# 316 stainless steel equivalents

316 stainless steel is nearest to EN 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2), JIS SUS316 and China GB 06Cr17Ni12Mo2. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | 316 |
| EN steel name | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| EN steel number | 1.4401 |
| JIS | SUS316 |
| China GB | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 |

Family: Austenitic stainless with molybdenum

## What it is

An austenitic stainless steel like 304 with molybdenum added. The molybdenum gives better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chlorides such as seawater, road salt and many process chemicals.

## Typical uses

Marine hardware and boat fittings, chemical, pharmaceutical and food processing equipment, coastal architecture and A4 stainless fasteners.

## Machining notes

Slightly tougher and gummier than 304 and work-hardens the same way. Use sharp carbide, positive rake, steady feed and generous coolant.

## Related grades

- 316L stainless steel (1.4404): Low-carbon version for welding
- 304 stainless steel (1.4301): Without molybdenum, lower cost
- 2205 duplex stainless steel (1.4462): Stronger, with better chloride stress-corrosion resistance

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of 316 stainless steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.4401, steel name X5CrNiMo17-12-2.

**What is the JIS equivalent of 316 stainless steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SUS316.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of 316 stainless steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 06Cr17Ni12Mo2.

**Is 1.4401 the same as 316?**
1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) is the nearest European equivalent of 316, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is 316 used for?**
Marine hardware and boat fittings, chemical, pharmaceutical and food processing equipment, coastal architecture and A4 stainless fasteners.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/316-stainless/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)