There are differences in chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, application scenarios, and prices among 304, 304L, 316, and 316L stainless steels. The following is a specific analysis:

chemical composition

304: Carbon content ≤ 0.08% (typical value about 0.06-0.08%), mainly containing elements such as chromium (17-19%) and nickel (8-11%).

304L: Carbon content ≤ 0.03%, other element content similar to 304, belonging to ultra-low carbon stainless steel.

316: Contains 17-20% chromium, 11-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum, with a carbon content of around 0.08%.

316L: Contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum, with a carbon content below 0.03%.

Mechanical properties

304: Tensile strength ≥ 515 MPa, yield strength ≥ 205 MPa, relatively high hardness.

304L: Tensile strength ≥ 485 MPa, yield strength ≥ 170 MPa. Due to its low carbon content, it has better ductility and is easier to process and shape.

316: The tensile strength requirement is greater than 520MPa, with stronger mechanical properties.

316L: The tensile strength requirement is greater than 480MPa, with relatively low strength and hardness, but better toughness.

corrosion resistance

304: It has good corrosion resistance and can withstand corrosion from sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, urea, etc. It is suitable for occasions with low corrosiveness or no contact with materials such as water, controlled gas, wine, milk, CIP cleaning solution, etc.

304L: Under normal conditions, its corrosion resistance is similar to that of 304. But in welding or high-temperature environments, due to its low carbon content, it is more resistant to intergranular corrosion.

316: Due to the presence of molybdenum element, it has better resistance to chloride corrosion and heat resistance.

316L: It has better corrosion resistance and toughness, especially in welding or high temperature environments, with better resistance to intergranular corrosion.

Application scenarios

304: Widely used in fields such as food processing, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, construction, shipbuilding, and home decoration, it is favored due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

304L: commonly used in welding components, containers, heat exchangers, chemical process equipment, and food processing equipment that require resistance to intergranular corrosion. When welding, using 304L stainless steel can effectively reduce welding corrosion.

316: Widely used in fields such as the food industry, medical industry, and watch industry that require high corrosion resistance.

316L: It is commonly used in high demand fields such as manufacturing medical devices, chemical equipment, and food processing equipment, as well as special application scenarios such as seawater environments.

price

304: With a relatively low price, it is one of the common stainless steel materials in the market.

304L: Due to higher carbon content control requirements and relatively complex production processes, the price is usually slightly higher than 304.

316: The price is higher than 304 because it contains molybdenum and has better corrosion resistance.

316L: The price is usually higher than 316 because it has better corrosion resistance and toughness.