Stainless Steel 304 and 316 sheets are popular sheets which are used extensively in the steel world. These two grades come with a number of differences. Today, let us discuss the same in detail.
To start with the Stainless Steel grade 304 has 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while the 316 grade has 16% chromium, 2% molybdenum, and 10% nickel. To help resist chloride corrosion (such as sea water and de-icing salts), molybdenum is added.
The risk of exposing all your vital electrical components inside is not only there, it may cost you a lot to replace when it shorts out. We’re talking about replacement and damage to components, repair costs, including labour and downtime.
We discovered that it not only extends the life span of the enclosure but is far better to be around by using 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless steel on an outdoor enclosure that would be exposed to the elements (such as on an oil rig, for example).
The difference between 316 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel
You can’t tell by looking at it. There’s no visible difference between the two identical pieces of sheet metal the exact same way. That’s why you need to verify it as being 304 or 316 with a material test report (MTR) of the actual material.
Uses of Type 304 stainless steel
Type 304 is the most flexible and commonly used of austenitic stainless steels, with its chromium-nickel content and low carbon. Both modifications of the 18 per cent chromium, 8 per cent nickel austenitic alloy are the alloys. It proves that Type 304 is resistant to oxidation, corrosion and longevity. Both provide ease of manufacture and washing, and a range of finishes and appearances are provided to avoid product contamination.
Type 304 SS are used in wheel covers, auto molding and trim, corrosion resistant electrical enclosures, exhaust manifolds, hose clamps, kitchen equipment, stainless hardware, pressure vessels, storage tanks, and piping.
Uses of Type 316 stainless steel
Type 316 SS is an austenitic chromium-nickel and heat-resisting steel with superior corrosion resistance as compared to other chromium-nickel steels after exposing to many types of chemical corrodents such as brine solutions, sea water, and the like.
Since the SS alloy Type 316 contains molybdenum bearings, it has higher chemical attack resistance than 304. Type 316 is durable, simple to make, clean, weld and finish. It is slightly more resistant to high-temperature sulfuric acid, chlorine, bromide, iodide and fatty acid solutions. In order to avoid unnecessary metallic contamination, molybdenum-containing stainless steels are required in the production of certain pharmaceuticals.
The bottom line is that stainless steel type 316 costs a little more upfront, but on the back end, you might save a lot, particularly if your enclosure is going to be used outdoors.
