Which stainless steel is better SS 304 or 316?
Did you know that 304 and 316
are the most popular and widely used types of stainless steel? For instance, if
welding is your chief concern for your stainless steel plate or stainless
sheet, the 304 Stainless Steel offers durability and strengthening
capabilities. This is also a material grade that performs at relatively high
temperatures making it ideal for industrial, architectural, and transportation
applications. In comparison, the 316 Stainless Steel is optimal for applications requiring more
extreme corrosion resistance.
The article contains following:
1,What is different in grade between
304 and 316?
2,What is different in price between
304 and 316?
3,What is different in application
between 304 and 316?
1,What is different in grade between
304 and 316?
The most basic difference between the
grades of steel is the presence of molybdenum in stainless 316. Molybdenum is a
chemical element used for the strengthening and hardening of steel. Its main
function in stainless 316 is to help fight off corrosion from chlorides.
Stainless 316 contains more nickel than stainless 304, while 304 contains more
chromium than 316. Stainless 304 usually consists of 18% chromium and 8%
nickel. Stainless 316 is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum.
2,What is different in price between 304
and 316?
The increased nickel content and the
inclusion of molybdenum makes grade 316 stainless steel a bit costlier than
grade 304 per ounce of material. But where grade 316 stainless proves superior
is its increased corrosion resistance—particularly against chlorides and
chlorinated solutions. This makes grade 316 stainless particularly desirable
for applications where exposure to salt or other powerful corrosives is an
issue. If you have an application with powerful corrosives or chlorides, the
extra cost of stainless 316 is highly recommended. In such applications, 316
stainless will last longer than 304, providing you with extra years of life and
usage. If your application uses milder acids or does not contain salt exposure,
stainless 304 is perfect. Below we list some common applications for both
grades of steel.
The two steel grades are comparable
in appearance, chemical makeup and characteristics. Both steels are durable and
provide excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. 304 stainless steel is the
most versatile and widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world, due to
its corrosion resistance. 304 stainless is also cheaper in cost compared to
316, another reason for its popularity and widespread use.
3,What is different in application
between 304 and 316?
Applications for 304 Stainless Steel:
Auto moldings and trim
Wheel covers
Storage tanks
Kitchen equipment/appliances
Electrical enclosures
Applications for 316 Stainless Steel;
Stainless steel floats
Marine parts
Outdoor electrical enclosures
Chemical Equipment
Pharmaceutical equipment
Not only is there the danger of
exposing all your critical electrical components inside, it could cost you a
lot to replace when it shorts out. We’re talking parts damage and replacement,
repair costs including labor and downtime. I’ve seen some real horror shows
when enclosures rust out. It’s not pretty. The good news is we have a simple cost-effective
solution. We found that by using 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless
steel on an outdoor enclosure that will be exposed to the elements (like on an
oil rig, for example) not only increases the life span of the enclosure but it
is much safer to be around.
