1.4438 Stainless Steel Composition & High‑Nickel Austenitic Properties

1.4438 (X2CrNiMo18‑15‑4) is a high‑nickel, high‑molybdenum, low‑carbon austenitic stainless steel grade under EN 10028‑7 and EN 10088‑2. As an advanced version of 316L, it contains 17–19% chromium, 14–16% nickel, and 3–4% molybdenum, delivering significantly enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride‑rich environments. The grade is suitable for seawater systems, chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical installations, pressure vessels, and hygienic fluid systems. It maintains excellent weldability and retains corrosion resistance after welding, supporting fabrication‑intensive applications. 1.4438 is supplied as plates, tubes, bars, and strips. It is widely used in marine engineering, food‑processing equipment, heat exchangers, pump and valve components, and premium architectural structures. As a high‑nickel, high‑molybdenum variant of 316L, it provides superior reliability in aggressive corrosive environments.