The high levels of chromium and nickel found in 304 and 316 stainless steel provides them with a strong resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion. Not only are they known for their resistance to corrosion, they are also known for their clean appearance and overall cleanliness.

Both types of stainless steel appear in wide-ranging industries. As the most common grade of stainless steel, 304 is considered the standard [18/8" stainless. 304 stainless steel is widely used because it is durable and easy to form into various forms such as stainless steel sheet, stainless steel plate, stainless steel bar, and stainless steel tube. 316 steel`s resistance to chemicals and marine environments makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.

How Are They Categorized?

The five classes of stainless steel are organized based on their crystalline structure (how their atoms are arranged). Out of the five classes, 304 and 316 stainless steel are in the austenitic grade class. The structure of austenitic grade stainless steels makes them non-magnetic and prevents them from being hardenable by heat treatment.

Common Applications

• Food preparation: Fryers, food prep tables

• Kitchen equipment: cookware, silverware

• Architectural: siding, elevators, bathroom stalls

• Medical: trays, surgical tools

Properties of 316 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

316 contains many similar chemical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals look the same. 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.

316 vs 304 Stainless Steel: Which is Better?

When comparing 304 stainless steel vs 316, they both have pros and cons to consider when deciding which one to use for different applications. For instance, 316 stainless steel is more resistant than 304 to salt and other corrosives. So, if you are manufacturing a product that will often face exposure to chemicals or a marine environment, 316 is the better choice.

On the other hand, if you are manufacturing a product that does not need strong corrosion resistance, 304 is a practical and economical choice. For many applications, 304 and 316 are actually interchangeable.