In the procurement and drawing communication of stainless steel castings, customers often encounter 304, 316,CF8、CF8M1.43081.4408SCS13SCS14AMaterial grades vary depending on the country and standards. In foreign trade orders, drawings may come from Europe, Japan, the United States, or China, and the same part may have different names in different standard systems. Many grades can be used as engineering references, but they cannot be simply equated. Ultimately, the drawing standards, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and operating conditions should be taken into account.
This article, from the perspective of actual material selection in stainless steel casting factories, compiles a comparison of common austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, and heat-resistant stainless steel grades, and explains the key points that need to be confirmed before quoting and production, helping purchasing, engineers, foreign trade salespersons, and drawing reviewers to understand material requirements more quickly.
Why are there so many grades of stainless steel castings?
The variety of stainless steel grades is primarily due to differences in countries and standards systems. The US commonly uses ASTM, AISI, and UNS; Europe frequently uses EN and DIN material codes; Japan commonly uses JIS; and China has both old and new GB grades. Furthermore, the material names naturally differ depending on the source of the customer's drawings.
Secondly, the designations for castings are not part of the same system as those for plates, bars, and forgings. For example, when a customer verbally says 304, they may mean 304 for plates, or they may simply want to use a type of 304 stainless steel. However, if the product is manufactured using a casting process, the factory will usually further confirm whether it corresponds to CF8, ZG06Cr19Ni10, or other casting designations.
The grade comparison is a reference for material selection, not an unconditional substitution.Before quoting a price, it is essential to confirm the material standards, not just rely on common names. This is especially important for pressure-bearing components, food processing equipment, chemical pumps and valves, coastal parts, and export components. Material confirmation should include details such as standards, composition, performance, and testing documents.
Common austeniticStainless steel casting gradesComparison Table
| Common names | ASTM/AISI Forged and Rolled Materials Reference | ASTM casting grades | EN/DIN Reference Grades | JIS Reference Grade | China GB Reference Grade | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 304 | CF8 | 1.4308 | SCS13 | 06Cr19Ni10 / ZG06Cr19Ni10 | General purpose, corrosion resistant, and low cost |
| 304L | 304L | CF3 | 1.4306 / 1.4309 | SCS13A | 022Cr19Ni10 / ZG022Cr19Ni10 | Low carbon content results in better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. |
| 316 | 316 | CF8M | 1.4408 | SCS14 | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 / ZG06Cr17Ni12Mo2 | Containing molybdenum, it has better resistance to chloride ion corrosion. |
| 316L | 316L | CF3M | 1.4404 / 1.4409 | SCS14A | 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 / ZG022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | Low carbon content with molybdenum, resulting in better corrosion resistance and weldability. |
CF8 is often used as a reference grade for 304 stainless steel castings, CF8M is often used as a reference grade for 316 stainless steel castings, CF3 is often used as a reference grade for 304L stainless steel castings, and CF3M is often used as a reference grade for 316L stainless steel castings. 1.4308 and 1.4408 are very common in European drawings, while SCS13 and SCS14A are very common in Japanese drawings.
It should be noted that the "Reference" in the table does not mean that all standards are completely consistent. Different standards may differ regarding carbon, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content, as well as mechanical properties, heat treatment, pressure testing, and inspection methods. In formal production, the standards confirmed by the customer's drawings and contract shall prevail.
In actual projects, factories typically first determine the general direction based on the common terminology provided by the customer, and then return to standards and drawings to confirm the details. For example, for 304 type castings, CF8, 1.4308, or SCS13 are generally preferred; for 316 type castings, CF8M, 1.4408, or SCS14 are the key considerations. If the drawings have additional requirements such as NACE, PED, FDA, pressure testing, low-temperature impact, and salt spray testing, the material comparison table can only serve as an entry point and cannot be directly used as the final acceptance basis.
What is the relationship between CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M and 304, 316?
In engineering communication, this can be understood as follows: CF8 ≈ 304 casting, CF8M ≈ 316 casting, CF3 ≈ 304L casting, CF3M ≈ 316L casting. The use of "≈" here is because these are engineering reference correspondences, not exact equal signs.
