While there are no visible differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel, there are distinctive chemical differences &#; the most crucial difference being their chemical compositions. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In contrast, 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The chemical distinction between these two grades of stainless steel is of great importance when considering their intended uses.
The majority of stainless steel utilized globally is grade 304. There are multiple reasons for its popularity, including:
304 stainless steel&#;s chemical makeup of 18% chromium and 8% nickel makes it a good choice for many common applications, which include:
304 and 316 stainless steel share many properties. However, it is the added properties that set 316 stainless steel apart.
316 stainless steel&#;s material composition of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum allows it to be used in applications that require superior corrosion resistance and stringent hygiene and cleanliness requirements. Some of the most common applications are:
When salt and other chlorides are an exposure and lasting durability is desired, the benefits of using 316 stainless steel over 304 are clear.
Not only tough, but also versatile, 316 stainless steel is an excellent choice for use in applications such as custom wire baskets. These baskets are often subject to harsh, high-impact conditions, and 316 stainless steel continues to deliver durability in these environments year after year.
316 stainless steel&#;s added chemical component, molybdenum, makes it much more corrosion resistant than 304 or other stainless steel alloys. This allows 316 stainless steel to be used in highly acidic environments that other steels can&#;t tolerate without incurring damage. 316&#;s corrosion-resistant properties also make it ideal in pharmaceutical and medical applications due to its ability to withstand the strong disinfectants and high temperatures needed to sterilize equipment.
Exposure to salt and chlorides can wreak havoc on 304 and other stainless steel alloys. Salt can cause 304 stainless steel to rust by eroding its protective oxide layer, and 304 steel is also more easily pitted from the effects of salt and chlorides. However, 316 stainless steel has all of the desirability properties of 304 stainless steel, but with the added benefit of molybdenum, which allows it to withstand exposure to salt and chlorides without breaking down.
While 316 stainless steel has all of the benefits of 304 stainless steel and many additional benefits as well, it all comes down to the qualities needed for a particular application.
Regardless of your stainless steel needs, Bergsen Metals offers a complete inventory of stainless steel products in a wide variety of grades and sizes. View our stainless steel products, request a quote, or contact us for more information on how we can move your business forward with our quality stainless steel products and exceptional customer service.
We want to tell you why Stainless Steel 316 is our favorite choice
Stainless steel has become the metal of choice on the market for a wide range of applications due to its corrosion resistance and because it is 100% solid all the way through and 100% recyclable.
There are over 100 grades of stainless steel, which is an iron ore alloy, a substance made up of two or more chemical elements.
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The other main elements besides iron include chromium and nickel, along with trace amounts of silicon, nitrogen, manganese, molybdenum and more.
Two of the most popular grades of stainless on the market are 304 Stainless and Marine Grade 316 Stainless.
Stainless Steel 304 is the most versatile and widely used of all the stainless steels.
Keep in mind, not all 304 stainless is created equal, as some have a higher nickel content than others.
The chemical composition, mechanical properties, welding ability and corrosion/oxidation resistance provides some of the best all-round performance at a relatively low cost.
Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel however is far superior to 304 stainless due to the fact it contains more nickel and 2 to 3% more molybdenum.
The extra nickel and molybdenum content improve the corrosion resistance, especially to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Actually, 316 Stainless is so resistant to corrosion, that it is the preferred metal used in cooking equipment in commercial kitchens and restaurants and is the number one choice in marine equipment and medical instruments due to its resistance to salt, harsh chemicals and cleaning products. It even has some natural anti-microbial properties.
The bottom line is that when used in products that are exposed to a lot of water, harsh chemicals and cleaning agents, like shower drains, it provides the longest life span possible.
QM Drain, part of the Quality Metal Group, has been producing the highest quality, very competitively priced, stainless steel decorative drains for over 18 years.
Our drains are used in residential showers, hospitality, landscaping, pools, hospitals, assisted living, schools, vet clinics and more.
The main thing that sets QM apart from our competitors, start and end with the stainless steel we use for our drains.
The DELMAR series uses 100% Marine Grade 316 Stainless top to bottom.
Our LAGOS series uses Marine 316 Stainless on all the metal parts, i.e., the trim, frame and grate, with either a PVC or ABS base.
The BAY series, our primarily International line, with some selections offered in the US, are produced using the highest quality 304 Stainless top to bottom.
Keep in mind, most of the decorative drains on the market use 304 Stainless, some not nearly the quality or thickness of the stainless we use in our drains.
QM Drain is also dedicated to eco-friendly manufacturing and we bring technological innovations through simplification, quick installation and guaranteed performance.
QM Drain is innovation, quality and service. For more information visit www.qmdrain.com
The company is the world’s best 316 Stainless Steel Wire supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.