What Is The Difference Between 304 And 316 Stainless Steel Round Bars?

Many people don't know how to choose stainless steel raw materials! They are concerned about which is better between 304 and 316 stainless steel! What is the difference between 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel? Only by gaining a deeper understanding of the differences between 304 and 316 and their intended use can one better choose between the two!

304 stainless steel

304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is considered the most diverse and widely used type of austenitic stainless steel series

316 stainless steel

316 stainless steel contains approximately 16% -18% chromium, 10% -14% nickel, and 2% -3% molybdenum. The presence of molybdenum element makes it superior in corrosion resistance compared to 304 stainless steel.

The main difference between 304 and 316 is in terms of corrosion resistance and usage scope.

In terms of content, the nickel content of 304 is generally 8%, while that of 316 is 10%, and 316 also contains 2% molybdenum element. So in terms of corrosion resistance, 316 is stronger than 304, which is why in some public facilities or coastal cities, 316 is the most common product.And 316 stainless steel contains Mo, which has better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel in high-temperature environments. Therefore, engineers generally choose components made of 316 material in high-temperature environments.

In terms of usage scope, 304: has outstanding processing functions and weldability. Plate heat exchangers, corrugated pipes, household items (Category 1 and 2 tableware, cabinets, indoor pipelines, water heaters, boilers, bathtubs), automotive accessories (windshield wipers, silencers, molded products), medical equipment, building materials, chemicals, food industry, agriculture, ship components, etc.

316 has better corrosion resistance and is more resistant to corrosion in high-temperature environments than 304. So in high-temperature environments, engineers generally choose components with 316 materials.

Another aspect that has received the most attention is the price aspect. Due to the more complex composition and higher processing difficulty of 316 stainless steel, its price is usually more expensive than 304 stainless steel.