The Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

1. The Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Grade 304 stainless steel is generally regarded as the most common austenitic stainless steel. Grade 316 stainless steel has high amounts of chromium and nickel. 316 stainless steel is often considered one of the most suitable choices when selecting an austenitic stainless steel for marine applications. 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The 2 grades though have very unique characteristics due to their chemical composition and care should be taken when selecting which type is best suited to your application. 304 can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes 304 easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for kitchen and food applications. 316 grades are the second-most common form of stainless steel. 304 stainless steel vs 316 Stainless steel Cost All stainless steels require a minimum of 10.5% chromium and they are alloyed with iron which makes up a large proportion of their final makeup. 316 contains a minimum 2.0% molybdenum which makes it much more corrosion resistant than 304 however, as it is a more expensive element, generally makes 316 a more expensive grade of metal. Magnetism Both grades are austenitic which means that they do not have magnetic properties however cold working can have an effect on this. When the stainless steel is formed or cut, there will be a slight increase in their magnetic properties although this is only minor. Chemical composition Grade 304 316 C 0.07 0.07 Si 1.00 1.00 Mn 2.00 2.00 Cr 17.5-19.5 16.5 - 18.5 Ni 8.0-10.5 10.0 - 13.0 Corrosion resistance Stainless steel as a category of metals is very corrosion resistant but with the addition of molybdenum into 316, this increases the grades ability to withstand harsh environments. Often referred to as marine grade, 304 is suitable for use in environments that are more aggressive than ambient although care should still be taken to clean the metal regularly to prolong its service life.

2. Applications of 304 stainless steel • • • • • • Appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers Commercial food processing equipment Fasteners Piping Heat exchangers Structures in environments that would corrode standard carbon steel. Applications of 316 stainless steel • • • • Chemical processing and storage equipment. Refinery equipment Medical device Marine environments, especially those with chlorides present Which Should You Use: Grade 304 or Grade 316? Situations where 304 stainless steel may be the better choice • The application requires excellent formability. The higher molybdenum content in Grade 316 can have adverse effects on formability. The application has cost concerns. Grade 304 is typically more affordable than Grade 316. • • Situations where 316 stainless steel may be the better choice The environment includes a high number of corrosive elements. The material will be placed underwater or be exposed to water consistently. In applications where greater strength and hardness are required. • • • For more Information of Stainless Steel and about best Stainless-Steel Exporters Please go through the link http://santoshsteels.com/ Visit http://santoshsteels.com/ for stainless steel pipe manufacturers in india, manufacturers of stainless steel pipes in india, industrial pipe manufacturers in india, stainless steel tubes manufacturer in india, s s pipe manufacturer in india, stainless steel pipe Suppliers in india, Suppliers of stainless steel pipes in india, industrial pipe Supplier in india, s.s pipe exporter in india, stainless steel pipes and tubes manufacturers in india, stainless steel pipes and tubes Supplier in india, stainless steel pipes and tubes exporter in india.