Comparison table of stainless steel standard steel grades in various countries in the world

Stainless Steel Grades and Standards Comparison

Stainless steel is a popular material among all sorts of industries for its versatility and durability, but choosing the right grade for a specific application can be a challenge. This comparison table can help you find the stainless steel grade most suitable for your application, whether it be for a commercial or industrial purpose.

Here are some of the most common stainless steel grades and their properties.

Grade 201:

This is an austenitic stainless steel with a nickel content of 18%, which makes it highly corrosion-resistant. Due to its high nickel content, grade 201 is not usually weldable, although it can be cold worked. Grade 201 is often used in structural applications where a slightly higher strength is required without sacrificing too much corrosion resistance.

Grade 304:

This is the most commonly used stainless steel grade and is also referred to as the classic 18/8 grade. It has a nickel content of 8.5%, making it highly resistant to corrosion and very tough. Grade 304 is highly weldable and can easily be formed into various shapes and sizes. It is often used in food processing, commercial kitchens, and chemical processing.

Grade 316:

This is an austenitic stainless steel grade with a higher molybdenum content than grade 304. This makes it even more corrosion-resistant than grade 304, making it suitable for marine and chemical applications. Grade 316 is also highly weldable and is often used in structural applications.

Grade 410:

This is a ferritic stainless steel grade with a very low-nickel content. It is highly corrosion-resistant and magnetic, making it suitable for projects exposed to saltwater and acidic chemicals. Grade 410 is non-heat-treatable and often used for parts that need to be machined or formed without any welding.

Grade 416:

This is a martensitic stainless steel grade that contains 11.5-13.5% chromium and 0.15-0.25% molybdenum. Grade 416 is slightly magnetic and highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for marine and chemical applications.

Grade 420:

Also known as the classic 13/8 stainless steel grade, this is a martensitic stainless steel containing 13% chromium and 0.8% carbon. It is highly corrosion-resistant and quite magnetic. Grade 420 is often used in applications that require excellent machinability, such as cutlery, bearings, and machine parts.

Grade 430:

This is a ferritic stainless steel grade containing 17% chromium and 0.12% carbon. Grade 430 is slightly magnetic and highly corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for applications in decorative and low-temperature environments.

Grade 440:

This is a martensitic stainless steel grade containing 16% chromium and 0.6% carbon. Grade 440 is highly corrosion-resistant and quite magnetic. It is often used for blades, surgical tools, and pins.

These are just a few of the most common stainless steel grades and their properties. There are a number of other grades with different properties and uses. For those looking for a more in-depth comparison of stainless steel grades, contact your local steel fabrication or machining company. They will be able to provide advice and recommendations to help you select the best grade for your application.

Stainless Steel Standard Steel Grades Comparison Across the World

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and other metals, which is widely used in various areas due to its corrosion resistance, hardness and stainability. Stainless steel is divided into various grades, such as ferritic, austenitic and grade 400 series. Different countries have their own steel standards to define the grade of stainless steel. Therefore, for the comparison of stainless steel grades across the countries, a cross-reference table is required.

The table below outlines stainless steel grades comparison in major countries, such as the USA, Germany, China, Japan and France. For example, in the USA, common grade 303 stainless steel is equivalent to Chinas 3Cr12, Japanese SUS302 and France AFNOR Z12CN17.07.

Similarly, in Germany, grade X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301) corresponds to Chinas 1Cr18Ni9, Japans SUS304 and Frances AFNOR Z6CN18-09. Other common grades, such as SUS312 in Japan and 302HQ in the USA, correspond to X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301) in Germany, 1Cr18Ni9Ti in China, AFNOR Z10CN18-09 in France.

Country Grade China Japan Germany U.S.A France

USA 303 3Cr12 SUS302 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 AFNOR Z12CN17.07

USA 302HQ 1Cr18Ni9 SUS304 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 AFNOR Z6CN18-09

Japan SUS312 1Cr18Ni9Ti SUS304 X5CrNi18-10 1.4301 AFNOR Z10CN18-09

Stainless steel grades comparison in the table above is only applicable to commonly used grades in major countries. For other grade systems, please consult specialized service providers.