Stainless Steel Grade 304 Vs 316

Stainless 316 contains more nickel than stainless 304 while 304 contains more chromium than 316.

Stainless steel grade 304 vs 316. Stainless 304 usually consists of 18 chromium and 8 nickel. Additional alloys typically include nickel titanium aluminum copper nitrogen phosphorous selenium and molybdenum. The key difference between stainless steel grades 304 and 316 is the addition of molybdenum an alloy that drastically enhances corrosion resistance especially for more saline or chloride exposed environments. As part of the five families of stainless steel 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are austenitic grades that contain high levels of chromium and nickel.

These fasteners which also include the 302 302hq 303 and 305 are characterized by multiple variables and grades with a close chemical composition. The addition of molybdenum provides pitting resistance in phosphoric acid acetic acid and dilute chloride solutions and provides corrosion resistance in sulfurous acid. The two most common austenitic stainless steel grades are 304 and 316. Last updated on july 1 2020 by marsh fasteners.

Outwardly 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel look very similar. A major difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is the chemical composition with 316 containing a significant amount of molybdenum. Though the stainless steel 304 alloy has a higher melting point grade 316 has a better resistance to chemicals and chlorides like salt than grade 304 stainless steel. The 304 stainless steel fasteners series is made up of approximately 18 chromium and 8 nickel 18 8.

316 304 or 430. Similar to 304 grade 316 stainless steel has high amounts of chromium and nickel. When it comes to applications with chlorinated solutions or exposure to salt grade 316 stainless steel is considered superior. The main difference between 304 vs 316 stainless steel is the composition and corrosion resistance ss304 doesn t contain molybdenum while ss316 contains 2 3 molybdenum.

Both are non magnetic austenitic and non hardenable through heat treatment. Stainless steel types can be found here. This has the following impact. Typically 2 to 3 percent.

304 vs 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel equipment can be made out of all three types of stainless steel. Stainless 316 is made up of 16 chromium 10 nickel and 2 molybdenum. 316 also contains silicon manganese and carbon with the majority of the composition being iron.

Choose the correct grade of stainless steel to meet the environment and application. The two steel grades are comparable in appearance chemical makeup and characteristics. Each of these stainless steel grades will resists corrosion are quite durable and are easily formed and fabricated.