Benefits of 316 vs. 304 Stainless Steel

28 Nov.,2024

 

Benefits of 316 vs. 304 Stainless Steel

Benefits of 316 vs. 304 Stainless Steel

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While there are no visible differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel, there are distinctive chemical differences &#; the most crucial difference being their chemical compositions. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In contrast, 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The chemical distinction between these two grades of stainless steel is of great importance when considering their intended uses.

304 Stainless Steel Properties & Applications

The majority of stainless steel utilized globally is grade 304. There are multiple reasons for its popularity, including:

  • 304 stainless steel is durable and is corrosion and oxidation resistant, meaning it can endure average exposures.
  • Its melting point ranges from 2,550° F to 2,650° F, allowing it to withstand very high temperatures.
  • 304 is also valued for its high tensile strength of about 621 MPa (90 ksi).

304 stainless steel&#;s chemical makeup of 18% chromium and 8% nickel makes it a good choice for many common applications, which include:

  • Kitchen equipment & appliances
  • Water piping
  • Indoor electrical enclosures
  • Auto moldings & trim
  • Wheel covers
  • Storage tanks

316 Stainless Steel Properties & Applications

304 and 316 stainless steel share many properties. However, it is the added properties that set 316 stainless steel apart.

  • The addition of molybdenum to 316&#;s chemical makeup improves its resistance to harmful acids, alkalis, and chloride pitting. This increases its longevity and provides crucial protection for essential components.
  • Its high percentage of chromium and nickel, indicative of austenitic stainless steel alloys, provides increased strength and corrosion resistance in some of the most punishing environments.

316 stainless steel&#;s material composition of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum allows it to be used in applications that require superior corrosion resistance and stringent hygiene and cleanliness requirements. Some of the most common applications are:

  • Chemical equipment
  • Pharmaceutical equipment
  • Outdoor electrical enclosures
  • Marine parts
  • Stainless steel baskets
  • Medical surgical equipment
  • Stainless steel floats

Benefits of Using 316 Stainless Steel

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When salt and other chlorides are an exposure and lasting durability is desired, the benefits of using 316 stainless steel over 304 are clear.

Durability

Not only tough, but also versatile, 316 stainless steel is an excellent choice for use in applications such as custom wire baskets. These baskets are often subject to harsh, high-impact conditions, and 316 stainless steel continues to deliver durability in these environments year after year.

Corrosion Resistance

316 stainless steel&#;s added chemical component, molybdenum, makes it much more corrosion resistant than 304 or other stainless steel alloys. This allows 316 stainless steel to be used in highly acidic environments that other steels can&#;t tolerate without incurring damage. 316&#;s corrosion-resistant properties also make it ideal in pharmaceutical and medical applications due to its ability to withstand the strong disinfectants and high temperatures needed to sterilize equipment.

Sea and Marine Applications

Exposure to salt and chlorides can wreak havoc on 304 and other stainless steel alloys. Salt can cause 304 stainless steel to rust by eroding its protective oxide layer, and 304 steel is also more easily pitted from the effects of salt and chlorides. However, 316 stainless steel has all of the desirability properties of 304 stainless steel, but with the added benefit of molybdenum, which allows it to withstand exposure to salt and chlorides without breaking down.

 

Are you interested in learning more about etched polished 304 stainless steel sheet? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Bergsen Metals Stainless Steel Products

While 316 stainless steel has all of the benefits of 304 stainless steel and many additional benefits as well, it all comes down to the qualities needed for a particular application.

Regardless of your stainless steel needs, Bergsen Metals offers a complete inventory of stainless steel products in a wide variety of grades and sizes. View our stainless steel products, request a quote, or contact us for more information on how we can move your business forward with our quality stainless steel products and exceptional customer service. 

 

 

Advantages and Applications of Using Stainless Steel 304 ...

