Hello everyone ~ Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials in all walks of life. It is a multifunctional and durable material, which can withstand extreme conditions and resist corrosion. However, not all stainless steels are the same. 304 and 3 16 are the two most common stainless steels, but what are their differences? In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two alloys, so that you can make an informed decision when choosing an alloy for your next project. So fasten your seat belt and get ready to enter the world of metal alloys!

There is no obvious winner when choosing between 304 and 3 16 stainless steel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which makes them suitable for different applications.

Difference:

I. Comparison of chemical components

304 stainless steel is a common type of 18-8 stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It also contains a small amount of elements, such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, silicon and sulfur.

3 16 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. In contrast, the content of molybdenum in 3 16 stainless steel is higher, which makes it better than 304 in corrosion resistance.

Second, the comparison of corrosion resistance

304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and is suitable for use in general environment, but pitting corrosion or intergranular corrosion may occur in acidic environment and high chloride content.

Due to the addition of molybdenum, 3 16 stainless steel has stronger corrosion resistance, especially in acidic and chloride environments. Therefore, 3 16 stainless steel is commonly used in marine environment, chemical equipment and food processing.

Three. Comparison of strength and heat resistance

304 and 3 16 stainless steel have the same strength, and both have good mechanical properties and ductility.

However, 3 16 stainless steel has better heat resistance in high temperature environment and can withstand higher temperatures. This makes 3 16 stainless steel more suitable for high temperature applications, cooling equipment and chemical industry.

304 stainless steel:

304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility and low cost, it is the most widely used stainless steel. This alloy is nonmagnetic and has good weldability and formability.

3 16 stainless steel:

3 16 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel containing chromium, nickel and molybdenum. It is famous for its excellent corrosion resistance and is very suitable for use in harsh environments.