304 stainless steel is generally less expensive than 316 stainless steel and is often used in lower-cost applications. 316 stainless steel has better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION ( IN PERCENTAGE ) 1.5 max. It is essentially non-magnetic when annealed and may become slightly magnetic when cold-worked. Comparison of two grades of stainless steel 912A, 9th Floor, Opera House, Charni Road, Mumbai-400004, India. Due to the molybdenum in the steel, the overall performance of this steel is better than 310 and 304 stainless steel. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, but 304 does not. AISI 304L is the low carbon version of 304 stainless steel, AISI 303 is a free-machining steel, basically a variant of SS304, which increases the phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) content and improves the machinability. The most common form of 304 stainless steel is 18/8 which contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. . The different properties and applications exhibited by both grades come as a result of these differences. : +91-22-61905600 (100 Lines) Email : exports . A2 (304, 18/8) is an austenitic steel and is non-magnetic. Its composition contains at minimum 17% Chromium, 8% nickel, and 0.15% Sulfur/Selenium. It also includes carbon, silicon, and manganese. It is also known as "18/8" stainless steel because of its composition, which includes 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This alloy is suitable for welding because it has a carbon content lower than 301 to 303 series alloys to avoid carbide precipitation in welding applications. 1. Stainless Steel 316. The main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is 316 SS has the addition of molybdenum. Both of these 300-grade steels are known for their . The chemical composition of 316 stainless steel includes: Element: Composition % Chromium: 16-18: Nickel: 10-14: Molybdenum: 2-3: Manganese: 2 (Max) . . . The grade consists of a minimum of 10% nickel content, whereas 18/8 (304) consists of only 8% of nickel content. What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? 316 Stainless Steel vs 304 Stainless Steel: Which Should you Choose? The most popular 304 grade stainless contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel though other alloys exist within the same grade. 304 stainless steel is the most ordinary stainless steel. The 316 family is a group of austenitic stainless steels with superior corrosion resistance to 304 stainless steel. Moreover, 316 stainless steel is also resistant to the corrosion of ocean and aggressive industrial atmosphere. 304 vs 316 stainless steel: Composition. In general, 304 vs 316 stainless steel has little difference in chemical resistance. 3. This characteristic makes it a prime choice for the manufacture of precision parts. This is another widely-used austenitic stainless steel alloy, and it is famous thanks to its durability, tensile strength, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. These values only apply for thickness less or equal to 1.5 inch 38mm. 304 can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. It's the chromium in the 304 and 316 grades that differentiate stainless steel from carbon steel. The main difference between 304 vs 316 stainless steel is the composition and corrosion resistance, SS304 doesn't contain molybdenum while SS316 contains 2-3% molybdenum. 304 stainless steel is the most common and widely used form of stainless steel. SS 316 is better than SS 304 in terms of corrosion resistance, heat resistance and certain properties, but the price is higher than AISI 304, for more details, please check stainless steel grade 304 vs 316, and 316 vs 316L. It is also non-magnetic. The addition of molybdenum provides pitting resistance in phosphoric acid, acetic acid and dilute chloride solutions and provides corrosion resistance in sulfurous acid. So its degree of corrosion resistance is higher than the 18-8 series stainless steels. The main difference between 304 vs 316 stainless steel is the composition and corrosion resistance, SS304 doesn't contain molybdenum while SS316 contains 2-3% molybdenum. Grade 304 stainless steel, by comparison, can only take up to 90 ksi of pressure before experiencing mechanical failure. When looking at 304 stainless steel vs 316, it is hard to notice the difference between them. The main difference is that 316 stainless steel has between 2% and 3% molybdenum in it. The 316 stainless steel has 2-3% molybdenum added. Stainless Steel Chemical Composition. 1) Composition: 304 contains 17.5%-19.5% chromium and 8%-10.5% nickel while 316 contains 16.5%-18.5% chromium, 10%-13% nickel and 2%-2.5% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum provides pitting resistance in phosphoric acid, acetic acid and dilute chloride solutions and provides corrosion resistance in sulfurous acid. Despite their similarities in chemical resistance, 316 stainless-steel is superior to 304, which tends to oxidize and decay easily in harsh conditions. This grade features a nickel content of 8%10.5% and a chromium content of 18%20%. From the chemical composition, SS 316 has lesser chromium, and more nickel, and unlike SS 304, it has 2% molybdenum. The two most common stainless steel grades are 304 and 316. And 316 stainless steel tubing also has the remarkable feature of being essentially free from thermal expansion and contraction. It is made up of almost the same materials as 304 stainless steel and has almost the same physical and mechanical properties. Qualities of 316 vs. 316L Stainless Steel A2 stainless steel is often referred to as 304 or 18/8 Stainless. 