fXG@Oin = Menu Blog Home> Blog > Metal Casting > 304 Stainless Steel Versus 316 Stainless Steel METAL CASTING FRANCAIS | ESPANOL STAY UPDATED WITH June 21, 2023 Posted by © Ryan Fisher OUR LATEST INSIGHTS. 304 Stainless Steel Versus 316 Stainless . Steel Corrosion resistance varies by grade hata CATEGORIES Bike Parking Bollards & Post Covers Digital Hardscape Metal Casting Site Furnishings Traffic Management 304 and 316 are the two most common grades of stainless steel. Wheels & Casters You might assume that stainless steel never stains, but despite its name, stainless steel can still be susceptible to fingerprint and grease marks, as well as discoloration and eventual rust. However, the key distinction lies in its remarkable resilience. Unlike standard steel, stainless steel exhibits superior durability, withstanding prolonged exposure to the elements and enduring various forms of abuse before displaying any visible signs of wear. What is stainless steel? Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO _AccePr you agree to our use of cookies.There are multiple grades and classes of stainless steel, each with a slightly different composition of alloys. These chemical differences create slightly different physical characteristics. Stainless steel must contain at least 10.5 percent chromium. Depending on the grade, it may contain much higher chromium levels, and additional alloying ingredients like molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorous or selenium. Common Stainless Steels While there are plenty of common consumer stainless steel grades, including 409 and 430, the two most common stainless steel grades are 304 and 316. These fall under the austenitic class of stainless steels, which is the most common class of stainless grades. The key difference between 304 and 316 grade stainless is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy which drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. 316 stainless steels typically contain between two and three percent molybdenum, while 304 grade stainless does not contain any. For outdoor furnishings like rails and bollards, stainless steel is an ideal corrosion- resistant material, but it will only withstand long-term exposure if the grade is appropriate for its environment. 304 is an economical and practical choice for many uses, particularly for home appliances, kitchen furnishings, and equipment tubing, but it doesn't have the chloride resistance of 316. The slightly higher price point of 316 is. well worth it in areas with high chloride exposure, especially in marine environments or by heavily salted roadways. Each application for stainless steel has unique demands and requires a grade of material that is up to the task. 304 Stainless Steel 304 stainless steel is the most common form of stainless steel used around the world, due to its excellent corrosion resistance and value. It contains between 16 and 24 percent chromium and up to 35 percent nickel—as well as small amounts of carbon and manganese. The most common form of 304 stainless steel is 18-8 (18/8) stainless steel, which contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel 304 stainless steel is the most common form of stainless steel used around the world due to excellent corrosion resistance and value. 304 can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes 304 easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for kitchen and food applications. It is also common in buildings, décor, and site furnishings. 304 stainless stee! does have one weakness—it is susceptible to corrosion from Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO —AccEPT you agree to our use of cookies.Common uses for 304 stainless steel: + Storage tanks + Fasteners and finishing hardware (screws, nuts, bolts, plates, handles) + Pots and pans + Residential sinks and sink parts * Indoor architectural/decorative hardware (panels, sculptures, sconces) + Equipment tubing + Residential appliances 316 stainless steel is better at resisting corrosion where salt is present—near the ocean or winter de-icing chemicals. 316 Stainless Steel 316 grade is the second-most common form of stainless steel. It has almost the same physical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel, and contains a similar material make-up. The key difference is that 316 stainless steel incorporates about 2 to 3 percent molybdenum. The addition increases corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents. 316 stainless steel has additional molybdenum that gives it resistance to chlorides and other processing chemicals. 