The standards for castings, plates, bars, and forgings differ, and their composition ranges and performance requirements may also vary. If the drawing specifies 304 stainless steel, but the product is manufactured using a casting process, it is generally necessary to confirm whether CF8 or other equivalent casting grades should be used. If the drawing explicitly states ASTM A351 CF8M, then CF8M should be followed, rather than simply specifying 316.
For casting projects, the grade name is only the first step; the implementation standards and acceptance requirements are the basis for production.
A common scenario: a purchasing email states "needs 316 stainless steel castings," but the drawing title bar specifies ASTM A351 CF8M, while the technical specifications require a material certificate according to EN 10204 3.1. In this case, the factory cannot simply quote based on "316"; they need to confirm whether it is smelted according to CF8M, whether a corresponding European certificate format is required, and whether measured values of chemical composition and mechanical properties are needed. The earlier the material communication is clarified, the fewer rework and disputes will occur later.
Europe EN/DIN stainless steelBrand Code Comparison
European customer drawings often use material numbers, such as 1.4308, 1.4408, 1.4404, and 1.4462. Generally, European material numbers begin with "1." 1.4308 and 1.4408 are frequently used for castings, while 1.4404 is more commonly found in 316L plates and bars, and can also be used as a material selection reference.
| EN/DIN material number | Common Names | ASTM Casting Reference | AISI Reference | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4308 | X5CrNi19-10 | CF8 | 304 | Ordinary stainless steel castings |
| 1.4408 | GX5CrNiMo19-11-2 | CF8M | 316 | Molybdenum-containing corrosion-resistant castings |
| 1.4306 | X2CrNi19-11 | CF3 Reference | 304L | Low carbon stainless steel |
| 1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | CF3M Reference | 316L | Low carbon molybdenum stainless steel |
| 1.4462 | X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 | CD3MN reference | 2205 | duplex stainless steel |
When quoting prices for European drawings, it's crucial to determine whether the drawings adhere to EN casting standards, material standards, or the customer's internal standards. Don't simply write 316 just because you see 1.4408, nor should you treat 1.4404 as the requirement for all 316L castings.
European customers typically place great emphasis on the consistency of material numbers and documentation. During the quotation stage, it is recommended to confirm the material number, standard version, certificate type, whether furnace number traceability is required, and whether the parts require pickling and passivation, dimensional reports, or third-party inspection. For precision castings, material conformity is only the foundation; casting defects, machining allowances, surface roughness, and dimensional tolerances also affect the final acceptance.
JapanJIS Stainless SteelCasting grade comparison
Japanese drawings frequently use designations such as SCS13, SCS14, and SCS14A. These are mostly used for stainless steel castings, especially in pumps and valves.impellerIt is commonly found in food machinery and equipment parts.
| JIS Casting Grades | Common correspondences | ASTM Casting Reference | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCS13 | 304 stainless steel castings | CF8 | Ordinary corrosion-resistant castings |
| SCS13A | 304L stainless steel castings | CF3 | Low carbon 304 castings |
| SCS14 | 316 stainless steel castings | CF8M | Molybdenum-containing corrosion-resistant castings |
| SCS14A | 316L stainless steel castings | CF3M | Low-carbon molybdenum-containing corrosion-resistant castings |
SCS14A generally refers to 316L type castings, commonly used in stainless steel castings such as pumps, valves, impellers, and chemical equipment. If the customer's drawings specify JIS standards, production and testing should be carried out according to JIS requirements, rather than simply substituting American ASTM grades.
Japanese drawings are characterized by their detailed specifications regarding materials, dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish requirements. For SCS type castings, in addition to confirming the grade, it's crucial to pay attention to any restrictions on casting surface grades, machining datums, thread standards, and appearance defects. When forwarding quotations to factories, sales representatives in foreign trade should not only provide the material names but also include complete drawings and notes.
Explanation of Chinese GB Stainless Steel Grades and Old Grades
China's stainless steel grades have undergone changes from old to new designations, and many customers still use the old designations. For example, 0Cr18Ni9 is often referred to as 304, and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 is often referred to as 316L. Domestic customers also frequently use 304, 316, or 2520 directly, which is convenient for communication, but it is best to specify the new grade or applicable standard in official documents.
| New Chinese trademarks | Common old brands | Commonly used names | illustrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06Cr19Ni10 | 0Cr18Ni9 | 304 | Commonly used austenitic stainless steel |
| 022Cr19Ni10 | 00Cr19Ni10 | 304L | Low-carbon 304 |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 | 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 | 316 | Molybdenum-containing austenitic stainless steel |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 | 316L | Low carbon molybdenum stainless steel |
| 06Cr25Ni20 | 0Cr25Ni20 | 310S / 2520 | Heat-resistant stainless steel |
When providing a casting quote, it is recommended to confirm whether there are corresponding casting grades or chemical composition requirements. For drawings that only specify the old grade, the factory should confirm the old and new grades and standards with the customer during the quotation stage to avoid inconsistencies between material certification documents and customer requirements.
