AISI 304 and AISI 316 are two of the most widely used stainless steel grades, each with distinct properties and applications. Below is a detailed comparison of their chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and typical uses:
| Element | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.08% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0–20.0% | 16.0–18.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0–10.5% | 10.0–14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | - | 2.0–3.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 2.0% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Property | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (ReH) | ≥ 205 MPa (30,000 psi) | ≥ 205 MPa (30,000 psi) |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 515–690 MPa (75,000–100,000 psi) | 515–690 MPa (75,000–100,000 psi) |
| Elongation (A) | ≥ 40% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 201 HB | 217 HB |
| Environment | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| General Corrosion | Excellent | Excellent |
| Pitting/Chloride Resistance | Good | Excellent (due to Mo) |
| Acidic Environments | Good (non-oxidizing) | Excellent (oxidizing) |
| Marine Environments | Moderate | Excellent |
| Industry | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Food Processing | Equipment, tanks | Equipment, tanks |
| Chemical Processing | Storage tanks | Reactors, pipelines |
| Medical Devices | Surgical instruments | Implants, instruments |
| Marine Engineering | Limited use | Boat fittings, propellers |
| Architecture | Decorative panels | Coastal structures |
AISI 304: More cost-effective and widely available.
AISI 316: Higher cost due to molybdenum content, but offers superior corrosion resistance.
| Aspect | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Content | None | 2.0–3.0% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Use | General-purpose | Harsh environments |
Choose AISI 304 if:
Cost is a primary concern.
The environment is not highly corrosive (e.g., indoor applications, food processing).
Choose AISI 316 if:
Superior corrosion resistance is required (e.g., marine, chemical, or acidic environments).
Long-term durability in harsh conditions is critical.
If you need further guidance on material selection for a specific application, feel free to ask!
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