# 316L stainless steel equivalents

316L stainless steel is nearest to EN 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2), JIS SUS316L and China GB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | 316L |
| EN steel name | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| EN steel number | 1.4404 |
| JIS | SUS316L |
| China GB | 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 |

Family: Austenitic stainless with molybdenum, low carbon

## What it is

The low-carbon version of 316. It keeps the molybdenum for chloride resistance and adds the welding advantage of low carbon: less risk of intergranular corrosion next to welds.

## Typical uses

Welded marine and offshore parts, pharmaceutical and biotech piping, chemical process equipment and medical device parts.

## Machining notes

Machines like 316. Keep the feed constant to stay under the work-hardened layer. Material is often dual-certified 316/316L.

## Related grades

- 316 stainless steel (1.4401): Standard-carbon version
- 304L stainless steel (1.4307): Low-carbon grade without molybdenum
- 2205 duplex stainless steel (1.4462): Higher-strength duplex alternative

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

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of 316L stainless steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.4404, steel name X2CrNiMo17-12-2.

**What is the JIS equivalent of 316L stainless steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is SUS316L.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of 316L stainless steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 022Cr17Ni12Mo2.

**Is 1.4404 the same as 316L?**
1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) is the nearest European equivalent of 316L, 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 316L used for?**
Welded marine and offshore parts, pharmaceutical and biotech piping, chemical process equipment and medical device parts.

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