Another common scenario in domestic projects is that the client verbally requests 304 or 316 stainless steel, but the drawings don't clearly specify the standard, and then later requests a material report. In this case, it's recommended to clearly state in the quotation that "the material is executed according to a certain grade/standard," and specify whether it includes spectral analysis, mechanical property testing, heat treatment records, and third-party reports. This protects both the client and the manufacturer.
BiphasicStainless Steel Grade Comparison Table
2205 and 2507 are not simply upgraded versions of ordinary 304 and 316 stainless steel. Duplex steel combines the characteristics of austenitic and ferritic microstructures, resulting in higher strength and better resistance to chloride ion corrosion. It is commonly used in seawater, chemical, pump and valve, and marine parts applications. When casting duplex steel, special attention should be paid to heat treatment and microstructure control.
| Common names | UNS | EN/DIN | China GB Reference | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2205 | S32205 / S31803 | 1.4462 | 022Cr23Ni5Mo3N | High strength and good resistance to chloride ion corrosion. |
| 2507 | S32750 | 1.4410 | 022Cr25Ni7Mo4N | Super duplex steel with enhanced corrosion resistance |
If the parts are exposed to seawater, high-chloride ion media, or have a high risk of corrosion for extended periods, choosing 316L alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, 2205 or 2507 should be evaluated based on the media, temperature, pressure, and lifespan requirements.
The production control of duplex stainless steel castings is generally more difficult than that of ordinary austenitic stainless steel. Besides composition, solution treatment, cooling rate, ferrite content, and microstructure all affect performance. For parts such as pump bodies, impellers, valve bodies, and marine hardware, if the customer specifically requests 2205 or 2507, the heat treatment and testing requirements should be confirmed simultaneously when quoting a price; it cannot be handled simply according to the process for ordinary stainless steel castings.
Heat-resistant stainless steel grade comparison table
Heat-resistant stainless steel is mainly used in high-temperature environments, such as heat treatment equipment, furnaces, furnace bottom plates, furnace tanks, and heat-resistant castings. 2520 is a common name used in China, usually referring to 310S type heat-resistant stainless steel.
| Common names | AISI/ASTM Reference | China GB Reference | Main features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 309S | 309S | 06Cr23Ni13 | Good heat resistance | Stoves, heat treatment equipment, heat-resistant parts |
| 310S / 2520 | 310S | 06Cr25Ni20 | High chromium and high nickel content, resistant to high temperature oxidation | Furnace bottom plate, furnace pot, heat-resistant castings |
The selection of heat-resistant steel cannot be based solely on temperature; factors such as atmosphere, load, oxidation, thermal fatigue, and whether frequent temperature rises and falls are also necessary. For high-temperature components with load-bearing or wear requirements, an evaluation must be conducted in conjunction with the structure and service life.
For example, even with the same nominal designation of 310S or 2520, the effects of oxidizing atmosphere, reducing atmosphere, sulfidation environment, and cyclic thermal shock in the furnace on material life are different. For heat-resistant castings, attention must also be paid to wall thickness design, casting defects, hot cracking tendency, and subsequent machining deformation. If customers can provide actual operating temperature, heating/cooling frequency, load, and installation method, the factory can more easily determine whether the material and structure are appropriate.
The most common mistake when matching metal grades
While using product code references can improve communication efficiency, it can also lead to misuse. Common errors include:
- Using plate grades directly as casting grades;
- Treating "similar brands" as "completely equivalent";
- Only looking at 304/316, ignoring the implementation standards;
- Ignoring low-carbon materials and welding requirements;
- Ignoring the medium, temperature, and corrosive environment;
- Ignoring the testing and certification requirements on the customer's drawings.
