Outside, 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel look very similar. Both are non-magnetic, austenitic, and non-hardenable through heat treatment. Each of these stainless steel grades will resists corrosion, are quite durable, and are easily formed and fabricated.

The difference in their structure is primarily the addition of molybdenum to 316. Molybdenum further increases the corrosion resistance of the material, making it ideal for more acidic environments.

304 is generally less expensive and is a great choice for kitchen applications including appliances, sinks, pots and pans and flatware. It’s well suited for liquid storage and tanks and food prep equipment. 304 is also used in heat exchangers, building facades, wheel covers, hose clamps, pressure vessels and other applications involving fresh water environments. It is generally considered one of the most widely-used austenitic stainless steels.

316, with its addition of molybdenum, is considerably more resistant to corrosive environments than 304. 316 is more suitable for sea water environments and marine applications. Because of its greater resistance to oxidations, it’s also widely used in refining equipment, fasteners, pulp and paper processing equipment, pharmaceutical processing equipment, and surgical instrumentation.

304 Chemical Composition

Grade		C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Mo	Ni	N
304	min.	–	–	–	–	–	18	–	8	–
	max.	0.08	2	0.75	0.045	0.03	20		10.5	0.1
304L	min.	–	–	–	–	–	18	–	8	–
	max.	0.03	2	0.75	0.045	0.03	20		12	0.1
304H	min.	0.04	–	–	-0.045	–	18	–	8
	max.	0.1	2	0.75		0.03	20		10.5

 

316 Chemical Composition

Grade		C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Mo	Ni	N
316	Min	–	–	–	0	–	16	2	10	–
	Max	0.08	2	0.75	0.045	0.03	18	3	14	0.1
316L	Min	–	–	–	–	–	16	2	10	–
	Max	0.03	2	0.75	0.045	0.03	18	3	14	0.1
316 H	Min	0.04	0.04	0	–	–	16	2	10	–
	max	0.1	0.1	0.75	0.045	0.03	18	3	14