304 VS 316 STAINLESS STEEL

There are more 60 grades of Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is basically low-carbon and contains chromium in amounts of at least 10% by weight. The steel's corrosion resistance is due to the addition of chrome. Austenitic stainless 304 steels and 316 steels are medical grade stainless steels. The molybdenum addition is the key difference that separates 304 from 316 stainless. Molybdenum alloys are known to dramatically increase corrosion resistance and this is especially true in more chloride- or saline prone environments. 316 stainless steel has molybdenum while 304 does NOT.

These steels can be used in a wide range of industries due to their excellent forming and welding properties. These alloys do not harden by heat treatment. However, they can become very strong by cold working.

Austenitic Stainless Steels such as 304 are commonly used in pharmaceutical, power production and chemical process applications. Molybdenum in 316 is used primarily to improve corrosion resistance. This makes it ideal for environments that are more acidic. 316 molybdenum steels have been modified to provide improved corrosion resistance in certain marine, chemical and petroleum applications that are exposed to chloride gas.

Let us Help You Select the Right Stainless-Steel Tubing!

Sewaly Stainless is a tubing provider with experience and knowledge that can help maximize the performance and reliability of your product with high-quality, custom-made tubing. The right tubing can give your customers the dependability they want and the functionality they need. Please contact us if you have any questions about 304 or 316 stainless.