Quick Guide: Differences Between 316 and 304 Stainless Steel Tubes

Are you thinking of getting stainless steel tubes? Are you a bit confused about which one to choose? Well to make it easier, we shall narrow the choices to 316 stainless steel tube and 304 stainless steel tube. These two are the most common choices and they are of superior quality just like nickel alloy 20 tubing.

Now both 316 stainless steel tube and 304 have similar qualities but one of the major differences is that 316 has molybdenum in it and this alloy makes it more resistant to the elements, so it is less likely to corrode in comparison to 304. This does not mean that 304 is not durable, it does contain nickel and chromium which makes it able to withstand oxidation by most acids. There are however other differences and let us take a look at them.

316 is the preferred choice for industrial use. It is able to handle chemical solutions flowing through it without corrosion. If for example, you need to lay tubes in an area with high saline content. In the medical field, this material is also used for making surgical instruments.

Both 316 and 304 are good for use outdoors because of their nickel content they are versatile and yet still very strong and corrosion-resistant.

These steel grades are also preferred when it comes for use in food processing. They are utilized to make food processing equipment. You may have noticed most commercial kitchens have fixtures made from stainless steel. This is mostly made up of 316 and 304 grades. Some of the reasons they are preferred for food processing include:

- It is easy to manipulate this steel into required shapes like kitchen sinks, trays, ventilation hoods, boards, and tanks.

- While they can be bent into shape, they are still able to withstand the kind of impact and pressure they experience in a kitchen

- They are resistant to the kind of chemicals that may be used in kitchens and during food processing

- They can be designed into decorative fittings that are functional as well as aesthetic

- It is easy to get them cleaned and they are not affected by abrasive cleaning detergents

So it is evident that both 316 and 304 are strong steel materials that can withstand corrosion to an extent that other metals may not be able to. They can be easily interchanged for use in certain situations for example in the construction of commercial kitchens where they are commonly used and in the manufacture of surgical materials.

If you are looking for durability, then you would be happy with any of these two. They are flexible but still manage to be hard enough to handle pressure and some of the effects of the elements like oxygen and moisture.

In the end, the most outstanding difference between the two is that 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum which makes it stronger than 304 when it comes to resisting corrosion. So if you are looking for steel tubes to lay outdoors, this may be the better option.

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