304 VS 316 Stainless Steel: Which is Better

304 VS 316 Stainless Steel: Which is Better

The two most common types in our company PINDEE STEEL used in daily life and industry in Chinese society are 304 and 316. The high content of chromium and nickel in 304 and 316 stainless steel plates gives them high heat resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Of course, they are not only known for these advantages, but also have many benefits such as a clean appearance and high ductility. Although the two are very similar in many aspects, there are significant differences in their production methods. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum chemically, while 304 stainless steel does not contain molybdenum. Continue reading to learn more about the most popular types of stainless steel.

PINDEE STEEL EXPLAINE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 304 and 316 stainless steel?

304 stainless steel

Grade 304 is the most common austenitic stainless steel. It contains 6% nickel and 16% chromium. The alloy also includes other elements - carbon, manganese, and silicon, with the remaining components mainly being iron. 304 stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and high nickel chromium content.

316 stainless steel

316 stainless steel is mainly composed of iron, containing 8% nickel and 14% chromium, as well as small amounts of carbon, manganese, molybdenum, and silicon. Therefore, it is more corrosion-resistant than 304. Therefore, 316 stainless steel is usually the preferred choice for marine construction.

How are 304 and 316 stainless steels classified?

Although there are over 100 grades of stainless steel, most of them belong to the five major categories of the stainless steel family: austenite, ferrite, martensite, duplex, and precipitation hardening. These five types of stainless steel are arranged according to their crystal structures. Austenitic grades include 316 and 304 stainless steel plates. The austenitic system of stainless steel grade makes it non-magnetic and cannot be used for heat treatment.

What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 has many chemical properties similar to 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, these two metals appear to be the same. The simple answer to this question is that 304 contains 18% chromium. 316 contains 10% nickel. 2% molybdenum. 316 has added molybdenum to help resist corrosion from oxides such as seawater or saltwater. Next, we will briefly introduce the characteristics of 304 and 316 respectively.

Application of 304 and 316 stainless steel

Application of 304 stainless steel

304 is commonly used in our daily medical and food industries because it can withstand powerful cleaning chemicals without corrosion. 304 stainless steel is a low-carbon and high chromium content stainless steel, making it one of the most commonly used austenitic stainless steel metals. All 16% and 6% nickel austenitic metal alloys are available. Type 304 Stainless Steel Coil is recognized for its oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability. 304 products can be made into various finishes, providing choices for various industries. Typical applications of 304 stainless steel include:

Kitchen utensils: various pots, pans, range hoods, sinks, shovels, etc.

Transportation equipment: various car parts, roadblocks, lamp posts, etc.

Construction industry: indoor construction, such as wall panels, elevators, etc.

Medical equipment: surgical tools, monitoring devices, etc.

There is a significant difference in the nickel and chromium content between 304 and 316 stainless steel plates. The former has a higher chromium content, while the latter has a higher nickel content.

Application of 316 Stainless Steel

Adding molybdenum to 316 makes it more corrosion-resistant than similar alloys. 316 has become the main metal used in marine environments due to its corrosion resistance. 316 stainless steel is used in hospitals due to its cleanliness. 316 stainless steel is a true chromium nickel stainless steel that can withstand various chemical corrosion, such as seawater or saltwater solutions. Typical applications of 304 stainless steel.

Chemical equipment: storage tanks and pipelines used for chemical applications, chemical storage and processing equipment, and refinery infrastructure.

Mechanical components: ship rails, wire ropes, ship ladders, and hull.

Medical equipment: large pharmaceutical equipment, surgical equipment, etc.

The main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is that 316 grade has a much higher molybdenum content, typically 2-3% by weight, and has better corrosion resistance.

How to distinguish between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

It is difficult to distinguish the two with the naked eye, but generally speaking, the symbol 304 or 316 is engraved on the bottom or inside of the product. When encountering unscrupulous merchants, they may mark the bottom of 304 with 316. So, how do we distinguish between the two? We can only use MTR to identify whether it is 304 or 316.

All stainless steel products of POSCO Group are manufactured strictly in accordance with standards such as ASTM, AISI, GB, JIS, DIN, etc. All 304 and 316 stainless steel products come with ISO, RoHS, IBR, and other testing reports. We can customize shipping packaging, stainless steel size, thickness, etc. for free. We are your trusted partner.

Which is better: 304 or 316 stainless steel?

When observing these two types of steel, they appear similar in appearance and have similar chemical compositions. Both have excellent rust and corrosion resistance, as well as additional durability. When comparing 304 and 316 stainless steel, the higher cost of 316 can be attributed to its better corrosion resistance. Due to this price difference and the limited environment in which 316 steel has advantages, 304 grade is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel.

Due to its better corrosion resistance, the cost of 316 grade stainless steel is higher. This advanced alloy is particularly recommended for use in corrosive environments such as seawater. It can extend the lifespan of components or equipment exposed to harsh and corrosive conditions, especially when exposed to salt. However, for most applications, level 304 will be very effective. In summary, when the application is more corrosive, choose 316 stainless steel, and vice versa.