Stainless Steel 316 vs 304: Which Is Healthier?

In the world of stainless steel, 304 and 316 are two of the most widely used alloys. Both are renowned for their corrosion resistance and durability, making them suitable for a range of applications. However, when it comes to which one is healthier, the answer isn’t as straightforward. In this article, we delve into the question: stainless steel 316 vs 304: which is healthier?

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304: Which Is Healthier?

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304 – 1. Definition:

304 stainless steel is the most common austenitic stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and has good corrosion resistance to reducing salts and various inorganic and organic acids, alkalis, and salts. 304 stainless steel is widely used in drinking water purification, drinking water, cold water, hot water, gas, medical gas, household goods, cabinets, indoor pipelines, water heaters, boilers, bathtubs, automotive parts, building materials, chemical, food industry, agriculture, ship components, and other fields.

316 stainless steel is another common austenitic stainless steel, which contains 16% chromium and 10% nickel, while also adding 2%-3% molybdenum, which makes it superior to 304 stainless steel in corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance. 316 stainless steel can resist the corrosion of special media, such as seawater, hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, etc., so it is used in drinking water purification, drinking water, cold water, hot water, gas, medical gas, seawater equipment, chemical, fuel, paper making, oxalic acid, fertilizer equipment, food industry, coastal facilities, and other fields.

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304 – 2. Applications:

Due to the difference in corrosion resistance between 304 and 316 stainless steel, it is necessary to choose the appropriate material based on specific environmental conditions during use. Generally speaking, when the requirement for corrosion resistance is not high, the cost-effective 304 stainless steel can be selected. When the requirements for heat resistance and corrosion resistance are high, the 316 stainless steel can be selected.

For example, when making food utensils, if only ordinary foods or beverages are in contact, 304 stainless steel can be used; if foods or beverages containing salt or high pH levels, such as seafood or juice, need to be in contact, 316 stainless steel should be used.

When manufacturing medical devices or human implant materials, due to the need to come into contact with human blood or tissue, materials with extremely high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance are required, so 316 stainless steel is commonly used.

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304 – 3. Product Usage Scenarios

To better understand the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel, we can look at some specific product usage scenarios:

1. Faucet: Faucet is a commonly used water source device in the home. It needs to withstand the effects of different temperatures and water quality, so it requires materials with good corrosion resistance and heat resistance. Generally, faucets on the market are made of 304 stainless steel, but if it is in coastal areas or areas with poor water quality, it is recommended to use 316 stainless steel faucets to improve the product’s service life and safety.
2. Watch: A watch is a common accessory that needs to withstand daily wear and tear from friction, sweat, air, and other factors. Therefore, it requires materials with high strength and high corrosion resistance. In general, watches on the market are made of 316 stainless steel because it is more resistant to corrosion from chloride, salt water, and other media than 304 stainless steel, while also maintaining a metallic luster.
3. Tableware: Tableware is a food utensil that we come into contact with every day. It needs to be in contact with various foods and beverages, so it requires materials with hygiene and corrosion resistance. Generally speaking, tableware on the market is made of 304 stainless steel because it can meet daily consumption needs and also has a high-cost performance. However, if it is used in special environments or occasions, such as seafood restaurants or acidic food stores, it is recommended to use tableware made of 316 stainless steel to improve the durability and safety of the product.

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304 – 4. Case studies

To better understand stainless steel 316 vs 304: which is healthier, we can look at some real cases:

1. In 2019, a medical accident occurred in a hospital in Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, resulting in three patients being infected with Staphylococcus aureus during the infusion process. After investigation, it was found that the cause of the accident was that the hospital used an infusion rack made of 304 stainless steel and did not conduct regular disinfection. Due to the long-term exposure of 304 stainless steel to human fluids, it will produce an iron oxide layer and is prone to breeding bacteria, which leads to the infusion rack becoming a source of bacterial transmission.
2. In 2020, engineers used 316 stainless steel to manufacture industrial water transmission pipelines at a solar power station in San Diego, California, USA. Due to the location of the power station in coastal areas and the high content of salt and chloride chemicals in industrial water, high requirements were placed on the pipeline material. After years of operational testing, the pipeline system showed excellent corrosion resistance and stability, and did not experience any water leakage or breakage.

Through the above analysis, we can draw the following conclusions:

Both 316 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are food-grade stainless steel, with certain safety properties, but 316 stainless steel has better corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance than 304 stainless steel.

The scope and application of 316 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel are different. Generally speaking, when the requirements for corrosion resistance are not high, 304 stainless steel can be selected. When the requirements for heat resistance and corrosion resistance are high, 316 stainless steel can be selected.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the differences between stainless steel 316 vs 304. If you want to find more information about 316 and 304 stainless steel, we would suggest you visit Sino Stainless Steel for more information.

As a leading supplier of stainless steel products across the world, Sino Stainless Steel offers high-quality stainless steel strips, stainless steel coils, stainless steel plates, stainless steel sheets, stainless steel bars, and stainless steel tubes at an extremely competitive price.