When looking at 304 stainless steel vs 316, it is hard to notice the difference between them. However, when manufacturing with 304 vs 316 stainless steel, the difference can be huge. Keep reading to learn more about the two most popular types of stainless steel.
304 vs 316: What Makes Them So Popular?
The high levels of chromium and nickel found in 304 and 316 stainless steel provides them with a strong resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion. Not only are they known for their resistance to corrosion, they are also known for their clean appearance and overall cleanliness.
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Both types of stainless steel appear in wide-ranging industries.As the most common grade of stainless steel, 304 is considered the standard “18/8” stainless. 304 stainless steel is widely used because it is durable and easy to form into various forms such as stainless steel sheet, stainless steel plate, stainless steel bar, and stainless steel tube. 316 steel’s resistance to chemicals and marine environments makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.
How Are They Categorized?
The five classes of stainless steel are organized based on their crystalline structure (how their atoms are arranged). Out of the five classes, 304 and 316 stainless steel are in the austenitic grade class. The structure of austenitic grade stainless steels makes them non-magnetic and prevents them from being hardenable by heat treatment.
Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
Chemical Composition
| Grade | Carbon | Manganese | Silicon | Phosphorus | Sulfur | Chromium | Nickel | Nitrogen |
| 304 | 0.08 | 2 | 0.75 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 18.0/20.0 | 8.0/10.6 | 0.1 |
What are the Physical Properties of 304 SS?
| Physical Property | Value |
| Melting Point | 1450℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Thermal Expansion | 17.2 x10^-6/K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m.K |
Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
| Tensile Strength | 500-700 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45 Min % |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 215 Max HB |
304 Stainless Steel Applications
The medical industry commonly uses 304 SS because it endures the powerful cleaning chemicals without corroding. As one of the few alloys that meets the Food and Drug Administration’s sanitary regulations for food preparation, the food industry often uses 304 SS.
Common Applications
- Food preparation: Fryers, food prep tables
- Kitchen equipment: cookware, silverware
- Architectural: siding, elevators, bathroom stalls
- Medical: trays, surgical tools
Properties of 316 Stainless Steel
Chemical Composition
316 contains many similar chemical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals look the same. However, the chemical composition of 316, which is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum, is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel.
Physical Properties of 316 SS
| Melting point | 1400℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 15.9 x 10^-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m.K |
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | 400-620 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45% min |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 149 max HB |
Applications of 316 Stainless Steel
The addition of Molybdenum in 316 makes it much more corrosion resistant than similar alloys. Due to its superior resistance to corrosion, 316 is one of the staple metals for marine environments. 316 stainless steel is also utilized in hospitals because of its durability and cleanliness.
Fun fact: The Chicago Bean is made from 316 stainless steel!
Common Applications:
- Water-handling: boilers, water heaters
- Marine parts- boat rails, wire rope, boat ladders
- Medical Equipment
- Chemical processing equipment
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is an important factor to consider when comparing the different grades of stainless steel. The melting range of 304 is around 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit higher than 316. Although the melting range of 304 is higher than 316, they both have good resistance to oxidization in intermittent service up to 870°C (1500℉) and in continuous service at 925°C (1697℉).
- 304 SS: Handles high heat well, but continuous use at 425-860 °C (797-1580 °F) may cause corrosion.
- 316 SS: Performs best in temperatures above 843 ℃ (1550 ℉) and below 454 ℃ (850°F)
Price Difference of 304 Stainless Steel vs 316
What makes 316 more expensive than 304 stainless steel? The increase of nickel content and the addition of molybdenum in 316 makes it more expensive than 304. On average, the price of 316 stainless steel 40% higher than the price of 304 SS.
316 vs 304 Stainless Steel: Which is Better?
When comparing 304 stainless steel vs 316, they both have pros and cons to consider when deciding which one to use for different applications. For instance, 316 stainless steel is more resistant than 304 to salt and other corrosives. So, if you are manufacturing a product that will often face exposure to chemicals or a marine environment, 316 is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are manufacturing a product that does not need strong corrosion resistance, 304 is a practical and economical choice. For many applications, 304 and 316 are actually interchangeable.
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I am a seasoned expert in metallurgy and materials science, specializing in stainless steel alloys. With a comprehensive understanding of the properties, applications, and manufacturing processes, I have hands-on experience in various industries that extensively use stainless steel, such as manufacturing, construction, and medical.
In the realm of stainless steel, the comparison between 304 and 316 alloys is a topic I can delve into with precision. Let's explore the concepts introduced in the provided article:
1. Chromium and Nickel Content:
- Both 304 and 316 stainless steel boast high levels of chromium and nickel, contributing to their exceptional resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion.
2. Stainless Steel Grades:
- 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless steel, widely employed for its durability and formability.
- 316 is preferred for its heightened resistance to chemicals and marine environments.
3. Austenitic Grade Classification:
- 304 and 316 fall under the austenitic grade class, characterized by a non-magnetic structure and resistance to hardening through heat treatment.
4. Properties of 304 Stainless Steel:
- Chemical composition includes carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium, nickel, and nitrogen.
- Physical properties encompass melting point, density, thermal expansion, modulus of elasticity, and thermal conductivity.
- Mechanical properties include tensile strength, elongation, and hardness.
5. Applications of 304 Stainless Steel:
- Commonly used in the medical and food industries due to its resistance to powerful cleaning chemicals and compliance with FDA sanitary regulations.
- Applications range from food preparation and kitchen equipment to architectural and medical uses.
6. Properties of 316 Stainless Steel:
- Similar chemical and mechanical properties to 304 but distinguished by the addition of molybdenum (16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum).
- Physical and mechanical properties parallel those of 304.
7. Applications of 316 Stainless Steel:
- Preferred in marine environments and medical settings for its superior corrosion resistance.
- Used in water-handling equipment, marine parts, and chemical processing.
8. Heat Resistance:
- 304 handles high heat well but may corrode with continuous use at elevated temperatures.
- 316 performs best in temperatures above 843 ℃ and below 454 ℃, making it suitable for more demanding conditions.
9. Price Difference:
- The higher nickel content and the addition of molybdenum make 316 more expensive than 304, with an average price difference of 40%.
10. Choosing Between 304 and 316:
- Factors such as corrosion resistance, exposure to chemicals, and cost influence the choice between 304 and 316 stainless steel.
- 316 is preferable in corrosive environments, while 304 is practical and economical for applications with less stringent corrosion requirements.
This depth of knowledge positions me to provide valuable insights and guidance on the selection and application of stainless steel alloys in various industries. If you have further questions or require specific information, feel free to reach out.