304 has a . Requirements for one grade of stainless over the other are often dependent on the application or environment; therefore, it is important to . Put the steel in a temperature range of 450 to 850C for periods of several minutes, if the carbon level is below 0.030% then this intercrystalline corrosion does not take place following exposure to these temperatures. In most common alloys, you'll find 10% nickel and 2 to 3% molybdenum. * Thickness of 1.27mm & below will have elongation of 20% min. 304 contain 8 % nickel, while it's 10% in 316. The molybdenum in 316 stainless steel makes it more corrosion-resistant than 304 stainless steel, but also more expensive as well. ASTM A511 304 304L 309S 310S 316 316L 317 321 347 Stainless Steel Hollow Bar | Stainless Steel Hollow Tube; ASTM A312 TP304 TP304L TP304H TP316 TP316L TP317L TP321 TP316Ti TP347 TP347H TP310S TP309S Stainless Steel Pipe; Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in . The following table lists the chemical composition difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel. However, when manufacturing with 304 vs 316 stainless steel, the difference can be huge. The titanium atoms stabilise the structure of the 316 at temperatures over 800C. This kind of stainless steel also has good drawability. It is an austenitic stainless steel.It is less electrically and thermally conductive than carbon steel.It is magnetic, but less magnetic than steel. 316 Stainless Steel: This alloy is recommended for welding because it has a carbon content lower than 302 to avoid carbide precipitation in welding applications. 316 Stainless Steel has the same chemical composition as 304 coupled with another element, Molybdenum. Stainless steel grade 316Ti contains a small amount of titanium. - 316 vs 304 stainless steel. 316 stainless steels consist of 16% chromium and 10% nickel. Which is better 18-8 or 304 stainless steel ? The key difference between 304 and 304L, as well as, 316 and 316L is the carbon content. The melting range of 316 is 2,500 F - 2,550 F (1,371 C - 1,399 C), roughly 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the melting point of grade 304 stainless steel. 304 vs 316 stainless steel: Cost . 304 is austenitic stainless steel. Type 304 stainless steel is an . Physical Properties of 316 SS Mechanical Properties Applications of 316 Stainless Steel The addition of Molybdenum in 316 makes it much more corrosion resistant than similar alloys. While grade 304 stainless steel only has trace amounts of it, AISI 316 has considerably more. Chemical Composition Chart of 304 and 316. 2. It is also called 18/8 stainless steel in the industry. The carbon content is held to 0.08% maximum, while the nickel content is increased slightly. Stainless steel 304 has outstanding resistance to corrosion in a wide range of environments and when in contact with various corrosive media. Generally, 316 stainless steel is higher in price versus 304 stainless steel. However, that classification comes with a higher price tag . So it must be hardened through cold working. How strong is 304? 304 Stainless Steel Composition (SS304 Chemical Composition) 304 stainless steel composition contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, so it is also known as 18-8 steel. . Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. Equipment in the chemical, food, paper, mining, pharmaceutical and . Because of these 316-grade stainless steel is widely used for marine and chemical processing applications. Therefore, stainless steel metal generally has a Chromium content of minimum 10.5%. It also protects from saltwater and pitting. The addition of molybdenum provides pitting resistance in phosphoric acid, acetic acid and dilute chloride solutions and provides corrosion resistance in sulfurous acid. An extra 2-3% increase in molybdenum can reduce this sensitivity. The molybdenum content of 316L stainless steel is slightly higher than that of 316 stainless steel. What is the Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel? In 304, chromium 18% while in 316 it's 16%. . 304 has 18% chromium and 8% nickel, so it is called 18/8 stainless steel, while AISI 316 stainless steel has 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. This is due to the higher levels of nickel content contained within 316, as well as the presence of molybdenum. Grade: Chemical Properties : Tensile Strength: Yield Strength: Rockwell . The more significant difference is- there is no Molybdenum in 304 whereas grade 316 . The stainless steel originally developed was 304. AISI 316 is better than 304 in certain properties, corrosion resistance and heat resistance, etc. . But, there are differences in certain media. Posted on September 27, 2012 by rob bohn The simple answer is 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. This prevents carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries and protects the metal from corrosion. That durability makes 304 easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for kitchen and food applications. The following table lists the chemical composition of SS304 in various standards. Addition of molybdenum increases corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel, especially against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. 3) the requirements for chromium (Cr) content are different. 