Differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel.

Differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel.

As we analyzed in a previous article, all the alloys that belong to the steel category have the same base in metal and carbon, with the difference that stainless steel also contains chromium, which makes it resistant to rust. The amount of chromium it will contain also defines its quality.

In this article we will study what are the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel.

Although it is difficult to tell the difference at a glance, the initial approach would of course be to say that 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel compared to 316 which contains 16% chromium, 10 nickel and 2% molybdenum. .

However, the differentiation is also found in the use of each of the 2 metals.

• 304 is considered among the most widely used austenitic stainless steels in the world. It has very good corrosion resistance, is durable and easy to maintain. The most common is 18/8, that is 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

Some of the uses of 304 are wheel covers, pipe clamps, piping and kitchen equipment.

• 316 stainless steel is a chromium-nickel austenitic steel that has superior corrosion resistance, especially when exposed to various types of corrosive substances such as seawater, making it suitable for marine products.

The fact that 316 contains molybdenum makes it considerably more durable than 304.

Some of the uses of the 316 are marine, commercial kitchens, industrial and chemical transport.

In general, the construction of 316 has a higher cost, however the benefits of using it are many especially when it comes to outdoor spaces.