Visually, there’s absolutely not any difference in any respect, 304-grade steel, and 316-grade steel are polished, grained and completed in exactly the same way. The only way to ascertain the distinction is to ask a material test report (MTR).
It is in the substance ‘make-up’ the differences are available and even though the differences are extremely slight, they do change the purpose for which each kind of steel may be used. if you want to do more research on stainless steel grade 304 and 316 then you can explore the website http://www.nssteel.co.th/product.php?catid=17&icat=0&id=126.
In the simplest manner I can muster, the gap between 304-grade stainless steel and 316-grade stainless steel is as follows:
- 304 – contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel
whereas
- 316 – comprises 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum
What Do These Differences Mean?
With the addition of molybdenum to 316-grade stainless steel, the resistance to corrosion is improved, especially against chlorides [such as sea water and de-icing salts]. It’s this improved corrosion protection which makes 316 distinct from 304 stainless steel.
The situation for 304-grade stainless steel
304-grade stainless steel is considered the most versatile and widely used of the austenitic stainless steels. The 304 steel kind is capable of fulfilling a vast array of physical requirements which makes it an ideal material to use for applications like wheel covers, kitchen equipment, and storage tanks.
304 steel offers good resistance against average acidic attack but is deemed poor when compared to 316 steel type.
The situation for 316-grade stainless steel
In comparison with 304, 316 is thought of as more heat-resistant and gives superior corrosion resistance, because of the existence of the molybdenum element.
316 is regarded as a lot more resistant to numerous chemical solutions like sulphuric acid, bromides, and iodides. Its ability to withstand such solutions make it the preferred material of use for software to be installed in pharmaceutical facilities or healthcare environments.
In certain pharmaceutical facilities, grade 316 programs are required, by law, to be set up so as to avoid excessive metallic contamination.
So, Which Is Better?
The answer to this question is subjective, both steel types have their uses, it is a matter of opinion. As an example, commentators within the security sector would argue the case for type 304 steel. A percentage of ‘specialists’ across the security sector dispute that the ‘superior’ corrosion resistant claims put forward for type 316 steel.