316L vs 316 In contrast, 316 Stainless steel is characterized by the inclusion of 16% chromium (Cr), 10% nickel (Ni), and 2% molybdenum (Mo). The key difference is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy which drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. Grade 304 Stainless Steel. Notes: Similar to 304, 316 stainless steel is a chromium-nickel stainless. It might have a circle with the number 6 in it or . It is the most commonly used stainless steel. SAE 316 SS Also Known as A4 Stainless or 18/10 for its composition of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Grade 304 is general-purpose stainless steel and has the most extensive applications in the stainless steel family, such as tableware, cabinets, boilers, auto parts, medical appliances, building materials, chemicals, food industry, agriculture, shipping, oil transportation and so on. It is the most common type of stainless steel used in construction and manufacturing. Though the stainless steel 304 alloy has a higher melting point, grade 316 has a better resistance to chemicals and chlorides (like salt) than grade 304 stainless steel. It is less thermally conductive and electrically than carbon steel and is substantially non-magnetic. Stainless Steel 304 is basic austenitic steel with "18/8" chromium-nickel. This makes them ideal for corrosive environments, as they have better resistance to acid, chloride, and salt. Under high temperature conditions, when the concentration of sulfuric acid is lower than 15% and higher than 85%, 316 stainless . The main difference between 304 vs 316 stainless steel is that 304 does not contain molybdenum, while 316 contains 2-3% molybdenum and less chromium and more nickel. Refer to chemical composition 316 stainless steel contains element Mo, which . Tel No. The carbon ranges are 0.08% maximum for 304 and 316 and 0.030% maximum for the 304 L and 316 L types. Still, it doesn't resist chlorides and chemicals as well as marine grade 316 stainless steel does. Chemical composition(), Mechanical properties() . Read More The real distinction in the stainless steel 316 vs 304 SS comparison is the presence of molybdenum (2-3%) alongside the other alloying elements such as carbon, manganese, and silicon. It has good corrosion resistance in the production of pulp and paper. However, the chemical composition of 316, which is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum, is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel. Most grade 304 stainless steel is 18/8, meaning it is composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Along with the increased nickel content, 316SS also has an additional element 'Mo' (molybdenum) in its chemical makeup (2%-3%). The differing chemical makeups of 304 SS and 316 SS influence how each performs in a certain environment. 304 and 316 stainless-steel contain similar amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. AISI 316 has slightly higher yield strength at 200 MPa (vs. 190 MPa for 304), while AISI 304 has a slightly higher melting point (1450C vs. 1400C for 316). Type 316 is also austenitic, non-magnetic, and thermally nonhardenable stainless steel like Type 304. Prasad Chambers, Office No. 304 316 . The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is the incorporation of molybdenum of 316 reaches up to 3%. A2 Stainless Steel. 316 is stronger and more durable than 304. 304 is between 8% and 11%, while 321 is between 9% and 12%. Often, the manufacturer will mark the stainless-steel part to indicate its grade. The chromium provides a corrosion and oxidation resistance, however it can tarnish. As stated above, the major difference in both stainless steel grades is in their composition. Get In Touch. About 316 Stainless Steel This composition chart shows that there are some critical differences in components and percentage of chromium and nickel. 18/8 actually refers to the amount of chromium and nickel in the alloy - 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 304L are also known as 1.4301 and 1.4307 respectively. Among the most distinctive features of 316 quality . Type 304 stainless steel has good forming and welding properties as well as strong corrosion resistance and strength. Outwardly, 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel look very similar. Its resistance to corrosive acids also makes 304 Stainless Steel ideal for cookware, appliances, sinks and tabletops. Grade 304 stainless steel contains up to 35% nickel and is used for applications such as appliances, cookware, tubing, and hardware. Another difference is that 304-grade stainless steel has a higher melting point than 316-grade stainless steel. 304 is between 18% and 20%, while 321 is between 17% and 19%. Chemical Composition 304 Chemical Composition 316 Carbon 0.08 Carbon 0.08 Manganese 2.00 Manganese 2.00 Phosphorus 0.045 Silicon 0.75 Sulfur 0.030 Chromium 16.00 Silicon 0.75 Nickel 10.00 . The key difference between 304 vs 316 stainless steel that makes them different is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy that drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. The chemical composition of stainless steel 316 is almost identical to that of the 304 grade. It contains roughly 16-25% chromium and up to 36% nickel by composition, as well as small amounts of carbon and manganese. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, whereas 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. For thickness above 38mm, 304 tensile strength and yield strength is same with 316, meanwhile 304L is same with 316L, but hardness is different. Titanium content is typically only around 0.5%. 316 stainless steel tubes are more resistant to acids and alkalis and high temperatures than 304. 3. Type 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel. The steel consists of both nickel (between 8% and 10.5%) and chromium (between 18% and 20%) metals as the primary non-iron elements. 304 stainless steel does not. Even though stainless steel 304 has a higher melting point, grade 316 has better resistance to chemicals and chlorides (like . Chemical Composition. 