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The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel

In the purchase of stainless steel products, the common stainless steel words followed by 304 or 316 numbers, these two numbers refer to the model of stainless steel, but the difference between stainless steel 304 and 316, it is difficult to say. Today, we will distinguish the two in detail from the perspective of chemical composition, density, performance, application fields, etc., and believe that you will have a clear understanding of these two kinds of stainless steel after reading them.

#304 stainless steel # and 316 stainless steel are austenitic stainless steel, the difference between the two in chemical composition is: 316 stainless steel improves nickel (Ni) by reducing chromium (Cr) content, and increases 2%-3% molybdenum (Mo), this structure greatly improves the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of stainless steel, so the performance of 316 stainless steel is better than 304 stainless steel.

The following is the difference between 304 and 316:

1. Ingredients

The composition of 304 stainless steel is composed of 18% chromium and about 8% nickel; In addition to chromium and nickel, 316 stainless steel also has about 2% molybdenum. Different components also make them different in performance.

2. Density

The density of 304 stainless steel is 7.93g/cm³, the density of 316 stainless steel is 7.98g/cm³, and the density of 316 stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel.

3. Different performance:

The molybdenum element contained in 316 stainless steel makes it have very good corrosion resistance, for some acidic substances, alkaline substances, but also more tolerant, will not be corroded. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel is naturally better than that of 316 stainless steel.

4. Different applications:

304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are food grade materials, but because 316 has better corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance, it will be more used in some medical equipment and other fields, while 304 stainless steel is more used in the kitchen, such as tableware, kitchenware, stainless steel countertops and so on.

5. the price is different:

The performance of 316 stainless steel is more superior, so the price is more expensive than 304 stainless steel.

The two have their own characteristics, and how to choose depends on the actual demand. Although 304 stainless steel does not have the superior performance of 316, its performance is enough to meet daily needs, and its cost is more cost-effective, so it is more cost-effective. If there is a higher demand for use, then 316 stainless steel can be selected to better meet the needs of the occasion.

Summarize the performance characteristics of the two, stainless steel 304 acid resistance, alkali resistance, high density, polishing without bubbles, high toughness, good processing performance; In addition to the performance characteristics of 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel is also resistant to special medium corrosion, which can improve the corrosion resistance to chemicals hydrochloric acid and the ocean, and improve the corrosion resistance to brine halogen solution.


Post time: Feb-27-2024