As shown in the relationship diagram about stainless steel material before, different types of stainless steel only have different alloying elements added to them, so that we need certain characteristics, and the same is true for 316 stainless steel. When some properties of 304 stainless steel can not meet our needs, it will be 316 was developed. The common ones in the field of stainless steel decorative pipes are probably 201, 304 and 316!
1. Brand problem.
304 and 316 are extended with 304L and 316L respectively, and the respective grades are as follows:
304 is 06Cr19Ni10, 304L is 00Cr19Ni10;
316 is 0Cr17Ni12Mo2, 316L is 00Cr17Ni14Mo2.
2. Alloying element problem
3. Food grade issues.
People often ask if 304 is food grade? In fact, according to the material, the content of 304 material has reached food grade. There are about three common food grade materials in the market: 304, 316 and 430 stainless steel. 304 is commonly used in small household appliances or water cups, 316 is used in medical equipment, and 430 is often used as a stainless steel material for knives. But here I want to clarify a concept, it does not mean that the material is food grade, it is food grade, it also includes whether the manufacturing and other links meet food grade standards, decorative stainless steel pipes and professional production of food grade stainless steel water pipes, the required process Links are different.
4. Corrosion resistance problem.
316 stainless steel is a stainless steel produced by adding some molybdenum to 304 stainless steel in terms of resistance to pitting corrosion. In various types of water quality (distilled water, drinking water, river water, boiler water, etc.), the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel is almost the same, but when the content of chloride ions in the medium is very high, 316 stainless steel is more suitable.
5. Price issues.
Due to the molybdenum and nickel elements added in 316, 316 stainless steel is more expensive than 304 stainless steel.
6. Low-carbon issues.
The carbon content of 304L and 316L is lower than that of 304 and 316, and there is a clear comparison in the material content table. Stainless steel does not rust mainly because of the chromium-rich oxide film formed on the surface, but intergranular corrosion will occur when the temperature is too high. Therefore, the carbon content in 304L and 316L is small, which reduces intergranular corrosion. It is important to note that higher susceptibility to intergranular corrosion does not mean that non-carbon content is more susceptible to corrosion, this susceptibility is also higher when in a high chloride environment.
All stainless steel materials have their specific functions and scope of use. Reasonable use of their advantages and disadvantages will create greater value for us.