#18 8 STAINLESS STEEL VS 304 UPGRADE#

Looking for more information on the various traits and performance considerations surrounding other stainless steel grades?īy matching the grade of stainless to your intended usage and environment, you can optimize both the financial and physical benefits of your stainless steel investment. chromium 18 and nickel 8, which make it excellent resistance to corrosion.

The no 18-8 represent the chemical composition, i.e.

This can lead to drastic long-term savings despite the initial increase in investment. 18-8 stainless steel is also referred to as 304 stainless steel because the chemical composition is the same in both 18-8 & 304 SS. However, in situations where the added resistance is needed, 316 often improves the functional lifespan of the steel products by years. If you don’t need the added resistance of 316, standard 304 grades will offer similar performance and longevity at a lower price point. In short, it’s mostly about cost and corrosion resistance requirements. Commercial kitchen surfaces, equipment, and appliances.Structural steel and components in marine environments.If you’re not sure which to choose, consider these common uses for the two grades: 304 Stainless Steel With the benefits offered by 316 stainless steel, you might wonder why 304 remains the most popular… So Which is Better… 316 or 304 Stainless Steel?

#18 8 STAINLESS STEEL VS 304 UPGRADE#

This makes 316 an ideal upgrade for environments with strict hygiene and cleanliness standards. These increased resistances also help to take the guesswork out of cleaning and allow you to clean your stainless more often using stronger cleansers and detergents with little worry of damage or altering the appearance of the stainless steel.

Environments with increased exposure to alkalis and acids.

Areas with high salt levels (such as roadways).

Foodservice, processing, and preparation environments.

This makes it popular for a wide range of environments-including: While 316 comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids. It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known. Most stainless steel ordered around the world is Grade 304. However, specialty alloys might have as much as 9% molybdenum. In most common alloys, you’ll find 10% nickel and 2 to 3% molybdenum. Stainless steels of the 316 grade include less chromium - often around 16% - but increase nickel levels and add molybdenum to the mix. The most popular 304 grade stainless contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel - though other alloys exist within the same grade. But the exact mix-and other additions - are what create the differences between grades. While the two most popular grades of stainless steel might seem identical at a glance, they hold important differences that can lead to substantial savings over the life of your product depending on your intended uses.Īll stainless steels contain a mix of iron and chromium at various levels.

18 8 stainless steel vs 304