Which is better SUS304 or SUS316?
For engineers and procurement specialists, choosing the right stainless steel is crucial. Among the most common grades are SUS304 and SUS316, both austenitic stainless steels-but they have key differences in corrosion resistance, cost, and applications.
This guide helps buyers make an informed decision, featuring product data, mechanical properties, pricing, FAQs, and market insights.
What is SUS304 Stainless Steel?
SUS304 is the Japanese designation for stainless steel, equivalent to the American 304 stainless steel, and is classified as 06Cr19Ni10 in the Chinese national standard. It belongs to the 18-8 austenitic stainless steel family and is named for its approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel content. Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, good mechanical properties, and machinability, SUS304 is widely used in construction, food processing, medical equipment, and chemical equipment industries.
What is SUS316 stainless steel material?
SUS316 is an austenitic stainless steel with added molybdenum, giving it superior corrosion resistance compared to SUS304, especially in chloride environments (such as seawater). It possesses good plasticity, toughness, cold workability, and weldability, and is commonly used in the manufacture of corrosion-resistant equipment and products, but its cost is also higher than that of 304 stainless steel.
SUS304 vs SUS316 Stainless Steel:Chemical Composition
|
Chemical composition |
Carbon (C) |
Silicon (Si) |
Manganese (Mn) |
Phosphorus (P) |
Sulfur (S) |
Nickel (Ni) |
Chromium (Cr) |
Mo |
|
SUS304 |
Less than 0.08 |
Less than 1.00 |
Less than 2.00 |
Less than 0.045 |
Less than 0.030 |
8.0-10.5 |
18.0-20.0 |
– |
|
SUS316 |
Less than 0.08 |
Less than 1.00 |
Less than 2.00 |
Less than 0.045 |
Less than 0.030 |
10.0-14.0 |
16.0-18.0 |
2.0-3.0 |
SUS304 vs SUS316 Stainless Steel:Mechanical Properties
| Property | SUS304 | SUS316 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 520 MPa | 515 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 215 MPa | 205 MPa |
| Elongation | 40% | 40% |
| Hardness | 170 HB | 150–190 HB |
| Max Service Temperature | 870°C | 925°C |
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ | 8.0 g/cm³ |
SUS304 vs SUS316 Stainless Steel:Physical properties
|
Physical properties |
Density (kg/ m3 ) |
Modulus of elasticity (GPa) |
Specific electrical resistivity (room temperature) μΩ cm |
Specific heat ((0-100℃) KJ/kg ・K) |
Thermal conductivity ((100℃)W/m・K) |
Thermal expansion coefficient (0–100°C) ×10⁻⁶/°C |
|
SUS304 |
7930 |
193 |
72 |
0.5 |
16.3 |
17.3 |
|
SUS316 |
7980 |
193 |
74 |
0.5 |
16.3 |
15.9 |
Which is better, SUS304 or SUS316?
SUS316 contains more molybdenum and nickel than SUS304, which boosts resistance but increases cost. It is recommended for environments exposed to seawater, coastal air, or sea breezes, where corrosion risk is high. In harsher environments, stainless steels with even higher resistance than SUS316 may be required.
SUS304 vs. SUS316 stianless steel: Corrosion Resistance
SUS316 exhibits significantly superior corrosion resistance compared to SUS304, particularly when exposed to chloride and acidic environments. This is because SUS316 contains approximately 2% molybdenum, enhancing its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, while SUS304 does not contain molybdenum. Therefore, SUS316 is more suitable for coastal areas, marine environments, or handling corrosive chemicals.
SUS304 vs. SUS316: Machinability
SUS304 is easier to machine than SUS316, offering roughly 45% machinability compared to SUS316's 36% (relative to 1212 carbon steel). While both are austenitic stainless steels that work-harden quickly and generate high heat, SUS316 is noticeably tougher and more abrasive due to its molybdenum content.
SUS304 vs. SUS316: Prices
| Metric / Format | SUS304 Price Range | SUS316 Price Range | Price Premium for SUS316 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Raw Material (per KG) | $3.50 – $5.00 | $4.50 – $6.50 | ~20% – 30% higher |
| B2B Slabs / Sheets (per KG) | $2.50 – $3.50 | $3.50 – $5.00 | ~30% – 50% higher |
| US Stock / Sheets (per LB) | $1.45 – $2.06 | $2.50 – $2.80 | ~35% – 70% higher |
| Scrap Metal Value (per LB) | ~$0.56 | ~$0.78 | ~40% higher |
SUS304 vs. SUS316 Stainless Steel: How to Choose?
1. Choose SUS304 to Save Upfront Capital if:
The environment is indoors, climate-controlled, or dry.
The application involves freshwater or non-corrosive chemicals.
You are manufacturing kitchen appliances, standard food prep tools (without high salt), or indoor structural handrails.
2. Pay the SUS316 Premium to Lower Long-Term Costs if:
The environment involves direct marine spray, saltwater, or coastal air.
The machinery handles highly acidic foods (brining lines) or aggressive industrial chemicals.
If you are sourcing materials for a project, tell me your industry type (e.g., marine, food, construction) and the operating environment so I can calculate whether upgrading to SUS316 will save you money over time.
GNEE Stainless Steel is an independent stocker and processor of SUS 304/316 stainless steel. With a large inventory and excellent processing capabilities, we can meet the needs of most projects, whether stock products or custom orders. We offer: stock sizes of sheet and plate, stock lengths of round bar, fixed-length sheet and plate, fixed-length round bar, cold forming of sheet and plate and round bar, and any other necessary processing services. For any inquiries, please Email: sales@gneestainless.com.
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