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At Ruvati, we pride ourselves on only selling the highest quality stainless steel. As something you use everyday, your sink should stand the test of time. Not only is every Ruvati sink made with a 16 gauge stainless steel, they are designed to fit their environment. Unique to Ruvati outdoor sinks, we use T-316 stainless steel for even further protection. To understand the difference between T-304 and T-316, we have outlined their identifying traits.
When it comes to the chemical composition of 304 and 316 stainless steel, there are some key differences you&#;ll want to be aware of.
Understanding these differences in chemical composition can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right stainless steel for your needs.
Building on the differences in their chemical compositions, let&#;s now examine how these variations between 304 and 316 stainless steel contribute to their respective corrosion resistance abilities. As chromium-nickel stainless steel types, both 304 and 316 offer decent corrosion resistance. However, the presence of molybdenum in 316 gives it superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chloride pitting. This makes it ideal for use in marine environments or chemical processing where contact with corrosive substances is high. On the other hand, 304, though it fair well in many applications, might not hold up as well under such severe conditions. Hence, understanding these key differences in corrosion resistance can guide you towards the best choice for your specific applications.
In evaluating the cost differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel, it&#;s essential to consider that 316 generally carries a price tag approximately 40% higher due to its increased nickel content and the addition of molybdenum.
However, when deciding which type to invest in, you must factor in more than just the initial cost. Consider these four key points: 1. The price difference can be justified by the enhanced durability and corrosion resistance of 316, particularly in harsh environments. 2. If your project has specific requirements for nickel content or the addition of molybdenum, 316 might be your best bet. 3. Review your budget constraints to ensure the higher cost of 316 can be accommodated. 4. Keep in mind that the long-term maintenance costs may be lower with 316 due to its superior quality.
You&#;ll notice key differences in the mechanical properties between 304 and 316 stainless steel, which significantly influence their suitability for various applications. The 316 grade has a higher tensile strength and hardness, while the 304 grade is more flexible due to its lower modulus of elasticity.
SS TypeT-304T-316Tensile StrengthModerateHighHardnessModerateHighModulus of ElasticityHighLowerPhysical PropertiesExcellentSuperiorUnderstanding these mechanical properties is crucial when deciding which grade to use in manufacturing. If you need more strength and hardness, 316 is your go-to. However, if flexibility is key, then 304 might be more suitable. Always remember, the success of your innovation hinges on the right choice of materials.
Navigating the decision between 304 and 316 stainless steel can be a complex task, as it involves considering various factors such as cost, corrosion resistance needs, and the specific requirements of your application. Both 304 and 316 offer robust features, but they are suited for different usage scenarios.
304 stainless steel alloys include a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% &#; 10.5% nickel with a maximum of 0.08% carbon.
As a general rule of thumb, austenitic stainless steels contain significant amounts of chromium and nickel, and that&#;s really what gives this family of steels their excellent corrosion resistance. Chromium provides a protective oxide layer. It does something else, too, with the addition of nickel &#; they enhance toughness and ductility, making the steel easy to work with. As austenitic stainless steel contains less iron than say, a ferritic stainless steel, this stainless-steel family is typically non-magnetic, though some have slight magnetic characteristics.
Specifically, 304 stainless steel is the most widely used of all stainless steels, which comes down to its properties.
You can learn more about stainless steel in our guide:
Understanding stainless-steel grades.Compare 304 stainless steel with other grades in our expert guides:
304 vs 430 stainless steel. 304 vs 303 stainless steel.
Some of its common industrial applications include:
Industry Typical applications Why Food processing equipment Tanks, pipes & containers Resistance to corrosion, easy to clean Consumer appliances Sinks, refrigerators, dishwashers Durability, resistance to corrosion, aesthetic appeal Automotive Exhaust systems, trim & grilles Resistance to corrosion, aesthetic appeal Medical equipment Surgical instruments, dental instruments & implants Biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion & withstands high-temperature cleaning processes Chemical processing equipment Reactors, tanks & pipelines Resistance to corrosion, stands up to a range of chemicals Aerospace components Aircraft structures, engines High strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, thermal stability
Find out more about the role of stainless steel in healthcare.
304 stainless steel is also used in different types of small components. Just some examples include:
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 304 Stainless Steel Cable Ties.
T-handle &#; 304 stainless steel cam
Paddle latch &#; 304 stainless steel screws
Torque hinge &#; 304 stainless steel pins & nuts
Grade 316 is another austenitic stainless steel. As part of the 300 series of austenitic stainless steel, it also contains nickel, just as 304 does. Where 304 stainless steel alloys have a minimum of 18% chromium, 316 stainless steel has less with 16%. The nickel content in 316 is also higher, at 10%.
