What is the main difference between 304 and 316?
Dec 17, 2025
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What is the main difference between 304 and 316?
What is the main difference between 304 and 316?
The main difference between them is that 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which gives it significantly better corrosion resistance to chlorides (such as salt) and corrosive chemicals, making it ideal for marine or chemical environments. 304 stainless steel, on the other hand, is more common, less expensive, and more ductile, making it well-suited for general kitchen, food processing, and industrial applications where extreme corrosion is not a concern. Visually, they are almost identical, but due to the addition of molybdenum and a higher nickel content, 316 stainless steel is more expensive.
Does a magnet attract 316 stainless steel?
Due to its high nickel content, 316 stainless steel is considered the "least magnetic" type of stainless steel. However, if a 316 stainless steel product undergoes extensive welding or machining, its magnetism may increase to the point where it exhibits a noticeable attraction to a magnet.
What is 304 Stainless Steel?
Type 304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel alloy containing high levels of nickel (8-10.5%) and chromium (18-20%), with added manganese, silicon, and carbon. It is widely considered the most widely used austenitic stainless steel.
It is widely used in the following areas:
White goods, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and freezers
Hose clamps
Automotive exhaust pipes
Heat exchangers
Storage tanks
It is a mainstay of modern metal materials, especially suitable for environments where carbon steel is prone to corrosion.
What is 316 Stainless Steel?
Type 316 stainless steel has similar high nickel and chromium content, with the same added manganese, silicon, and carbon. The main difference between the two is the molybdenum content in the alloy. 316 stainless steel contains 2-3% molybdenum, while 304 stainless steel contains only trace amounts of molybdenum.
Applications of 316 stainless steel:
Surgical and medical equipment
Jet engine components
Chemical processing equipment
Marine environment equipment
Commercial kitchen equipment
Comparison of the chemical composition of stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | N | Cr | Ni | Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 0.07 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 0.10 | 17.5 - 19.5 | 8.0 - 10.5 | - |
| 316 | 0.07 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 0.10 | 16.5 - 18.5 | 10.0 - 13.0 | 2.0 - 2.5 |
Comparison of mechanical properties between 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel
| Mechanical properties | 304 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 73200 psi | 79800 psi |
| Tensile Yield Strength | 31200 psi | 34800 psi |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 70 | 80 |
| Elongation at break | 70% | 60% |
316 vs 304 Stainless Steel Physical Properties
| Physical Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 316 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point (°C) | 1450°C | 1400°C |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.00 g/cm³ | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion (×10⁻⁶/K) | 17.2 | 15.9 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 193 GPa | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.2 W/m·K | 16.3 W/m·K |
What are the main differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
The key difference between these two types of stainless steel lies in their molybdenum content. 316 stainless steel contains more molybdenum, which gives it greater corrosion resistance, makes it harder and tougher, and increases its tensile strength.
One drawback of the higher molybdenum content in 316 stainless steel is that it can be more difficult to form during the manufacturing process.
Key Summary:
304: Lower price, wide range of applications, excellent performance.
316: Higher price (due to the inclusion of molybdenum/nickel), better performance in corrosive/saline environments. Choose 316 stainless steel if the product's lifespan in harsh environments is more important than the initial cost.
Why choose Gnee as your stainless steel supplier?
✅ Over 18 years of export experience, with products sold to more than 80 countries
✅ ISO, SGS, and BV certified
✅ Ample global stock of 304, 316, 316L, and 321 alloy pipes, plates, and bars
✅ Customized processing services available, including cutting, polishing, CNC machining, and packaging
✅ Fast delivery in 7-15 days, supported by global logistics partners
📦 Packaging and Shipping
All stainless steel products are packaged as follows:
Wooden pallets or wooden crates
Moisture-proof packaging
Labeled with heat number, standard, and dimensions
Shipped worldwide via sea, air, or express delivery
Gnee Steel also supplies custom stainless steel 304 products in various sizes and specifications. Please send us your drawings for a quote!
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