304 stainless steel is a common material in stainless steel, with a density of 7.93 g/cm 3. AISI 304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is the most widely used austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. There are a few distinct differences with the quantities of chromium (18 - 20% for 304, 16 - 18% for 316) and nickel (8 - 10.5% for 304, 10 - 14% for 316). Its nominal composition is 18% chromium and 8% nickel, so it is also called 18/8 stainless steel. . So you can use metal material analyzer or chemical analysis method to verify the composition of . What distinguishes Type 316 from Type 304 is the addition of molybdenum up to a maximum of 3%. SAE 304 stainless steel is the most common stainless steel.The steel contains both chromium (between 18% and 20%) and nickel (between 8% and 10.5%) metals as the main non-iron constituents. . What is 304 stainless steel's chemical composition? . All other element ranges are essentially the same (nickel range for . The chemical test is done to identify the chemical composition of steel whereas the mechanical tests are done to identify the strength of 304 vs 316 samples. It can withstand the high temperature of 800 , has good processing performance and high toughness, and is widely used in industry, furniture decoration industry and food and medical industry. The higher molybdenum content results in grade 316 possessing increased corrosion resistance. Mechanical Properties Difference These steels, which have similar mechanical properties, differ in their nickel and chromium ratios. Type 304. . 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel - 7 Differences. Stainless steel 316 has a greater resistance to chemical attack and oxidations than 304. The former grade usually has a higher chromium content while the latter generally contains more nickel. A major difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is the chemical composition, with 316 containing a significant amount of molybdenum; typically 2 to 3 percent by weight vs only trace amounts found in 304. In certain cases, this material is sensitive to pitting corrosion (PittingCorrosion). 304 stainless steel is a chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance. The melting point of 304 stainless steel is higher than its 316 stainless steel counterpart, ranging between 2,550 - 2,650 F or 1399 - 1454 C. 18/10 provides excellent resistance from corrosion and stress cracking. One notable difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is their levels of nickel and chromium. This additional element turns common stainless steel into a superpower with the ability to withstand harsh environments. When comparing 304 vs 316 stainless steel sheets, it's important to remember that 316 is the better alloy of the two. Commonly found in marine applications, 316 stainless steel contains 2 to 3% molybdenum, while 304 has none. It also gives 316 stainless steel high heat resistance of up to 1600 F. Chemical storage and manufacturing equipment; Oil and gas extraction equipment . Stainless steels of the 316 grade include less chromium often around 16% but increase nickel levels and add molybdenum to the mix. Stainless 304 vs 316 Properties Stainless 304 vs 316 Price Difference Mechanical Properties 304 vs 316 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel is composed of 18% chromium, 8% nickel. 304 stainless steel vs 316 Cost The cost of stainless steel is largely dependent on the alloys that are present in their composition. The addition makes the metal less likely to rust, especially when it comes in contact with chlorides and other industrial solvents. SAE 304 SS Also known as A2 Stainless or 18/8 for its composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. All stainless steels require a minimum of 10.5% chromium and they are alloyed with iron which makes up a large proportion of their final makeup. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum. Stainless Steel 316/304 vs 316 L /304 L. As American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) basic grades, the only practical difference between 304 / 316 and 304 L / 316 L is carbon content; the [L] means the lower carbon content.. The difference derives from molybdenum. A few percentages this way or that in chromium and nickel. has high corrosion resistance. This is a prime example of how the price of stainless steel grades can fluctuate based on the ebb and flow of the raw material cost. Molybdenum is an alloy that drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for environments prone to rust. AISI 304 (1.4301) vs 316 (1.4401) AISI 304 and 316 have similar values for hardness (Brinell), elastic modulus and tensile strength. The molybdenum is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts). The key difference between stainless steel grades 304 and 316 is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy that drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. 304 versus 316 stainless steel: differences in composition 304 SS is considered a "general purpose" stainless steel and is characterized by the inclusion of 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni) in its' alloy composition. In addition, it contains 2% molybdenum. The chemical composition of grade 304 stainless steel is 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which shows the difference in chemistry between it and 316 stainless steel. Comparing 304 vs. 316 . Grade 316 contains molybdenum, making it ideal for marine equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, and commercial kitchen equipment. The most common form of 304 stainless steel is 18-8, or 18/8, stainless steel, which contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.