI 444 is supplied annealed. Yield strength is higher than standard 430, which is useful for tank and pressure-related fabrications. The grade is magnetic and cannot be hardened by conventional quench and temper. SHH STEEL supplies AISI 444 meeting A240 mechanical limits.
Physical Properties
Density is approximately 7.75 g/cm³. Melting range is approximately 1425–1510°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | UNS | Mo (%) | Stabilization | Chloride / Water Performance | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 430 | S43000 | — | None | Lower | Appliances and indoor service |
| AISI 434 | S43400 | 0.75–1.25 | None | Better than 430 | Automotive trim |
| AISI 439 | S43035 | — | Titanium | Moderate | Exhaust and welded ferritic service |
| AISI 444 | S44400 | 1.75–2.50 | Ti + Nb | Much better | Water heaters / chloride ferritic |
| AISI 316L | S31603 | 2.0–3.0 | Low carbon | Excellent austenitic | Process / marine chloride service |
| AISI 441 | S43932 | — | Nb + Ti | Moderate | High-temperature exhaust |
AISI 444 is selected when ferritic plate must approach a240 316l pitting resistance in hot water and mild chlorides, without nickel. For decorative or indoor use, A240 430 is usually enough. For exhaust systems, SHH STEEL often recommends A240 439 or A240 441.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 444 offers excellent pitting and crevice corrosion resistance among common ferritic grades because of molybdenum plus high chromium. It performs well in potable water, hot-water tanks, many food-contact environments and mild chloride atmospheres.
It can replace 316L in selected water-heater and tank applications, but it is not a universal substitute for austenitic 316L in seawater, strong acids or highly oxidizing chlorides. SHH STEEL can help evaluate whether AISI 444 or a240 316l is the safer choice for the actual water chemistry.
Weldability
AISI 444 has good weldability for a ferritic stainless steel because carbon is extra low and titanium/niobium stabilize the grade. Matching 444 or appropriate ferritic fillers are commonly used for tanks and heat-exchanger fabrications.
Heat input should be controlled to limit grain growth in the heat-affected zone. Post-weld annealing is generally not required for most water-tank applications. SHH STEEL recommends proper welding procedures and post-weld cleaning.
Heat Treatment
AISI 444 is normally supplied in the annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Annealing restores ductility after cold forming and optimizes corrosion resistance. The grade cannot be hardened by conventional quench and temper. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment so AISI 444 remains formable and weldable.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 444 2B – most common for tanks and thin plate |
| 2D | Cold-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 444 2D – forming applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 444 No.1 / A240 444 No.1 – industrial plate |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 444 BA – cleaner surface applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 444 in 2B and No.1 finishes for tank and fabrication use.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.4 mm – 50 mm, width up to 1500–2000 mm, and length up to 6000–12000 mm or coil/cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 444 | AISI | Main commercial keyword |
| A240 Type 444 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 | Plate specification |
| UNS S44400 | Unified Numbering System | Primary UNS designation |
| 1.4521 / X2CrMoTi18-2 | EN (Europe) | European equivalent |
| SUS444 | JIS (Japan) | Japanese equivalent |
| Related 00Cr18Mo2 | GB/T (China) | Chinese related grade |
| Related 430 / 434 / 439 | Multiple | Nearby ferritic variants |
Related grades for comparison include A240 430, A240 434, A240 439, A240 441, A240 436 and a240 316l.
Applications
AISI 444 is selected for welded ferritic tanks and equipment that need higher chloride resistance than 430 or 439. Typical applications of AISI 444 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Water Heaters | AISI 444 inner tanks and welded hot-water components |
| Solar Water Systems | AISI 444 solar tanks and collectors |
| Heat Exchangers | AISI 444 plates, shells and fabricated heat-transfer parts |
| Food & Beverage | AISI 444 tanks, covers and process equipment |
| Building Water Systems | AISI 444 potable-water tanks and fabricated parts |
| General Fabrication | A240 Type 444 2B / No.1 plate for chloride-resistant ferritic constructions |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 444 for these tank and water-system applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our equipment manufacturing, construction industry and energy industry pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services, steel welding services and steel bending and forming services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 444 with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Mo + Ti/Nb AISI 444 material optimized for water tanks and mild chloride service
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 444 2B, AISI 444 2D and AISI 444 No.1)
- Technical support for selection among AISI 430, 434, 439, 444 and 316L
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services, steel bending and forming services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What are the other common names for AISI 444?AISI 444 is also known as ASTM A240 Type 444, UNS S44400, SUS444, 1.4521 and X2CrMoTi18-2. SHH STEEL can certify the required designation.
- What is the difference between AISI 444 and AISI 430?AISI 444 has extra-low carbon, 1.75–2.50% molybdenum and Ti/Nb stabilization. Pitting resistance and welded performance are much better than 430. SHH STEEL recommends 444 for water tanks and mild chlorides.
- Can AISI 444 replace 316L?In many hot-water tanks and mild chloride systems yes. For seawater, strong acids or highly aggressive chlorides, SHH STEEL still recommends 316L or a higher alloy.
- Is AISI 444 magnetic?Yes. AISI 444 is ferritic and remains magnetic in the annealed condition.
- What is the density of AISI 444?Approximately 7.75 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides mill certificates confirming chemistry and mechanical properties.
- Is AISI 444 easy to weld?Yes, for a ferritic grade. Extra-low carbon and Ti/Nb stabilization give good as-welded corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL recommends controlled heat input on thicker plate.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 Type 444 / AISI 444 material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate is a molybdenum-bearing, titanium/niobium-stabilized ferritic grade designed for water heaters, solar tanks and mildly chloride-exposed fabrications. It offers a practical nickel-free alternative to 316L in many water-system applications, with far better pitting resistance than 430 or 434.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 444 2B, AISI 444 2D and AISI 444 No.1), or a competitive quotation.
AISI 444 Stainless Steel Plate, AISI 444, A240 Type 444, UNS S44400, 444 China steel mill-Direct Supply, SUS444, 1.4521, AISI 444 supplier
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