What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? Which is better?

Shandong Xinhe International Trade Co., Ltd.2022-03-10

304 stainless steel

304 stainless steel is a very widely used stainless steel model. It has a high temperature resistance of 800 degrees, good processing performance and high toughness. It is used in industries such as industry, furniture decoration, food and medical care. 304 stainless steel is a general-purpose stainless steel, which is widely used to make equipment and parts that require good comprehensive performance (corrosion resistance, formability). In order to maintain the inherent corrosion resistance of stainless steel, the steel must contain more than 18% chromium and more than 8% nickel.

316 stainless steel

316L stainless steel is an American standard stainless grade. The "L" in 316L, which means Low in English, means that 316L is a material with lower carbon content in the same series. The Chinese national standard stainless steel model similar to 316L stainless steel is 022Cr17Ni12Mo2, and its corresponding digital code (UNS code) is S31603.

Which is better between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

By comparing the use of 304 and 316, which one is better to choose! I believe you all have it in your heart!

1. If the product to be produced does not require high corrosion resistance, 304 stainless steel is better, because compared with 316 stainless steel, the unit price of 304 stainless steel is more affordable. In order to maintain the inherent corrosion resistance of stainless steel, the steel must contain more than 18% chromium and more than 8% nickel. 304 stainless steel is a grade of stainless steel produced according to the American ASTM standard.

2. When the usage scene has higher requirements for chloride ion corrosion resistance and heat resistance, 316 stainless steel is better, because 316L stainless steel contains molybdenum (Mo) element, and the carbide formed by it is extremely stable and can prevent austenite heating When the grain grows, the overheating sensitivity of the steel is reduced. In addition, molybdenum element can make the passivation film more dense and firm, thereby effectively improving the Cl-corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

The difference between stainless steel 304 and 316

First of all, 316 stainless steel contains Mo, which has better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel in high temperature environment. Therefore, in high temperature environment, engineers generally choose parts made of 316 material.

Secondly, there are also differences between the two in terms of grades; 304 stainless steel corresponds to the Chinese grade 0Cr18Ni9; 316 stainless steel corresponds to the Chinese grade 0Cr17Ni12Mo2.

Third, 316 mainly reduces the Cr content and increases the Ni content and increases the Mo2%~3%. Therefore, its corrosion resistance is stronger than that of 304, and it is suitable for use in chemical, seawater and other environments. Similarly, the cost of 316 is also higher than that of 304. Generally, 316 is used in places with higher requirements to replace 304.

Shandong Xinhe International Trade Co., Ltd. produces stainless steel plates, stainless steel tubes, stainless steel rods, stainless steel angles, stainless steel channels, stainless steel flanges and other stainless steel products. The company has sufficient inventory and style characteristics. According to customer requirements, special materials and specifications are produced.