316 stainless steel is commonly used in many industrial applications involving processing chemicals, as well as high-saline environments such as coastal regions and outdoor areas where de-icing salts are common. Due to its non-reactive qualities, 316 stainless steel is also used in the manufacture of medical surgical instruments Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO —AccEPT you agree to our use of cookies.Common uses for 316 stainless steel: «+ Industrial equipment as used in: + Pharmaceutical manufacturing + Chemical manufacturing + Industrial and chemical transportation * Pressure vessels + Cisterns and pipes for chemical applications + Medical equipment where non-surgical steel * Marine equipment + Outdoor site furnishings + Commercial kitchens + Food production and processing in saline environments += Commercial appliances Iron oxide, also known as rust, is red and flakey. Stainless steel has a natural rust resistance. Natural Corrosion Resistance Corrosion is a natural phenomenon, Pure elements always react with the surrounding environment, which is why so few elements are naturally found in their pure form. Iron is no exception. In wet or humid conditions iron reacts with the oxygen contained in water to form iron oxide, also known as rust. The red flaky oxide deteriorates easily—exposing more Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO ACCEPT you agree to our use of cookies.The secret? Chromium. The chromium found in all stainless steels reacts quickly with oxygen environments, much the same as iron. The difference is that only a very fine layer of chromium will oxidize (often only a few molecules in thickness). Unlike flaky and unstable iron oxide, chromium oxide is highly durable and non-reactive. It adheres to stainless steel surfaces and won't transfer or react further with other materials. Its also self- renewing—if it's removed or damaged, more chromium will react with oxygen to replenish the barrier. The higher the chromium content, the faster the barrier repairs itself. Once oxidized, or passivized, stainless steel typically rusts at a very low rate of less than 0.002 inches per year. When kept in its best condition, stainless steel offers clean and bright surfaces ideal for many building and landscape designs. Because of its material properties, stainless steel is the metal of choice in food processing environments. Versatile Applications Both 304 and 316 stainless steels (as well as other 300-series grades) use nickel to maintain an austenitic composition at lower temperatures. Austenitic steels ensure a versatile balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for outdoor architectural features, surgical instrumentation, and food processing equipment. Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO —AccEPT you agree to our use of cookies.304 OR 316 ae 36 STAINLESS STEEL? -Eicorentatre (Gres bates Pane) (Genesee rcs o--@& incxprter sr 3 pee yr Haye poetenmt itera dope for chal appears Stainless steel comes in many different grades and classes, it's important to choose the right grade for your project. The ultimate benefits of stainless steel include a long service life that will retain an attractive, clean finish, Properly cared for and cleaned stainless steels present a low maintenance cost, To request a quote for a custom project, please contact us. Related Articles + AComplete Guide to Stainless Stee! « Cleaning Stainless Stee! * Ask an Engineer: Austenitic Stainless Steel . is ol Rust? Engineering Metals/Materials Popular Newer 00 oo Enhancing Line Control Related Pacts f X ® in O Older Bike Racks for Indoor Spaces Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. MORE INFO ACCEPTHARDSCAPE Trench Drainage vs French Drains August 29, 2024 David Hilscher % Remember the last time your pant cuffs were soaked from the rain due to improper drainage? This can be avoided when you install trench drainage or French drainage on your property. CONTINUE READING Blog R F Bollards Bike Parking Hardscape METAL CASTING Introduction to Cast Iron: History, Types, Properties, and Uses August 1, 2024 © Ryan Fisher % The presence of iron in everyday life began around 1200 BCE, ‘encompassing a wide range of uses from farming implements to weapons of war. Blacksmiths became a critical profession, working with iron to change its properties and shape the material into tools. Every village and town would have a blacksmith’s shop, where sickles, plowshares, nails, Quick Links Contact Us Follow Us ‘About Us Toll-Free: oyvyaag 1-877-789-3245 2 @ Career Local: Opportunities & boca Subscribe for 604-547-0460 Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. MORE INFO ACCEPT"2 604-590-8875 | Your Email 6450 148th @ Street, Unit 207, | eUbSCRED Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 767 Copyright 2024 @ Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd om © Reliance Foundry uses cookies on our website to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. By browsing this website, MOREINFO ACCEPT you agree to our use of cookies.