What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? Which one is better? Understand these points and never be cheated again!
In communication with customers, 304 and 316 stainless steel are the steels we often talk about.
Stainless steel has different materials, the most common ones are 304 and 316. Different ingredients determine the durability of stainless steel, so don’t buy the wrong one. So which one is better, 304 or 316 stainless steel? Walmay Metal will tell you below!
304 and 316 stainless steel
Among the ingredients of stainless steel, 304 and 316 are used the most. They can be used as the inner liner of a thermos cup and can be made into various cooking utensils and appliances. They are also food-grade materials, which are safe enough to use in daily life.
304 stainless steel contains about 18% chromium and more than 8% nickel; on this basis, 316 stainless steel also adds 2% molybdenum and its corrosion resistance is even better.
In addition, there are 201 series and 430 series stainless steel, which are much weaker in quality and advantages than 304 and 316 stainless steel, so their usage rate is not high.
The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel
Since the composition materials of 304 and 316 are not much different, what is the difference between the two? As a professional stainless steel supplier, Walmay Metal tells you that there are 3 differences, which can easily distinguish stainless steel:
1. Different corrosion resistance
Because 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, its corrosion resistance is better and its acid and alkali resistance is also improved.
304 stainless steel lacks molybdenum, so its corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance are not as good as 316.
2. Different application fields
Both are food-grade materials, but they are used in different fields. 316 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, and many medical devices are made of 316.
304 stainless steel is widely used in cookware, tableware, etc., and has a wide range of uses.
3. Different prices
The price of buying 316 stainless steel is more than 20,000 yuan per ton, and the price of buying 304 is between 15,000 and 20,000 yuan per ton, so the cost price of 316 is higher.
316 is more expensive because of its superior performance.
Which one is better, 304 or 316?
It depends on where the customer uses the stainless steel.
① If you pursue cost-effectiveness, you must buy 304 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant, tough, and high-temperature resistant, and can basically meet our daily needs.
② If the stainless steel required by the customer is used to produce products such as thermos cups, or the use environment requires high corrosion resistance, it is recommended to buy 316 stainless steel.
The above is all about 304 and 316 stainless steel, and finally summarize:
Comparing 304 and 316 in terms of material alone, 316 is definitely better, with strong corrosion resistance and acid and alkali resistance; if you compare cost-effectiveness, 304 is slightly better.
When purchasing 304 and 316 stainless steel, you should decide according to your own use environment.
Tags :316 stainless steel,304 stainless steel
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