304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel difference

304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are two common stainless steel materials, and there are the following differences between them:

1. Chemical composition: 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 316 stainless steel contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel and 2-3% molybdenum. The molybdenum element in 316 stainless steel provides better corrosion resistance, making it superior to 304 stainless steel in terms of corrosion resistance.

2. Corrosion resistance: 316 stainless steel has high corrosion resistance, especially good corrosion resistance to chloride media (such as seawater) and acidic environments. 304 stainless steel also has good corrosion resistance to most common atmospheric, fresh water and chemical media, but corrosion may occur in chlorine-containing environments.

3. Application: Due to the excellent corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel, it is commonly used in Marine environment, chemical industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing and other occasions requiring high corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel is widely used in construction, food processing, household goods and other fields, suitable for general corrosion resistance requirements.

4. Price: Under normal circumstances, 316 stainless steel is higher than 304 stainless steel, because it contains more nickel and molybdenum elements.

The appropriate stainless steel material needs to be selected according to the specific application requirements. If there are higher requirements in terms of corrosion resistance, especially in chloride or acidic environments, 316 stainless steel is a better choice. 304 stainless steel is suitable for occasions with general performance requirements.