You would think this would give 304 stainless steel a higher resistance to corrosion, but 316 contains 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum helps resist corrosion caused by chlorides, such as sea water and de-icing salts. It also gives 316 greater resistance to chemical attacks.
While each offers excellent corrosion resistance, 316 stainless steel&#;s is actually higher than grade 304 stainless steel. Grade 316 often exhibits better strength at high temperatures, although both have excellent heat resistance.
Grade 304 vs. 316 stainless steel appearance is impossible to judge by the naked eye &#; they look the same, except when it comes to cost. Expect to pay more for 316, which is due to the higher nickel content and addition of molybdenum.
304 vs. 316 stainless steel uses often comes down to budget. Grade 316 can be used for the same applications as 304 &#; as you&#;ll see below &#; but 304 can&#;t always be used instead of 316. Here are just some of the industries and applications where 316 is put to work.
Industry Typical applications Why Food processing equipment Tanks, pipes & containers Non-reactive &#; does not impart any unwanted flavors or odors to food & easy to clean Oil and gas Pipelines, valves & fittings Resistance to corrosive fluids and gases Energy/power generation Turbine blades High-temperature strength & corrosion resistant Medical equipment Surgical instruments, dental instruments & implants Biocompatibility, corrosion resistant & withstands high-temperature cleaning processes Chemical processing equipment Production of organic acids, storage tanks & reactors Molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength Marine Boat fittings & seawater piping Highly corrosion resistant in marine environments
316 stainless steel is considered marine grade, so can be used in some marine applications, but it&#;s not resistant to warmer sea water (304, even less so), which can cause chloride pitting. Still, its characteristics make it popular for use in small components too. Examples of common applications include:
Elematic 2-Lock&#; cable tie &#; 316 stainless steel teeth
Quarter-turn spring latch
As austenitic materials, their properties are similar. In the case of 304 vs. 316 stainless steel properties, they&#;re identical or nearly the same, which comes down to their similar chemical composition. For instance, their densities are often the same, despite the addition of molybdenum to 316. However, molybdenum has a relatively low atomic weight, so it doesn&#;t have much of an impact on density.
This table shows the key differences between the two grades, including their density, melting point (or melting range for 316 grade), modulus of elasticity, electrical resistibity, thermal conductivity and shear modulus.
Let&#;s compare their content. Again, note that they share much of the same content &#; except for molybdenum. Grade 316 also has more nickel, while 304 has more chromium.
Element 304 stainless steel % 316 stainless steel % Carbon 0.07 0.07 Chromium 18.0 &#; 19.5 16.5 &#; 18.5 Nickel 8.0 &#; 10.5 10.0 &#; 13.0 Silicon 1.00 1.00 Manganese 2.00 2.00 Phosphorous 0.045 0.045 Sulfur 0.015 0.015 Nitrogen 0.10 0.10 Molybdenum - 2.0 &#; 2.5
When it comes to mechanical strength, 316 stainless steel is generally considered stronger than 304. Again, this is attributed to 316&#;s molybdenum content. As a result, 316 stainless steel generally has better mechanical properties. The yield and tensile strength of each vary, depending on the manufacturing process and conditions involved &#; but in general, the tensile strength of 316 stainless steel is higher than that of 304 stainless steel.
Choosing between 304 and 316 stainless steel comes down to your application and its specific requirements for oxidation resistance, mechanical strength, and ultimately, cost. For example, if your application won&#;t be in a highly corrosive environment, go with grade 304. It&#;s still extremely resistant to corrosion, but it also costs less. At the same time, using 304 in applications that are better suited for 316 stainless steel can end up costing you more in the long run.
To understand the Rockwell B hardness test below, see our guide, What&#;s shore hardness and why should you care?
Mechanical properties 304 stainless steel 316 stainless steel Ultimate Tensile Strength psi psi Tensile Yield Strength psi psi Hardness (Rockwell B) 70 80 Elongation at break 70% 60%
In summary, these are the primary characteristics of each stainless steel.
316 stainless steel has superior corrosion resistance properties but both are used for pharmaceutical and medical applications, including medical surgical instruments. Whilst the two grades both have high tensile strength, 316 is superior. However, 304 stainless steel has excellent welding qualities and is the most widely used of the austenitic stainless steels for such applications.
Characteristics 304 stainless steel 316 stainless steel Corrosion resistance Excellent Even better Magnetic No No Weldability High Good Hardens during cold forming Yes Yes Formability Very good Good Machinability (annealed) Fair, but better than 316 Fair Resists elevated temperatures High High Maximum intermittent service temperature °F °F
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