Any person with hardly any knowledge of the industry may not be able to distinguish one stainless steel grade from another. However, for manufacturers and industry professionals, the distinctive qualities of various stainless steel alloys are evident. Grades 304 and 316 alloys, the two most often used stainless steel grades, may help to this confusion.
The two may seem the same at first look. However, each has certain qualities that set it apart from the others, and depending on how you want to use the material, they could significantly affect the lifespan of your product.
Grade 316 Stainless Steel: Properties And Applications
This grade of stainless steel trails only grades 304 in terms of similarity. It displays the same mechanical and physical traits, making it nearly hard to differentiate without specialized equipment or tests.
The main difference between 316 and stainless steel is its composition of materials. It contains:
- Chromium, 16%
- Nickel 10%
- Molybdenum at 2%
Compared to 304 stainless strip coils, this alloy costs more per ounce of material. This is due to the presence of higher nickel and molybdenum. It is still a better option due to its stronger corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorinated solutions and chlorides.
Alloy 316 is a suitable material for situations with strong corrosives or when there is exposure to salt due to the aforementioned characteristics. The following are common applications for alloy 316 stainless steel:
- Marine parts
- Stainless steel baskets
- Medical/surgical equipment
- Chemical equipment
- Pharmaceutical equipment
- Outdoor electrical enclosures
Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties And Applications
The most well-known member of the stainless steel family is this one. Because of the higher chromium content, it offers good corrosion resistance. The partial chemical composition of grade 304 stainless steel is shown below, which demonstrates how different it is from 316 stainless steel chemically:
- 18% chromium
- 8% nickel
This stainless steel grade may also contain traces of manganese and carbon in addition to the two principal elements. These elements provide oxidation resistance, making it the perfect substance for cleaning and sanitizing.
These are some other common applications for this steel alloy:
- Wheel covers
- Storage tanks
- Auto moldings and trim
- Kitchen appliances and equipment
- Electric enclosures
Get the Best Material from Global Leaders
The stainless steel alloys 316 and 304 are both excellent substitutes. Depending on the final use and the required physical and mechanical features, they each have their special advantages.
The leader in 1.2714 Steel Suppliers is BK Steel Company. We provide a wide range of stainless steel products and solutions for various industries. Our solutions can make your simple ideas a reality, and our 304 stainless steel slit coil and 316 alloy items are of the best standard.
Are you still having trouble deciding the grade of stainless steel to use for your project? You are not alone. Both alloy grades are top-notch, so it’s possible that you’re confused about which is best. Call us right now to speak with a Steel distributor Company in Ludhiana that can help you make the best decision.
