In fact, the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel cannot be seen with the naked eye. Many people are confused when they see these numbers. Today, let me take a look at the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel.
First of all, 316 stainless steel contains Mo, which has better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel in high temperature environments. Therefore, in high temperature environments, engineers generally choose parts made of 316 materials.
Secondly, there are also differences between the two in terms of grades; 304 stainless steel corresponds to the Chinese grade 0Cr18Ni9; 316 stainless steel corresponds to the Chinese grade 0Cr17Ni12Mo2.
Thirdly, for 316 steel, the Cr content is mainly reduced, the Ni content is increased and Mo2%~3% is increased. As a result, its corrosion resistance is stronger than that of 304, and it is suitable for use in chemical industry, seawater and other environments. Similarly, the cost of 316 is higher than that of 304. Generally, 316 is used in places with relatively high requirements instead of 304.
