The main differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel lie in their chemical composition, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, application areas, and price. Here is a detailed introduction:

Chemical composition. 304 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel; 316 stainless steel is made by adding 2% to 3% molybdenum and other trace elements such as titanium and niobium on the basis of 304. The difference in composition endows two types of stainless steel with different properties.

Corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel is superior to that of 304 stainless steel, especially in high concentration chloride solutions or marine environments, where 316 stainless steel has stronger resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Heat resistance. The heat resistance of 316 stainless steel is also superior to that of 304 stainless steel, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.

Application areas. 304 stainless steel is widely used in the food industry, medical industry, building decoration and other industries, as well as some chemical equipment and kitchen utensils; 316 stainless steel is commonly used in fields with higher requirements for corrosion resistance and heat resistance, such as marine environments, chemical equipment, medical devices, etc., due to its superior performance.

Price. Due to its better corrosion and heat resistance, 316 stainless steel is usually priced higher than 304 stainless steel.

When choosing 304 and 316 stainless steel, it is necessary to determine based on the specific application environment and requirements.