Why 316 Stainless Steel is Better than 304

Release Time:

16 Dec,2023

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316 stainless steel is known to be superior to 304 stainless steel. However, many new customers might not understand its benefits.

Why 316 Stainless Steel is Better than 304

316 stainless steel is known to be superior to 304 stainless steel. However, many new customers might not understand its benefits.

Composition and Corrosion Resistance

316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to corrosion. It performs well under high temperatures, especially when the concentration of sulfuric acid is below 15% or above 85%. Additionally, it resists chloride attacks, which is crucial for many applications.

Pulp and Paper Industry

In the pulp and paper industry, 316 stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance than 304 stainless steel. It withstands corrosive environments, including exposure to the ocean and industrial atmospheres.

Heat Resistance

316 stainless steel exhibits good oxidation resistance during intermittent use below 1600°F and continuous use below 1700°F. However, continuous use in the temperature range of 800°F to 1575°F is not recommended. Outside this range, it shows excellent heat resistance.

Comparison with 316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel has better resistance to carbide precipitation than 316 stainless steel, making it suitable for similar temperature ranges.

Applications and Market

316 stainless steel is versatile and used in various industries, including hardware, electronics, and metallurgy. Currently, Xingchen Stainless Steel holds the market spot for this material, but it has not yet opened marketing channels to the external market. This is due to issues such as pricing and raw material costs. The complex production process and the inclusion of expensive elements make 316 stainless steel more costly than 304 stainless steel.