Basic Austenitic Steels
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432 / 316L / Z3CND17-13-03 / 316S13 / 2353 / 03KH17N14M3
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432 stainless steel belongs to the group of austenitic stainless steels and is widely recognized for its high corrosion resistance. It is generally considered an enhanced variation of the 316L series. While similar to 1.4404 (standard 316L), its more balanced nickel and molybdenum content enables improved performance in certain aggressive environments.
This steel typically contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 12–14% nickel, and 2.5–3% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum significantly improves resistance to pitting corrosion, especially in chloride-containing environments such as seawater and saline atmospheres. Its low carbon content (L grade) minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding, making it highly suitable for welded structures.
In addition to its corrosion resistance, X2CrNiMo17-12-3 steel stands out for its good workability and hygienic properties. Its smooth surface finish allows for easy cleaning and provides resistance to bacterial growth, making it widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.
From a mechanical standpoint, this grade offers moderate strength combined with high ductility. It provides good resistance to impact and a low risk of cracking during forming operations. Its suitability for both hot and cold forming processes adds flexibility to manufacturing operations.
Grade 1.4432 stainless steel is particularly preferred in harsh and aggressive environments, where long-term performance is critical. It is widely used in marine, chemical, and process industries, while its aesthetic surface quality also makes it suitable for architectural applications.
Main Application Areas
- Marine equipment and components exposed to seawater
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Food and beverage processing equipment
- Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing
- Tanks, pipes, and pressure vessel systems
- Heat exchangers and process equipment
- Architectural and exterior applications
- Specialized automotive components requiring high durability
- Industrial applications requiring high corrosion resistance
Thanks to these characteristics, X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432 (316L variant) stainless steel is widely recognized as a reliable engineering material for demanding environments requiring superior corrosion resistance and long service life.
General Identity
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432
| Grade | X2CrNiMo17-12-3 |
| Number | 1.4432 |
| Classification | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
Equivalent Grades
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432
| USA | 316L |
| Japan, JIS | SUS316L |
| France, AFNOR | Z3CND17-13-03 Z3CND18-14-03 |
| England, BS | 316S13 |
| Sweden, SS | 2353 |
| Russia, GOST | 03KH17N14M3 |
Standards
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432
| Standard 1 | EN 10088-2: 2005 |
| Standard 2 | EN 10088-3: 2005 |
| Standard 3 | EN 10028-7: 2007 |
| Standard 4 | EN 10222-5: 2000 |
| Standard 5 | EN 10217-7: 2005 |
| Standard 6 | EN 10296-2: 2005 |
| Standard 7 | EN 10253-3: 2008 |
| Standard 8 | EN 10253-4: 2008 |
| Standard 9 | EN 10272: 2007 |
| Standard 10 | EN 10263-5: 2001 |
| Standard 11 | EN 10088-1: 2005 |
| Standard 12 | EN 10088-5: 2009 |
| Standard 13 | EN 10088-4: 2009 |
Chemical Composition
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432
| C | max 0.03 |
| Si | max 1.00 |
| Mn | 2.00 |
| Ni | 10.5 – 13 |
| P | max 0.045 |
| S | max 0.015 |
| Cr | 16.5 – 18.5 |
| Mo | 2 – 2.50 |
| N | max 0.11 |
Mechanical Properties
X2CrNiMo17-12-3 – 1.4432
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+A) | 490 – 700 | |
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+AT) | 490 – 690 | |
| Rm – Tensile strength (MPa) (+AT+C) | 750 – 780 | |
| Rp0.2 0.2% proof strength (MPa) (+A) | 190 – 240 | |
| Rp0.2 0.2% proof strength (MPa) (+AT) | 190 | |
| KV – Impact energy (J) transverse, (+A) | +20° – 60 | -196° – 60 |
| KV – Impact energy (J) longitud., (+A) | +20° – 100 | |
| A – Min. elongation at fracture (%) (+A) | 40 – 45 | |
| A – Min. elongation at fracture (%) longitud (+A) | 40 | |
| Nominal diameter(mm) | 2 – 50 | |
| Z – Reduction in cross section on fracture (%) | 63 – 68 | |
| Birinel hardness (HB) (+A): | 215 | |
| Birinel hardness (HB) (+AT): | 200 | |
