Methods for Identifying Stainless Steel 304 and Stainless Steel 316

When selecting stainless steel hardware, it is important to understand the differences between the variety of grades and finishes available so you can choose the products that will work most safely and effectively for your purposes.
 
It's difficult to distinguish between these two types of steel visually, but significant differences between the two steel types do exist and are important to understand.
Below is a basic guide to the similarities and differences of 304 grade and 316 grade stainless steel.

1. Composition

The main requirement for stainless steels is that they should be corrosion resistant for a specified application or environment. The selection of a particular "type" and "grade" of stainless steel must initially meet the corrosion resistance requirements. Additional mechanical or physical properties may also need to be considered to achieve the overall service performance requirements.

The first key difference between 304 grade stainless steel and 316 grade stainless steel relates to composition. Steels are classified in part based on chromium and alloy content and crystalline structure. Austenitic steel – also known as 300 series steel – contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This type of steel is incredibly common; about 70% of stainless steel products are composed of austenitic steel. 304 grade stainless steel is considered to be austenitic, while 316 grade stainless steel is considered to be superaustenitic – meaning it contains a higher content of molybdenum, nitrogen and nickel, making it more resistant to corrosion and stress.

2. Resistance to Corrosion
While both 304 and 316 grade stainless steels are resistant to corrosion, 316 grade stainless steel provides a higher degree of corrosion resistance than 304 grade steel because it includes molybdenum in its composition. As a result, 316 grade stainless steel is better suited for resisting extreme environmental conditions like salt water, de-icing salts, brine solutions and exposure to chemicals. Though 304 grade stainless steel will resist corrosion for a time, it will eventually begin to tarnish.
 
 
3. Cost
Typically, 316 grade stainless steel costs slightly more than 304 grade steel because of its enhanced chemical and production properties. The extra cost can be justified, however, because hardware made of type 316 stainless steel is extra resistant to tarnish and corrosion, enabling it to last a very long time.

D&D Hardware are manufactured with 304, 316 grade stainless steel to provide enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.

D&D Hardware provides high quality, durable hardware products to consumers, distributors and manufacturers. Our products, which include Door Locks, Lever Handles, Door Hinges, Door Stopers, Door Bolts, etc.



 
Contact us Now:

Contact: David Jian
Mob:0086-139 2903 7292
Email: David@dndhardware.com, sales@dndhardware.com, 

Jobby Zhang
Mob:0086-137 2599 9617
Email: jobby@dndhardware.com



D&D HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD   

ADD:No.4 Bldg,Street 33,West Gaoxin Rd,High-tech Zone, Jianghai Dist. Jiangmen City,Guangdong,China (Postcode:529000)

Http://www.dndhardware.com  

Tel:+86-750-3652251, 3856396

Fax: +86-750-3856395, 3856397