Stainless steel 304 plate has a wide range of applications in various industries due to its excellent corrosion and heat resistance. It is an austenitic type of stainless steel which contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel, as well as small amounts of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and silicon. This blend gives the alloy exceptional strength and toughness and makes it ideal for use in applications that require resistance to rust or oxidation. As a result, it&#;s often used in construction materials such as pipelines, bridges support structures and food processing equipment. Additionally, this grade of stainless steel is also frequently used in architectural cladding components because of its aesthetic appeal as well as practicality; it can be easily cut into intricate shapes for decorative purposes while still maintaining superior performance over time.

Advantages of Stainless Steel 304 Plate:

Stainless steel 304 plates are known for their high strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Some key advantages of using stainless steel 304 plate include its excellent performance in high-temperature environments, ability to effectively resist corrosion, and ease of fabrication. Additionally, this material is highly versatile, making it ideal for use in various applications across multiple industries.

  • Stainless steel 304 plates are more corrosion-resistant than other types of steel.
  • Stainless steel 304 plates are more heat-resistant than other types of steel.
  • Stainless steel 304 plates are more durable than other types of steel.
  • Stainless steel 304 plates are easier to clean than other types of steel.
  • These plates has a higher resistance to staining than other types of steel.

Applications of Stainless Steel 304 Plate in the Aerospace Industry:

Stainless Steel 304 Plate is a common type of austenitic stainless steel designed for aerospace applications. It has high tensile strength, excellent corrosion resistance and superior vibration-dampening capabilities, making it a great choice for aircraft components. Due to their robust nature and lightweight construction, SS 304 plates are often used in the aerospace industry to manufacture airframes, turbines, landing gear doors, and control surfaces. The material can also fabricate an aircraft&#;s turbine disks and housings for electrical components. Its non-magnetic properties make it ideal for instrumentation, where magnetic interference must be avoided. Additionally, its durability allows it to withstand extreme temperatures over long periods while still providing excellent performance, making this metal an important component in many aerospace applications.

Applications of Stainless Steel 304 Plate in the Chemical Industry:

Stainless steel 304 plate has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. It is an ideal material due to its corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, formability and weldability. The oxide film on the metal surface protects against further attacks from corrosive chemicals or liquids like acids, alkali solutions and salt water. This makes it an ideal choice for handling complex production processes involving various chemicals, such as those used in electroplating, pickling and etching operations. Additionally, its strength allows it to withstand extreme temperatures without any deformation or damage to the work surface. Overall, the ss 304 plate is a reliable solution for all types of chemical processing due to its superior properties that make it resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain over time.

Applications of SS 304 Plate in the Food Processing Industry:

304 Stainless steel plate is a versatile material used in food processing due to its excellent corrosion and heat resistance, good formability, durability, and strength. It is especially beneficial in constructing industrial food preparation surfaces as it will not react with acids or bases commonly found in many foods. The plates can also withstand high temperatures without deteriorating or becoming compromised structurally. Furthermore, they are aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean, providing an effective solution for the food processing industry requiring hygienic surfaces. As such stainless steel, 304 plates can be used in equipment such as storage tanks, bin lids and shelves, workstations for chopping meat/vegetables/fish etc., all sorts of kitchenware items (dishwashers etc.), as well as manufacturing equipment like cookers or ovens.

Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Plate in the Pharmaceutical Industry:

Stainless Steel 304 Plate is one of the most widely used materials in the pharmaceutical industry. It has excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature properties making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications. The low-carbon content also makes the plate less susceptible to sensitization when exposed to elevated temperatures, preventing surface cracking and other problems. Its non-magnetic characteristics make ss 304 plate ideal for use in many areas, such as manufacturing vessels, processing equipment, sterilizing equipment, food production tools and storage tanks used extensively in pharmaceuticals manufacturing processes. In addition to being incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear, its non-toxic quality makes it a preferred option for safely handling medicine or any other sensitive substances during production processes.

Conclusion:

Stainless steel 304 plate is an incredibly versatile material that offers a range of benefits to various industries. Its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and ease of fabrication make it a popular choice in many industrial settings. From the aerospace and chemical industries to the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, ss 304 plate is widely used to manufacture various equipment and components. Its versatility and durability make it an excellent choice for complex industrial processes and applications.

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