What Is the Difference between Stainless Steel 304 and Stainless Steel 316?
Stainless Steel has taken over the market when it comes to most effective and finest quality metal and alloys. Steel has been used to form several machinery and other factors. It offered a better stability and quality regarding structural rigidity than other metals and alloys. Stainless steel has taken the legacy of steel and upgraded it with the most beneficial factor.
Stainless Steel is just an alloy of basic iron, chromium, nickel and small carbon compositions. It has added a great factor of corrosion resistance to the steel for better occupancy and applications. Now there is more demand for stainless steel due the structural rigidity, strength and impeccable resistance to corrosion and damage. Chromium is the key ingredient in achieving such quality in stainless steel.
Stainless steel can be made in varied types with better features. There are several grades of stainless steel which offer the same features but the corrosion resistance, strength, weldability factor and hardness will change. Grades can be identified from the series they are from. Stainless steel consists of three series 200, 300 and 400.
Stainless Steel 304 vs Stainless Steel 316
The 300 series of stainless steel is the most commonly used stainless steel. Within the series 304 and Stainless steel 316 grades of stainless steel are highly used in plenty of industries for forming several applications. It has the perfect required strength, hardness and corrosion resistance majority of industries require.
The key difference between the two is the corrosion resistance capability due to different characteristics in the alloy. Molybdenum, Nickel and Chromium are the main difference between the SS 304 and SS 316 grade. Stainless steel 304 grade contains 18% of Chromium, 8% Nickel and other, whereas stainless steel 316 grade contains 16% of Chromium, 10% Nickel and 2% Molybdenum.
The extra Nickel and Molybdenum creates a better corrosion resistance, especially to chlorides. SS 316 grade has a better resistance to salt water corrosion and similar de-icing salts. It also provides better resistance to heat and abrasion with a bit of increased strength. However both are leading in their applications and very rarely it has a massive effect. Industries use the 316 for a specific application for the improved features.
Common Use of Stainless Steel
Uses of SS 304
- Storage Tanks
- Fasteners and Finishing Hardware
- Pots and Pans
- Residential Sinks and Sink part
- Indoor Architecture
- Equipment Tubing
- Residential Appliances
- Construction Material
Uses of Stainless Steel 316
- Industrial Equipment
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Industrial Chemical Transportation
- Pressure Vessels
- Cisterns and Pipes for Chemical Applications
- Medical Equipment
- Marine Equipment
- Furnishings
- Food Processing Appliances
- Commercial Appliances
SV Stainless is the dominant stainless steel sheets exporter. They have partnered with Jindal Steel ltd for the manufacturing of stainless steel. Both are the market leaders in their respective fields for manufacturing and exporting. SV Stainless have a great expertise in exporting stainless steel with their key grade being SS 304 and SS 316 stainless steel sheet. They are an SS supplier and stainless steel sheet stockist. SV Stainless specialize in stainless steel flats exporting throughout multiple countries.