Overview
Stainless steel 304 and 316 are the two most common grades in sheet metal fabrication. Both are austenitic (300-series) stainless steels, but they have important differences in composition and performance.
Chemical Composition
| Element | SS 304 | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 18-20% | 16-18% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8-10.5% | 10-14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0% | 2-3% |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08% | ≤0.08% |
Key difference: SS 316 contains 2-3% Molybdenum, which significantly improves corrosion resistance.
Property Comparison
| Property | SS 304 | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|
| General corrosion resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Pitting corrosion resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Heat resistance | Up to 870°C | Up to 870°C |
| Hardness (HB) | ~201 | ~217 |
| Relative price | 1x | 1.3-1.5x |
When to Choose 304?
- Interior equipment, railings, handrails
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Electrical enclosures, control panels
- Machine frames, brackets
- General mechanical applications
When to Choose 316?
- Chemical processing equipment
- Medical devices and instruments
- Marine/coastal environments
- Chemical storage tanks
- Food processing with acidic contact
Conclusion
For most industrial applications in Vietnam, SS 304 is the optimal choice for cost-effectiveness. Only choose 316 when parts have direct contact with chemicals or aggressive corrosive environments.
Both grades are available at Laser Tuan Thinh in thicknesses from 0.5mm to 12mm. View all materials.