## Overview

This sheet summarises two stainless steel grades available through Shapeways CNC machining services. Data is compiled by Shapeways on the basis of EN 10088-3. For full grade data, refer to the individual Material Properties Sheets.

**Grade Comparison**

| Property                       | EN 1.4301(304)                      | EN 1.4404(316L)                |
|--------------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| EN Designation                 | EN 1.4301                           | EN 1.4404                       |
| AISI Equivalent                | AISI 304                            | AISI 316L                      |
| Chemical Composition           | X5CrNi18-10                         | X2CrNiMo17-12-2                |
| Key Addition                   | 18% Cr,10% Ni                       | 18% Cr,12% Ni,2% Mo            |
| Tensile Strength(Rm)          | 500-700MPa                         | 500-700MPa                     |
| Yield Strength(Rp0.2)         | 205MPa min                         | 200MPa min                     |
| Elongation(A)                 | 45%min                             | 40%min                         |
| Hardness                       | ≤215HB                              | ≤215HB                         |
| Density                        | 7.90g/cm³                          | 7.98g/cm³                      |
| Elastic Modulus               | ~193GPa                            | ~193GPa                        |
| Corrosion Resistance           | Excellent(general)                 | Superior(incl.chlorides)       |
| Coeff.Thermal Expansion        | 17.2×10^{-6}/K                     | 16.5×10^{-6}/K                 |
| Chloride Resistance            | Limited                             | Good—Mo addition               |
| Weldability                    | Excellent                           | Excellent(L=no sensitisation)  |
| Machinability                  | Good                               | Good(slightly harder)         |
| Primary Use                    | General purpose                     | Marine,medical,chemical        |

*Corrosion resistance ratings are relative within this grade set. All mechanical values are EN 10088-3 minimums. CTE values measured over 20–100 °C range.*

## Grade Selection Guide

| Application                                | Recommended Grade | Rationale                                                                            |
|--------------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| General industrial & structural             | 1.4301(304)       | Most cost-effective; excellent general corrosion resistance                          |
| Marine/offshore/coastal                    | 1.4404(316L)      | Molybdenum provides chloride and pitting resistance                                  |
| Chemical processing                         | 1.4404(316L)      | Better resistance to acids and process chemicals                                      |
| Medical/pharmaceutical                      | 1.4404(316L)      | Industry standard for implants and pharma equipment                                   |
| Food & beverage contact                    | 1.4301 or 1.4404  | Both suitable;316L preferred for salt or acid contact                               |
| Welded assemblies                           | Both grades        | 316L L-grade avoids sensitisation;304 excellent weldability                          |
| Cost-sensitive applications                 | 1.4301(304)       | Lower raw material cost;adequate for most environments                               |