Stainless steel is used in many different industries because of its ability to resist corrosion, is very cost-effective, and is very strong. Among all the stainless-steel grades, the most famous ones are 304 and 316. They look the same when you see them up close but have different properties when used to manufacture something.
They contain both 8% nickel and 18% chromium in the composition but the extra material that 316 steel contains 4% molybdenum, so it has high corrosion resistance against chloride ions. Pipe pile suppliers say that both the grade has magnesium, sulfur, carbon, phosphor, iron, and silicon. Just like other steel, you need to remember that even stainless steel can get marked by fingerprints, discolor, and eventually rust.
What is Stainless Steel?
Like all other steel metals, stainless steel also has a carbon and iron composition and a proper amount of chromium. This is why stainless steel can resist corrosion, making it so popular. Among stainless steel, many different grades have different alloy compositions with various physical characteristics. Every kind of stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, and how much depends on the grade of the steel.
Definition and Uses of 304 Stainless Steel
304 is known to be the most common form of stainless steel according to most pipe pile suppliers and is widely used by many industries. Mostly you will see this in kitchen equipment and industrial appliances. This kind of 24 % chromium and 35% nickel has excellent corrosion resistance power. This is used because this grade is easy to sanitize, and therefore it is used to make most of the kitchen utensils and food applications.
Uses of 304 Stainless Steel
- Pots and pans
- Equipment tubing
- Residential appliances
- Storage tanks
- Residential sinks
Definition and Uses of 316 Stainless Steel
This is the second-most common form of stainless steel, and most of the properties and form are the same as the 304 grades. According to pipe pile suppliers, the main difference you might notice about this stainless steel is that it has 2-3% molybdenum, which increases its corrosion resistance from chloride and many other processing chemicals. This is used in many places with a very high saline environment, like coastal and outdoor areas where de-icing can be common.
Uses of 316 Stainless Steel
- Marine equipment
- Commercial appliances
- Medical equipment
- Outdoor site furnishing
- Chemical transportation
- Food production in saline places
Versatile Applications of Steel
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