The grade comparison can only help with preliminary judgment. Formal production must be based on drawings, standards, composition, performance and customer confirmation documents.If the material certification, chemical composition, or implementation standards are inconsistent with the customer's requirements, even if the commonly used names are similar, it may lead to acceptance problems.
Another easily overlooked point is that "substitutable" and "acceptable" are not the same thing. Some materials are similar in actual use, but if the customer's drawings, contracts, or import clearance documents specify a standard grade, the supplier must follow the document. If a substitution is indeed necessary, a material comparison, composition range, and performance description should be submitted in advance for written confirmation from the customer before production.
Stainless steel casting material selection and quotation suggestions
在Stainless steel precision castingIn projects where drawings come from different national standards, it is recommended to confirm the material grade, applicable standards, chemical composition range, heat treatment requirements, and testing requirements before submitting a quote to avoid misunderstandings about materials later.
When customers inquire about pricing, we recommend providing the following information:
- 2D drawings or 3D drawings;
- Material grade and applicable standards;
- Usage environment;
- Contact medium;
- Operating temperature and pressure;
- Is welding required?
- Is CNC machining required?
- Surface treatment requirements;
- Testing requirements;
- Annual usage or quantity per batch.
The more complete the data, the easier it is for foundries to determine whether the materials are suitable, and to more accurately assess the costs of mold making, casting, heat treatment, machining, and testing.
For foreign trade orders, it is recommended to translate the material names back to standard grades before quoting, and list "common names, applicable standards, casting grades, and certificate requirements" in the quotation. This ensures that customers, sales staff, engineers, and workshop staff use the same language. For long-term cooperative projects, a material confirmation form can be established to record the customer's original grade, the factory's applicable grade, testing items, and historical delivery information, leading to more stable repeat purchases in the future.
Summarize
CF8, CF8M, CF3, and CF3M are common stainless steel casting grades, while 304, 316, 304L, and 316L are more commonly used forged and rolled materials or general designations. 1.4308 and 1.4408 are commonly found in European drawings, while SCS13, SCS14, and SCS14A are commonly found in Japanese drawings. 2205 and 2507 are suitable for applications requiring higher corrosion resistance, while 309S and 310S/2520 are more commonly used for heat-resistant parts.
Grade comparison cannot replace standard confirmation. Before formal production, drawings, standards, chemical composition, mechanical properties, testing requirements, and actual working conditions should be confirmed.
Haijin Stainless Steel focuses on stainless steelPrecision castingWe offer silica sol casting and CNC precision machining, and can customize various stainless steel castings such as CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M, 2205 duplex steel, 2507 duplex steel, and 310S heat-resistant steel according to customer drawings or samples.
If you are unsure how the material grade on the drawing corresponds to Chinese, American, European, or Japanese standards, please provide the drawing, sample, or usage environment requirements. We can assist you with material selection and process evaluation.
FAQ
1. Does CF8 correspond to 304 stainless steel?
In engineering, CF8 is often used as a reference grade for 304 stainless steel castings, but CF8 is a casting grade, while 304 is more commonly used for forged and rolled products or as a general term. Formal production should adhere to standards and compositions.
2. Does CF8M correspond to 316 or 316L?
CF8M typically corresponds to 316 stainless steel castings. If 316L low-carbon molybdenum-containing castings are required, CF3M should generally be considered.
3. What material is 1.4408?
1.4408 is a common molybdenum-containing stainless steel casting material number in Europe. In engineering, it often corresponds to CF8M or 316 type stainless steel castings and is used for castings with high corrosion resistance requirements.
4. What stainless steel grade does SCS14A correspond to?
SCS14A is a low-carbon molybdenum-containing stainless steel casting grade in the Japanese JIS system. It can usually be understood as a 316L type casting and is often used as an engineering reference corresponding to CF3M.
5. What Chinese grade corresponds to 2205 duplex stainless steel?
The common UNS designations for 2205 duplex stainless steel are S32205 or S31803, the European material number is 1.4462, and the Chinese GB reference designation is 022Cr23Ni5Mo3N.
6. Can stainless steel grades from different countries be directly interchanged?
Direct interchange is not recommended. Different standards may have different component ranges, performance requirements, and testing methods. The grade comparison can only be used as a reference. For formal production, customers need to confirm the standards, components, performance, and operating conditions.
