304 vs 316 Stainless Steel - What's the Difference?

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel - What's the Difference?

There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. Stainless steel is essentially low-carbon steel that contains chromium of 10% or more by weight. It is the addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting properties. Austenitic 304 and 316 stainless steels are considered surgical or medical-grade stainless steels, they are the most common stainless steels. The key difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel that makes them different is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy that drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, but 304 does not.

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Both of these 300-grade steels are known for their excellent welding and forming properties, which give them applications across many industries. These alloys cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but they can develop high strength by cold working.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel

When considering pharmaceutical, power generation, and chemical processes, austenitic stainless steels like 304 are often the preferred choice. The inclusion of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel enhances its resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for more acidic environments. For critical petroleum, chemical, and marine applications that encounter corrosive chloride gas, the 316 molybdenum-modified stainless steels offer superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.

300 Series Austenitic — Typical Grade: 304 contains 17-25% chromium, is nonmagnetic, not heat treatable, and can develop high strength through cold working. Adding up to 7% molybdenum can increase the alloy’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Typical Applications: Food and beverage industry, cryogenics, chemical processes, medical uses (such as hypodermic needles, implants, stents), instrumentation/chromatography tubing, oil and gas, hydraulic tubing, and marine applications. Super austenitic grades, which contain higher nickel content, extend performance for applications requiring extreme corrosion and oxidation resistance or increased strength.

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304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Screws: Strength & Cost | SFS USA

Cost Analysis

One notable difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is their material cost. When transformed into fasteners, 304 stainless steel is generally more affordable, making it popular among consumers. This grade meets standard corrosion resistance requirements at a lower price. Conversely, 316 stainless steel fasteners are often chosen by contractors working in highly corrosive environments to avoid stress corrosion cracking.

Other Stainless Steel Grades

304 and 316 stainless steel fasteners aren't the only options available. While the 300 series excels in corrosion resistance, the 400 series is known for greater hardness. For instance, 410 stainless steel contains fewer materials in its alloy, resulting in higher carbon content. This elevated carbon provides the 400 series with increased strength and superior performance at high temperatures while maintaining some corrosion resistance. Because of the lower alloy content, 400 series stainless steel fasteners are generally less expensive than those in the 300 series.

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Material Selection Guide

Refer to the tables below for detailed information on 304, 316, and other stainless steel grades to determine the best material for your next project.

Environmental Conditions

The following chart illustrates the environmental conditions suitable for various stainless steel grades based on EN ISO Exposure Categories. The results are sourced from SFS internal testing and supported by The Nickel Institute's "Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless Steel" published by AISI.

Environmental Condition Explanation

Environmental grades follow ISO standards. These grades guide generalized environmental conditions rather than defining specific quantitative pollution criteria.

Material Connections

The chart below details situations where fasteners made of particular materials can be installed into surfaces composed of specific materials. This information is derived from the MCA technical document, "Fastener Compatibility with Profiled Metal Roof and Wall Panels".

SFS Product Lines

SFS offers a variety of products that utilize the corrosion-resistant properties of 304 stainless steel. Popular products include the Bi-Met 300® series curtain wall screws and stainless self-tappers. Additionally, many cladding fasteners for rainscreen systems and panel screws are available in both 304 and 316, addressing diverse environments, including highly corrosive conditions.

We invite you to explore our broad range of fasteners to find the best match for your application, environment, and budget. Call 1 800 234. Our team is ready to answer your questions and assist with your order.

Summary of 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel fasteners offer a variety of strengths and corrosion resistance properties to meet diverse needs. Each stainless steel grade has unique properties providing advantages in specific environments. Therefore, it’s vital for contractors to choose the appropriate material for their fasteners based on their job site conditions. This guide helps you make informed decisions to select the correct fasteners for your requirements.

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