Different Types of Stainless Steel Grades: 304 vs 304L vs 316 vs 316L | CNCLATHING

304, 304L, 316, 316L are all austenitic stainless steel. The L in 304L and 316L means the low content of carbon in the steel. Junying is specialized in stainless steel CNC machining and provides 304/316 stainless steel CNC parts with high quality. 

1. Stainless Steel 304 

Stainless steel 304 is the most common austenitic stainless steel, containing a high nickel content that is typically between 8 and 10.5% by weight and a high amount of chromium at approximately 18 to 20% by weight. SS304 has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and good mechanical properties; it has good hot workability such as stamping and bending, and no heat treatment hardening phenomenon. 

Typical Applications of Alloy 304

– Household products such as tableware, cabinets, and water heaters

– Appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers

– Auto parts such as windshield wipers

– Fasteners

– Piping

– Medical equipment

– Structures and building materials

 

2. Stainless Steel 304L

It is a variant of stainless steel 304, comes with lower carbon content. The lower carbon content reduces the precipitation of carbide in the heat-affected zone near the sewing to the minimum, and the precipitation of carbon elements may cause welding corrosion in some environments. As a low-carbon 304 steel, its corrosion resistance is similar to that of 304 under normal conditions, but after welding or stress relief, its resistance to intergranular corrosion is excellent; it can also maintain good corrosion resistance without heat treatment.

Typical Applications of Alloy 304L

– Food processing equipment

– Kitchen benches, sinks, and appliances

– Architectural trim and molding

 

3. Stainless Steel 316

316 stainless steel also contains high amounts of chromium and nickel, with the majority of the composition being iron. Due to the addition of molybdenum, stainless steel 316 has excellent corrosion resistance, atmosphere corrosion resistance, and high-temperature strength, and can be used under tough conditions; it has excellent work hardening ability.

Typical Applications of Alloy 316

– Equipment used in seawater, chemical, dye, etc.

– Medical devices

– Marine parts

– Refinery equipment

 

4. Stainless Steel 316L

As a low-carbon series of alloy316, in addition to having the same characteristics as alloy 316, it has excellent intergranular corrosion resistance.

Typical Applications of Alloy 316L

– Chemical and petrochemical industry

– Food processing

– Pharmaceutical equipment

– Medical devices

– Marine applications near the seashore