304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Understanding the Differences

Why do some stainless steels last longer and resist corrosion better than others? The answer lies in the subtle but significant differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel. This article explores their chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and specific applications. By the end, you’ll understand which type suits your needs best, whether for kitchenware or marine equipment.

Table Of Contents

I assume that you are familiar with stainless steel, as it is widely used in many electrical appliances in our daily lives.

For instance, the electric kettle that is commonly used.

Observant individuals may have noticed that there are groups of numbers on the inner wall of the electric kettle, some of which are 304 and others are 316.

So what do these numbers indicate and what distinguishes them?

Today, I will shed light on this mystery.

See also:

304 and 316 are codes for different types of stainless steel. Although they are both considered stainless steel, they have distinct differences.

Let’s examine the chemical composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, national brands, characteristics, and applications of these two types of stainless steel.

Comparison of chemical compositions of 304 and 316 stainless steel

Chemical composition:304316
C (carbon)≤0.08≤0.08
Si (silicon)≤1.00≤1.00
Mn (manganese)≤2.00≤2.00
P (phosphorus)≤0.045≤0.045
S (sulfur)≤0.030≤0.030
N (nickel)8.00~11.0010.00~14.00
Cr (chromium)18.00~20.0016.00~18.00
Mo (aluminum) 2.00~3.00

Comparison of physical properties of 304 and 316 stainless steel

Physical performance parameters304316
Density / (kg / dm3) 20 ℃7.938.00
Baking point / ℃1398-14541370-1397
Specific heat capacity / [kJ / (kg · K)] 0 ℃ ~ 100 ℃0.500.50
Thermal conductivity / [w / (m·k)]100℃16.316.3
500℃21.521.5
Linear expansion coefficient / (106 / k)0℃~100℃17.216.0
0℃-500℃18.418.5
Resistivity / (Ω · mm2 / M) 20 ℃0.730.74
Longitudinal elastic model / (KN / mm2) 20 ℃193193
Magneticnothingnothing

Comparison of 304 and 316 stainless steel grades in different countries

Comparison of stainless steel grades of various countries:304316
ChinaGB / T20878-2007Uniform numerical codeS30408S31608
New brand06Cr9Ni1006Cr17Ni12Mo2
Old brand0Cr18Ni90Cr17Ni12Mo2
America
ASTM A959-04
S30400
304
S31600
316
Japan
JIS G4303-1998
JIS G4311-1991
SUS304SUS316
International
IS0 / TS 15510:2003
ISO4955:2005
X5CrNi18-10
1.4301
X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4401
European
EN 10088:1-1995
EN10095-1999
X5CrNi18-10
1.4301
X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4401

Note:

The chemical composition, physical performance, and comparison of stainless steel grades across different countries are based on the national standard for stainless steel and heat-resistant steel grades and chemical compositions (GB/T 20878-2007).

Comparison of mechanical properties of 304 and 316 after solid solution treatment

Mechanical properties after solution treatment304316
Specified plastic extension strength Rp0.2/MPa≥205≥205
Tensile strength Rm / MPa≥515≥515
Elongation after fracture A /%≥40≥40
Hardness valueHBW≤201≤217
HRB≤92≤95
HV≤210≤220

Comparison of mechanical properties of 304 and 316H 1/4 states

Mechanical properties in H 1/2 state304316
Specified plastic extension strength Rp0.2/MPa≥515≥515
Tensile strength Rm / MPa≥860≥860
Elongation after fracture A /%Thickness < 0.4mm≥10≥10
Thickness: 0.4mm ~ < 0.8mm≥10≥10
Thickness ≥ 0.8mm≥12≥10

Comparison of mechanical properties of 304 and 316H 1/2 states

Mechanical properties in H 1/2 State304316
Specified plastic extension strength Rp0.2/MPa≥760≥760
Tensile strength Rm / MPa≥1035≥1035
Elongation after fracture A /%Thickness < 0.4mm≥6≥6
Thickness: 0.4mm ~ < 0.8mm≥7≥7
Thickness ≥ 0.8mm≥7≥7

Characteristics and uses

304 stainless steel is a widely used and heat-resistant type of stainless steel that can be found in food equipment, general chemical equipment, and the atomic energy industry, among others.

On the other hand, 316 stainless steel boasts better resistance to corrosion compared to 06Cr19Ni0 in seawater and other environments. It is mainly used for applications that require resistance to pitting.

Heat treatment schedule

Both 304 and 316 stainless steel undergo the same heat treatment process.

The heat treatment temperature is ≥ 1040 ℃ and it is cooled using water or another rapid cooling method.

Note: The information on the mechanical property tables for solid solution treatment, H1/4, and H1/2, as well as the characteristics, applications, and heat treatment system, are all sourced from the national standard for cold rolled stainless steel plate and strip (GB/T 3280-2015).

Difference between 304 and 316

The primary difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel lies in their market applications.

304 stainless steel is generally more affordable than 316 stainless steel and is widely used in various applications such as kitchen utensils and tableware, building decoration, food industry, agriculture, ship parts, sanitary ware, and automobile parts, among others.

Although a small portion of 316 stainless steel is used in daily life, it is primarily utilized in equipment that is exposed to seawater and in production equipment that requires strong corrosion resistance.

This is due to the addition of 2-3% molybdenum, which strengthens the structure of 316 stainless steel, making it more resistant to wear and oxidation, and significantly improves its resistance to corrosion.

The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel materials

Applications:

304 stainless steel is primarily used in containers, tableware, furniture, railings, and medical equipment that require corrosion resistance. On the other hand, 316 stainless steel is mainly used in the food industry, watch accessories, the pharmaceutical industry, and surgical equipment.

Chloride Corrosion Resistance:

304 stainless steel is non-magnetic and its metallographic structure remains unchanged even after heat treatment.

However, the addition of the molybdenum element gives 316 stainless steel a unique corrosion-resistant structure, resulting in improved resistance to chloride corrosion. This type of stainless steel is also commonly referred to as “marine steel”.

Extension:

316 stainless steel is an austenitic type of stainless steel that is characterized by its improved corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength, thanks to the addition of Mo. It has a high-temperature resistance of up to 1200-1300 degrees and is suitable for use in harsh conditions.

On the other hand, 304 stainless steel is a common type of stainless steel with a density of 7.93 g/cm3. It is also referred to as 18/8 stainless steel in the industry and is capable of withstanding high temperatures of up to 800 ℃. It boasts good processing performance and high toughness and is widely used in various industries, including furniture decoration, food and medical industries.

Stainless steel is a term used to describe both stainless and acid-resistant steel. Steel that is resistant to air, steam, water, and other weak corrosive media or rust is called stainless steel, while steel that is resistant to chemical corrosive media (such as acid, alkali, salt, etc.) is referred to as acid-resistant steel.

Stainless steel has excellent inherent corrosion resistance and can maintain its physical and mechanical properties even at high temperatures. It is also widely used in the field of 3D printing.

Don't forget, sharing is caring! : )
Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

You May Also Like
We picked them just for you. Keep reading and learn more!
MachineMFG
Take your business to the next level
Subscribe to our newsletter
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent to your inbox weekly.
© 2024. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

You will get our reply within 24 hours.