Description
Difference between Stainless Steel SS304 (SS304L) VS SS316 (SS316L)
It is always believed by many people that all stainless steel grades are the same. However this is not true !
The investment that put in the Stainless Steel Grades and Types are determined by how corrosion resistant they are , as well as how durable and long-lasting you can expect from them to be.
Whether you are purchasing and buying Stainless Steel Round Bars , Plates or Sheets , you must consider the environment.
Stainless Steel 304 (SUS304, SS304)
SUS304 Stainless Steel is the basic alloy , which cannot be heat hardened and also non-magnetic. This grade of Stainless Steel will not rust , and it will tarnish. 304 Stainless Steel has a strong resistance to the effect of various chemicals and acids.
Pros and Cons of 304 Stainless Steels
The main advantage is that Stainless Steel 304 is usually considered to be one of the strongest steel comparing to Mild Steel that is available in the market. It boosts a respectable level of resistance to corrosion , and is much easier to be molded than Stainless Steel 316 (Dual Spec SUS316L). However, SUS304 (also known as 18-8 Grade Stainless Steel) is vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to the salt water.
Applications of the SUS304 Stainless Steel
304 Stainless Steel is mainly used in the manufacture of various items such as sinks , pots , pans , tables and others. Besides, SS304 Stainless Steel is often used in the F&B (Food and Beverages) Industries like dairy, foods and brewing industries.
Stainless Steel 316 (SUS316, SS316)
SUS316 Stainless Steel offers high tensile strength. It has a better corrosion resistance that can withstand harsh environments. As an austenitic stainless steel grades , 316 Stainless Steel is also non-magnetic and must be hardened through cold working.
The difference between SUS304 VS SUS316 Stainless Steel is the additional of molybdenum of up to 3%. This grade of stainless steel is commonly used in the surgical indusry , paper pulp industry and also in the production of dyes and chemicals.
Pros and Cons of 316 Stainless Steels
SS316L Stainless Steels boost a higher strength and durability than SS304 Stainless Steel. It has a higher level of corrosion resistance, including when exposed to salt water. Stainless Steel 316 performs well against pitting and is also resistant to caustic chemicals.
However , Stainless Steel 316 is less malleable than Stainless Steel 304, and it is also substantially more expensive.
Applications of the SUS316 Stainless Steel
Due to its higher level of corrosion resistance , especially in terms of exposure to salt water , 316 Stainless Steel is usually used for marine applications. It is also used in the manufacture of chemical processing equipment , as well as various heat exchangers and furnace parts.
Find your Stainless Steel Specialist here with more than 30 Grades of Stainless Steels !
Choosing the right types and grades of Stainless Steel is important to ensure that your finished products or finished parts are not damaged along the ways, Since you know that the differrence between SUS304 and SUS316 Grade Stainless Steel , you can make a better choice for your application.
Contact us via email or telephone for more information and quotation from us at E Steel Sdn Bhd (The Stainless Steel Specialty that support the metal industry in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Dubai, Australia, etc.)
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