Compare stainless steel 304 and 316

2024-12-31

1.Stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316 are compared from the composition

Composition	Stainless steel 304	Stainless steel 316
Iron	balance	balance
Carbon	0.0-0.07%	< 0.08%
Chromium	17.50-19.50%	16-18%
Manganese	0.0-2.0%	< 2.0%
Silicon	0.0-1.0%	< 1.0%
Phosphorus	0.0-0.05%	0.045%
Sulfur	0.0-0.03%	< 0.30%
Nickel	8.0-10.5%	10-14%
Nitrogen	0.0-0.11%	-

2.Comparison of corrosion resistance of stainless steel 304 and 316

304 stainless steel: The key factor determining the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is that the chromium content must be >10.5% or more. 304 stainless steel has this characteristic due to its chromium content of 17.5-19.5%.
Stainless steel 316: This stainless steel also has good corrosion resistance, then stainless steel 304 and 316 which is better? Although chromium content is similar, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum that 304 does not (molybdenum is a higher cost, strong corrosion resistance in acidic environments). Therefore, customers often choose 316 stainless steel for use in harsher environments.

3.Heat resistance of 304 and 316 steels

Stainless steel 304: This is an alloy with quite good heat resistance (below 1000 degrees Celsius for a certain time). As a result, they can be used in many applications at different temperatures.
316 stainless steel: When it comes to heat resistance, which is better, 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel? Of course, 316, but in the same certain heating time, the heat resistance of 304 and 316 stainless steel will not be too different.

4.Machinability of stainless steel 316 and 304

Stainless Steel 304: This is a material that is considered easy to process, although it also depends on thickness. But with methods and machines such as milling machines, plasma cutting, drilling, punching, bending and turning, everything will happen very easily.
Stainless Steel 316: This material is also easy to process, but because it has a better hardness than 304, it can be a little difficult to manufacture. However, with modern machinery, the processing of stainless steel 316 and 304 will not be too complicated and time-consuming.

5.Stainless steel 304 hardness or 316 hardness is good?

304 stainless steel: 304 stainless steel is a relatively good hardness alloy. The elastic stress can reach 1000MPa (depending on the quantity and shape of 304 stainless steel).
Stainless steel 316: In terms of hardness, which is better between stainless steel 304 and 316, stainless steel 316 is considered better than 304. The reason is that stainless steel 316 contains molybdenum (2-3%) that stainless steel 304 does not. Therefore, 316 stainless steel has better carrying capacity.

6.What is the difference between the magnetic properties of stainless steel 316 and 304?

Stainless steel 304: Stainless steel 316 and stainless steel 304 are stainless steel, there is no magnetic, but in the process of forming, bending box and pipe, it will produce slight magnetism and produce suction.
316 stainless steel: This type of stainless steel also belongs to the group of steels that do not oxidize due to temperature effects and are non-magnetic. However, unlike 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel still has some slight magnetic properties when subjected to mechanical deformation or high temperature processing.

7.Electrical conductivity of 316 and 304 stainless steels

Stainless steel 304: Stainless steel 304 has conductive ability but not high. The electrical conductivity of this type of 304 stainless steel is worse than that of copper, aluminum or even 316 stainless steel, so it is often used in occasions where the electrical conductivity is low or does not require electrical conductivity.
Stainless steel 316: Stainless steel 316 has better electrical conductivity than stainless steel 304 because it contains more molybdenum and has higher chemical stability, while stainless steel 304 does not have this substance.

8.Stainless steel 304 and 316 applications

Stainless steel 304: used in machinery manufacturing, vehicle parts production, furniture, jewelry, but also used in the food industry and medical equipment production.
Stainless Steel 316: This type of stainless steel 316 is preferred for the manufacture of chemical, environmental and oil and gas related parts, the installation of Marine parts, and the production of tanks, shields and exchange parts in industry.

9.How to distinguish stainless steel 304 and 316

Knowing how to distinguish between 304 and 316 stainless steel can help you be more confident when purchasing, and can also avoid buying the wrong type, resulting in later costs and many risks. The following describes several methods to distinguish 304 316 stainless steel:
--check the parameters on the label: A simple way to distinguish is to look at the code or symbol on the label, which will indicate what kind of stainless steel it is.
--check the certificate: Each model of 304 stainless steel 316 has a certificate of origin, a quality certificate and a manual, which not only accurately reflects the type of stainless steel, but also can help customers clearly understand its characteristics and quality and reputation. That product.
--because 316 stainless steel is different from 304 with molybdenum added, 304 and 316 stainless steel can be tested by chemical reaction with reagent bottles, if it becomes green or blue, it is stainless steel 316.

10.Stainless steel 304 and 316 which is better?

We hope that through the information we share, you will better understand the differences between 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel. Obviously, 316 stainless steel has many advantages over 304 stainless steel in most properties. The first thing to mention is corrosion resistance, 316 stainless steel has higher durability and better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel, especially in the environment containing a lot of salt, bromide, iodide or acid. In addition, stainless steel 316 also ensures durable welds and good heat resistance like 304 stainless steel, as well as high resistance in Marine environments and the chemical industry, ensuring no oxidation. However, 304 stainless steel is easy to process and about 1.5 times cheaper than 316 stainless steel, making it the best-selling stainless steel on the market.