Compare stainless steel 316L and 304
2025-01-07
Which is better, stainless steel 316L or 304? What is the difference between 316L steel and 304 steel? Difference between stainless steel 316L and 304? The structure, heat resistance, wear resistance and processing technology of stainless steel 316L and 304 are compared.
316L and 304 are two common stainless steels on the market. 316L and 304 steel are widely used in various industries from production to consumption. Let's take a look at the advantages of these two types of 316L and 304.
1. Comparison of structural components of stainless steel 316l and 304
304 is mainly composed of two elements, Crom (Cr) and Niken (Ni). It is the same for stainless steel 316l, except that it contains more molybdenum (Mo) components, especially the carbon (C) content in 316l is very low.
In addition to the difference in the main components, let's further analyze the chemical composition in 316l and 304 to see the difference more clearly in the chart below:
2. Wear resistance of 316L and 304 steel
Stainless steel 304: The wear resistance of stainless steel 304 steel is the basic feature of stainless steel, and it has anti-oxidation ability in solvents, which guarantees the performance. But the most important thing is that the environment with high salt or high acid is easy to discolor.
Stainless steel 316L: This has a 2-3% higher molybdenum content than 304 steel. This composition makes the wear resistance of chloride the first choice in the marine industry.
3. Heat resistance of stainless steel 316L and 304
Stainless steel 304: During processing, it is easier to melt at a temperature below 500 degrees Celsius, which is why 304 is more widely and widely used than 316L.
Stainless steel 316L: In contrast, the melting point is as high as more than 900 degrees Celsius, which makes 316L more difficult to shape, increases manufacturing costs, and leads to higher product prices.
4. Processing capabilities of stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316L
Stainless steel 304: The typical processing capability of 304 is to process thin materials without heat treatment, which saves production costs to the maximum extent and does not require high engineering machinery.
Stainless steel 316L: Compared with 304, 316L has a higher production cost because it requires high temperature, which makes processing complicated and requires experience and high-tech equipment. The only advantage of 316L steel is better weldability.
5. Hardness of 316L steel over stainless steel 304
Stainless steel 304: The hardness of 304 is guaranteed by the carbon content (C) in the structure. Through close internal connection, it ensures that the product will not deform due to time or environment.
Stainless steel 316L: This is another weakness of 316L steel, it has a low carbon content (C), resulting in lower strength. But when you use it, it will be more energy-efficient.
6. Which is more popular between stainless steel 304 and 316L?
Stainless steel 304: Due to easier production and lower cost, 304 is more popular in the market, in transportation, construction, consumption and other fields. Specialized in the production of stainless steel components, such as: wash basins, wash basins.
Stainless steel 316L: 316L is usually more often found in harsh environments, such as marine, shipbuilding, salt treatment schemes, coastal ice, testing or medical equipment, strong acidic chemical containers.
7. The difference between stainless steel 304 and 316L
Stainless steel 304 and 316L: Although it is difficult to distinguish the two 316L and 304 with the naked eye. But according to the above characteristics and advantages, the following are some basic characteristics to distinguish 304 from 316L.
Stainless steel 304 composed of chromium and sulfur is smooth, but there are still pits on the surface. On the contrary, through Mo, stainless steel 316L has higher wear resistance, resulting in undamaged surface.
It can be produced immediately without being affected by temperature, which is the basic method to distinguish stainless steel 316l from 304. Specifically, this is the default stainless steel product of 304, such as wash basins and wash basins.
Due to different compositions and different proportions of endogenous materials, 304 steel is lighter than 306L steel. This is also one of the basic ways to distinguish 316l steel from 304 steel.
The final thing that must be considered is the main cost of the product. 304 is definitely cheaper than steel 306 because of its non-heat processing characteristics. Maximize corporate profits.
8. Conclusion Which one is better, 304 or 316L?
Each stainless steel, whether 304 and 316L, or any stainless steel, has different advantages, so no one is the best, it depends on the purpose and needs of your company.
Or it can be said that 304 represents the field of simple production conditions and low product cost. In contrast, 316L is usually used in heavy industry and industries with harsher environment.
