What Makes 304 vs 316 So Popular?
The high levels of chromium and nickel found in 304 and 316 stainless steel provides them with a strong resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion. Not only are they known for their resistance to corrosion, they are also known for their clean appearance and overall cleanliness.
Both types of stainless steel appear inwide-ranging industries.As the most common grade of stainless steel, 304 is considered the standard “18/8” stainless. 304 stainless steel is widely used because it is durable and easy to form into various forms such asstainless steel sheet,stainless steel plate,stainless steel bar, andstainless steel tube. 316 steel’s resistance to chemicals and marine environments makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.
How Are They Categorized?
The five classes of stainless steel are organized based on their crystalline structure (how their atoms are arranged). Out of the five classes, 304 and 316 stainless steel are in the austenitic grade class. The structure of austenitic grade stainless steels makes them non-magnetic and prevents them from being hardable by heat treatment.
1. Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
● Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel
|
Carbon |
Manganese |
Silicon |
Phosphorus |
Sulfur |
Chromium |
Nickel |
Nitrogen |
|
|
304 |
0.08 |
2 |
0.75 |
0.045 |
0.03 |
18.0/20.0 |
8.0/10.6 |
0.1 |
● Physical Properties of 304 SS
| Melting Point | 1450℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Thermal Expansion | 17.2 x10^-6/K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m.K |
● Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
| Tensile Strength | 500-700 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45 Min % |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 215 Max HB |
● Applications of 304 Stainless Steel
The medical industry commonly uses 304 SS because it endures the powerful cleaning chemicals without corroding. As one of the few alloys that meets the Food and Drug Administration’s sanitary regulations for food preparation, the food industry often uses 304 SS.
Food preparation: Fryers, food prep tables.
Kitchen equipment: cookware, silverware.
Architectural: siding, elevators, bathroom stalls.
Medical: trays, surgical tools.
2. Properties of 316 Stainless Steel
316 contains many similar chemical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals look the same. However, the chemical composition of 316, which is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum, is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel.
● Physical Properties of 316 SS
| Melting point | 1400℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 15.9 x 10^-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m.K |
● Mechanical Properties of 316 SS
| Tensile Strength | 400-620 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45% min |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 149 max HB |
Applications of 316 Stainless Steel
The addition of Molybdenum in 316 makes it much more corrosion resistant than similar alloys. Due to its superior resistance to corrosion, 316 is one of the staple metals for marine environments. 316 stainless steel is also utilized in hospitals because of its durability and cleanliness.
Water-handling: boilers, water heaters
Marine parts- boat rails, wire rope, boat ladders
Medical Equipment
Chemical processing equipment
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is an important factor to consider when comparing the different grades of stainless steel. The melting range of 304 is around 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit higher than 316. Although the melting range of 304 is higher than 316, they both have good resistance to oxidization in intermittent service up to 870°C (1500℉) and in continuous service at 925°C (1697℉).
304 SS: Handles high heat well, but continuous use at 425-860 °C (797-1580 °F) may cause corrosion.
316 SS: Performs best in temperatures above 843 ℃ (1550 ℉) and below 454 ℃ (850°F)
Price Difference of 304 Stainless Steel vs 316
What makes 316 more expensive than 304 stainless steel?
The increase of nickel content and the addition of molybdenum in 316 makes it more expensive than 304. On average, the price of 316 stainless steel 40% higher than the price of 304 SS.
316 vs 304 Stainless Steel: Which is Better?
When comparing 304 stainless steel vs 316, they both have pros and cons to consider when deciding which one to use for different applications. For instance, 316 stainless steel is more resistant than 304 to salt and other corrosives. So, if you are manufacturing a product that will often face exposure to chemicals or a marine environment, 316 is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are manufacturing a product that does not need strong corrosion resistance, 304 is a practical and economical choice. For many applications, 304 and 316 are actually interchangeable.
Jindalai Steel Group is a specialist and leading supplier in steel and stainless steel. Send your inquiry and we will be happy to consult you professionally.
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Post time: Dec-19-2022