When looking at 304 stainless steel vs 316, it is hard to notice the difference between them. However, when manufacturing with 304 vs 316 stainless steel, the difference can be huge. Keep reading to learn more about the two most popular types of stainless steel.
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.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line stainless steel supplier and service center. Download our stainless steel spec sheet and check what Kloeckner Metals routinely stocks.
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 bar , and stainless steel tube . 316 steel’s resistance to chemicals and marine environments makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.
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.
The medical industry commonly uses 304 SS because it endures the powerful cleaning chemicals without corroding. As one of the few alloys that meets the Food and Drug Administration’s sanitary regulations for food preparation, the food industry often uses 304 SS.
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.
The addition of Molybdenum in 316 makes it much more corrosion resistant than similar alloys. Due to its superior resistance to corrosion, 316 is one of the staple metals for marine environments. 316 stainless steel is also utilized in hospitals because of its durability and cleanliness.
Fun fact: The Chicago Bean is made from 316 stainless steel!
Heat resistance is an important factor to consider when comparing the different grades of stainless steel. The melting range of 304 is around 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit higher than 316. Although the melting range of 304 is higher than 316, they both have good resistance to oxidization in intermittent service up to 870°C (1500℉) and in continuous service at 925°C (1697℉).
What makes 316 more expensive than 304 stainless steel? The increase of nickel content and the addition of molybdenum in 316 makes it more expensive than 304. On average, the price of 316 stainless steel 40% higher than the price of 304 SS.
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.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line stainless steel supplier and service center. Kloeckner Metals combines a national footprint with the latest fabrication and processing technologies and most innovative customer service solutions.
Another difference between the 304 and 316 is the cost of the material. When made into fasteners, the 304 SS tends to be more affordable. For this reason, 304 SS products are more popular among consumers. It meets standard corrosion requirements at a lower cost than the higher grade material. Alternatively, 316 SS fasteners tend to be used by contractors who operate in highly corrosive environments in order to prevent stress corrosion cracking.
304 and 316 stainless steel fasteners are not the only material options available for consumers. While the 300 series offers superior corrosion resistance, the 400 series provides an elevated hardness. For example, 410 SS has a low alloy content, meaning that there are fewer materials added to its composition, resulting in a higher carbon content. This increased amount of carbon gives the 400 series of stainless steels increased strength characteristics as well as better performance at elevated temperatures while still maintaining some corrosive resistance. Due to the lower alloy content in the 400 series of stainless steel, fasteners made from this material tend to cost less than the 300 series parts.
Review the tables below to learn more about 304, 316 and other popular SS grades to determine the optimal choice for your upcoming project.
The following chart describes the environmental conditions in which certain grades of stainless steel are appropriate. All environmental conditions are based on EN ISO 12944 Exposure Categories. Results based on SFS internal testing and supplemented by The Nickel Institute, "Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless Steel" (Released by AISI).
Environmental grades are taken from ISO 12944. They do not describe specific quantitative criteria for pollution levels, but are instead meant to be standard guidelines for generalized environmental conditions.
The following chart describes the situations in which a fastener of a particular material can be installed into a surface of a particular material. The information from this chart is derived from the MCA technical document, "Fastener Compatibility with Profiled Metal Roof and Wall Panels".
SFS offers multiple products that utilize the corrosive resistant properties of 304 stainless steel. Popular examples include the Bi-Met 300® series curtain wall screws series or in the stainless self-tappers. In addition, many of our cladding fasteners for rainscreen systems and panel screws are offered with both 304 and 316 to accommodate a diverse range of environments, including highly corrosive conditions.
We welcome you to explore our extensive range of fasteners to find the best fit for the intended application, climate, and budget. Call 1 800 234 4533. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help place your order.
Stainless steel fasteners can offer a wide variety of strength and corrosion-resistant properties to meet your requirements. Each grade of stainless steel will have different properties and provide advantages in particular environments. It is important for contractors to choose the correct material for their fasteners based on their job site environment. This document serves as a tool to help effectively make the correct fastener selection based on your needs.