What is the Difference Among 316 Stainless Steel, 304 Stainless Steel and 316L Stainless Steel?
We all know that the term “stainless steel“ does not simply refer to a kind of stainless steel, but refers to more than 100 kinds of industrial stainless steel. Each stainless steel developed has good performance in its specific application field. Among so many kinds of stainless steels, 304, 316 and 316L stainless steels are the most widely used types. This article will describe in detail what is the difference between the three kinds of stainless steel.
What are the Main Characteristics of Stainless Steel?
Weldability: The requirements for weldability vary with the use of the product. Most products require good weldability of raw materials.
Corrosion resistance: most stainless steel products require good corrosion resistance, such as Class I and II tableware, kitchenware, water heaters, water dispensers, etc.
Polishing performance: Today’s stainless steel products generally go through polishing process during production, and only a few products do not need polishing. Therefore, it requires good polishing performance of raw materials.
Heat resistance: heat resistance refers to the excellent physical and mechanical properties of stainless steel under high temperature.
What is the Difference Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?
1. Differences in chemical composition
The component of 316 stainless steel is added with Mo, which greatly improves the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
2. Price
The quality of 316 is higher than that of 304, and the price of 304 stainless steel is slightly lower than that of 316 stainless steel.
3. Differences in application
304 stainless steel is widely used in daily life, such as kitchenware and tableware, architectural decoration, food industry, agriculture, ship parts, bathroom, automobile parts, etc.
A small part of 316 stainless steel is used in daily life, but most of it is still used in highly corrosive equipment, such as marine, chemical, fertilizer and other production equipment, food industry, bolts, nuts, etc. This is because 2-3% molybdenum is added to 316 stainless steel, which consolidates the structure of 316 stainless steel, makes it more wear-resistant and oxidation resistant, and at the same time, greatly increases the corrosion resistance.
4. High temperature resistance is different.
304 stainless steel can withstand high temperature of 800 ℃. Generally, the range of high temperature resistance of 316 stainless steel is about 1200-1300 degrees, which can be used under relatively harsh conditions.
What is the Difference Between 316 and 316l Stainless Steel?
1. Different carbon content
The carbon content of 316L stainless steel is lower than that of 316 stainless steel, and the molybdenum content of 316L stainless steel is higher than that of 316 stainless steel.
2. Different corrosion resistance
The upper limit of carbon content of 316 is higher than 316L, and the higher the carbon content is, the easier the intergranular corrosion will be. Therefore, 316L stainless steel has better corrosion resistance.
3. Different heat treatment
316 stainless steel cannot be hardened by overheating treatment. 316L can be annealed in the temperature range of 1850-2050 ℃, and then rapidly cooled.
4. Different welding conditions
316 stainless steel has good welding performance and can be welded by all standard welding methods. In order to obtain the best corrosion resistance, the welding section of 316 stainless steel needs to be annealed after welding.
If 316L stainless steel is used, post weld annealing is not required. Because the carbon in 316L is not easy to precipitate and form chromium carbide, it can reduce the corrosion of welding parts.
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