There are many stainless steels on the market, but when it comes to food-grade stainless steel, only 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel come to mind, so what is the difference between the two? And how to choose it? In this issue, we will introduce them grandly.
The difference:
First of all, let’s talk about their differences, we have to start with the content of each metal element in them. The national standard grade of 304 stainless steel is 06Cr19Ni10, and the national standard grade of 316 stainless steel is 0Cr17Ni12Mo2. The nickel (Ni) content of 304 stainless steel is 8%-11%, the nickel (Ni) content of 316 stainless steel is 10%-14%, and the nickel (Ni) content of 316 stainless steel is (Ni) content increased. As we all know, the main role of element nickel (Ni) in metal materials is to improve the corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, mechanical properties and high temperature resistance of stainless steel. Therefore, 316 stainless steel is superior to 304 stainless steel in these aspects.
The second is that 316 stainless steel adds 2%-3% molybdenum (Mo) element on the basis of 304 stainless steel. The function of molybdenum (Mo) element is to improve the hardness of stainless steel, as well as improve the high temperature durability and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. . This has greatly improved the performance of 316 stainless steel in all aspects, which is why 316 stainless steel is more expensive than 304 stainless steel.
As we all know, 304 stainless steel is a general-purpose stainless steel material, and it is also the most common stainless steel in daily life, such as stainless steel tableware, thermos cups, and various daily necessities. Suitable for industrial use under normal ambient conditions as well as for use on machinery. However, the corrosion resistance and various properties of 316 stainless steel are much higher than that of 304 stainless steel, so the application range of 316 stainless steel is relatively wide. The first is in coastal areas and shipbuilding industries, because the air in coastal areas is relatively humid and easy to corrode, and 316 stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel; the second is medical equipment, such as scalpels, because 304 stainless steel is food-grade stainless steel, The 316 stainless steel can reach medical grade; the third is the chemical industry with strong acid and alkali; the fourth is the industry that needs to work under high temperature conditions.
To sum up, 316 stainless steel is a product that can replace 304 stainless steel under various harsh conditions.
Post time: Apr-05-2023