304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: Which Alloy Should ...

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Stainless steel wire mesh is an incredibly versatile material that offers durability sought after by various industries. Given the numerous classifications and specifications of stainless steel, determining the optimal type can be challenging for laboratory technicians and production engineers.

Among all the stainless steel classifications, type 304 and type 316 are the most commonly utilized. So, what sets them apart?

With over 140 years of experience in working with woven wire mesh of diverse alloys, W.S. Tyler is dedicated to guiding you in selecting the right type for your specific operation.

This article aims to define stainless steel, explain what a low carbon alloy is, compare 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh, and advise you on which alloy to choose.

Understanding Stainless Steel Alloy

Stainless steel has become a predominant material due to extensive research and historical development in its manufacturing processes.

Typically, any grade of steel is classified based on the quality of its alloy. To be categorized as stainless, it requires a certain percentage of carbon and chromium.

To illustrate this, we will examine the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel.

Low Carbon Alloy Steel

As mentioned, the primary classifications of steel depend on their carbon content. An alloy that contains less than 0.03% carbon is recognized as low carbon steel, or L-grade.

This limited carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation, enhancing the alloy’s resistance to corrosion.

This feature is particularly crucial for applications where stainless steel wire mesh is in contact with moisture. The lower the carbon content, the less likely it is to rust and corrode in wet environments.

Comparing 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

The significant differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh lie in their resistance to corrosion, strength, heat resistance, and workability.

304 stainless steel consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 316 stainless steel includes 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.

316 contains more nickel and the additional molybdenum, giving it a higher quality rating relative to 304. These enhancements make it more capable of withstanding corrosive environments, providing greater stability, durability, and resistance to high temperatures.

Visually, both alloys are quite similar and can be welded or customized during manufacture.

When it comes to pricing, 316 stainless steel wire mesh is generally more expensive than 304. However, the price difference is typically minor. For instance, if 304 costs $1.00 per square foot, 316 might cost around $1.15 per square foot.

This pricing structure remains consistent whether you're dealing with regular or L-grade versions of 304 and 316.

Which Alloy Is Right for Me?

The choice of alloy depends largely on the specific application. For environments that expose mesh to severe corrosive elements, 316 is a recommended option.

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The presence of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel mesh allows it to handle more corrosive applications effectively.

On the other hand, if your application simply involves sifting through non-corrosive materials like food particles or aggregate, 304 stainless steel mesh would suffice.

In cases where welding is necessary during fabrication, opting for low carbon steel, whether it be 304 or 316, is advisable due to the adverse effects of carbon on welding processes. Higher carbon content complicates fabrication due to its heat absorption properties.

Selecting the Right Alloy for Effective Operations

The inherent durability of stainless steel wire mesh renders it one of the most adaptable materials available today. While 304 and 316 stainless steel ranks among the most frequently used grades, the selection of the appropriate alloy is just one consideration in choosing the right woven wire mesh.

For projects where welding is needed, stainless steel with less than 0.03% carbon is recommended.

Our extensive experience of over 140 years in woven wire mesh equips W.S. Tyler with the expertise to help you find the ideal mesh specifications.

For guidance on optimal mesh specifications tailored to your requirements, refer to our article: How to Pick the Right Woven Wire Mesh (Mesh Count, Wire Diameter, and Micron Rating).