Blogs grade 304 vs 316 stainless steel whats the difference

grade 304 vs 316 stainless steel whats the difference

Any layman with limited industry knowledge may fail to distinguish between a particular stainless steel grade and another. But for manufacturers and industry experts, the distinguishing features of different stainless steel alloys are evident. The two most popular stainless steel grades - grade 304 and 316 alloys - can bring this confusion.To get more news about 316 stainless steel, you can visit stainless-steel-supplier official website.

At a glance, the two may seem identical. However, each has unique features that distinguish it from the other, and these could really impact your product's lifespan depending on how you intend to use the material.

All stainless steel alloys comprise different levels of chromium and iron mixes. The mixing ratios and other additional components are what determine the various features of each grade.The 304 versus 316 is a timeless comparison that can be attributed to their striking similarities. Both alloys are part of the austenitic stainless steel family, one of the five groups of stainless steel. These include austenitic, martensitic, and ferritic stainless steel, as well as the PH Grades and Duplex Grades of stainless steel. These steel categories offer unique features used to meet different physical and environmental demands.

Grade 304 and 316 are comparable in chemical composition, attributes, and appearance. Both alternatives are famous for their durability and offer excellent rust and corrosion resistance.

The primary distinguishing feature between the two alloys is that stainless 316 contains molybdenum. This chemical element is useful for hardening and strengthening of steel. The alloy also contains more nickel than 304 but less chromium.

Among the two, 304 is the most popular and versatile austenitic stainless steel. The primary reason for this is its exceptional corrosion resistance. You'll also pay fewer dollars for the material than 316 stainless steel, another factor that contributes to its widespread use.