Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

I believe that many people now have stainless steel containers in their homes. Why are stainless steel containers favored by so many people because they will not rust and are very resistant to high temperatures. It is also very convenient to clean, but when we buy, we must distinguish between 316 and 304 stainless steel. Although they are all stainless steel, the difference is very large. Today, I will introduce to you what is the difference between 316 stainless steel and 304?

Difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel:

1. The difference in usage
Both 304 and 316 have reached food grade, but 304 stainless steel is usually used in our home appliances and household containers, and 316 stainless steel is generally used for the production of medical equipment tools. Our family container is enough to reach 304, so if the merchant says that his container is 316, it is fooling you.

2. Corrosion resistance
304 steel is resistant to corrosion by sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, potassium acid, urea, etc., and is suitable for general water, control gas, wine, milk, CIP cleaning fluid and other occasions with little corrosiveness or no contact with materials.

316 has increased corrosion resistance on the basis of 304, which can significantly improve its resistance to intergranular corrosion, oxide stress corrosion, and reduce the tendency to heat during welding. It also has good resistance to aluminum chloride corrosion. . Therefore, the corrosion resistance of 316 is better when the chloride ion content is higher. Due to the addition of molybdenum element, 316 stainless steel has a special corrosion-resistant structure and stronger chloride corrosion resistance. It is also used as "marine steel".

3. The price difference
316 has molybdenum and nickel added, so the price is a little higher than that of 304.

Advantages of stainless steel pipe:

1. Relatively high temperature resistance, 304 and 316 stainless steel are better than ordinary stainless steel, and the high temperature resistance can reach up to 800 degrees, which is suitable for various places.
2. Anti-corrosion. Both 304 and 316 have added chromium, which has stable chemical properties and basically will not be corroded. Some people use 304 stainless steel as anti-corrosion materials.
3. High toughness, can be processed into different products, and the quality is very good.
4. Low lead content. The lead content of 304 and 316 stainless steel is extremely low and does not cause any harm to the human body, so it is called food stainless steel.

How to avoid stainless steel rust?

Generally, 304 and 316 stainless steel are not easy to rust. Be careful not to soak the stainless steel container in salt water for a long time. It will not rust. If the stainless steel encounters chloride ions, it will cause corrosion, so try to avoid and Contact with salt, sea water, etc.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Finance/16275-Difference-Between-304-and-316-Stainless-Steel.html