904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – What’s the Difference?

Many people have such a question: 904L vs 316L stainless steel – what’s the difference? In today’s article, we will delve into the comparison between 904L and 316L stainless steel, two grades that are often mentioned in the same breath but have distinct properties and applications.

904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – What’s the Difference?

904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – 1. Definition

904L Stainless Steel

904L stainless steel, also known as UNS N08904, is a super austenitic stainless steel grade. It is a non-standard grade that was developed in the 1960s to offer superior resistance to corrosion, particularly in sulfuric acid environments.

316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel, also known as UNS S31603, is an austenitic stainless steel grade that is widely used in a variety of applications. It is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, with the “L” indicating a maximum carbon content of 0.03%.

904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – 2. Composition

904L is composed primarily of iron, with added copper, chromium, and nickel. The copper content gives it its resistance to sulfuric acid, while the chromium and nickel content contribute to its corrosion resistance in general.

316L is composed primarily of iron, with added chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. The molybdenum content gives 316L its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments.

904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – 3. Properties

904L Stainless Steel Properties:

• Corrosion Resistance: 904L is highly resistant to corrosion in a wide range of media, including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and formic acid. It also exhibits resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
• Mechanical Properties: It has good mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and ductility. However, it is not as strong as some other stainless steel grades.
• Fabrication: 904L can be easily welded and formed into complex shapes.

316L Stainless Steel Properties:

• Corrosion Resistance: 316L offers good resistance to corrosion in most environments, particularly those containing chlorides. It is commonly used in marine applications due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.
• Mechanical Properties: 316L has good mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and ductility. It is stronger than 904L.
• Fabrication: 316L is easy to weld and form, and it can be used in a wide range of fabrication processes.

904L vs 316L Stainless Steel – 4. Applications

Due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, 904L is often used in chemical processing equipment, seawater desalination plants, and pulp and paper processing equipment. It is also used in the oil and gas industry, particularly in high-sulfur environments.

316L is widely used in a variety of industries, including chemical processing, oil and gas, marine, and food processing. It is commonly found in piping systems, valves, pumps, and other equipment that require resistance to corrosion in chloride-containing environments.

Conclusion

In summary, 904L vs 316L stainless steel both offer excellent corrosion resistance, but they differ in their composition, mechanical properties, and applications. 904L is specifically designed for use in sulfuric acid and other severe corrosive environments, while 316L is a more general-purpose grade that is widely used in a variety of industries, particularly those involving chloride-containing environments.

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the differences between 904L vs 316L Stainless Steel. If you are looking for 904L & 316L Stainless Steel suppliers online now, please don’t hesitate to contact Sino Stainless Steel.

As a leading supplier of stainless steel products from Shanghai China, Sino Stainless Steel provides customers with high-quality 904L stainless steel & 316L stainless steel, stainless steel sheets, stainless steel tubes, stainless steel pipes, stainless steel strips, stainless steel coils, stainless steel plates, and stainless steel bars at a very competitive price.