SS 304 vs SS 316 – Which Stainless Steel Grade is Right for You?
When it comes to stainless steel plate selection, SS 304 and SS 316 are the two most common grades across industries. Both belong to the austenitic family and are known for their corrosion resistance, formability, and mechanical strength. However, their performance varies significantly in harsh or chemical-rich environments. This page will help industrial buyers, project engineers, and procurement teams understand which grade is suitable for specific applications.
What is the Difference Between SS 304 and SS 316?
The main difference between SS 304 and SS 316 is the presence of molybdenum (Mo) in SS 316. While SS 304 contains chromium and nickel, SS 316 adds around 2–3% molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to chlorides, salts, and marine corrosion. This makes SS 316 the preferred choice in coastal, chemical, and marine applications, while SS 304 is ideal for general indoor and mild industrial use.
Use Cases of SS 304 and SS 316 in Different Industries
| Application Area | Preferred Grade | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage Equipment | SS 304 | Hygienic, cost-effective |
| Chemical Processing Tanks | SS 316 | High chloride resistance |
| Marine & Coastal Fabrication | SS 316 | Saltwater durability |
| Kitchenware & Utensils | SS 304 | Cost-effective & corrosion-resistant |
| Pharmaceutical Machinery | SS 316 | Sterile and chemical-resistant |
| Architectural Use (Indoor) | SS 304 | Aesthetic + corrosion protection |
| Sewage Treatment & Pumps | SS 316 | Acid and brine resistance |
Comparative Mechanical Properties of SS 304 and SS 316
| Property | SS 304 | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ~515 | ~515 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ~205 | ~205 |
| Elongation (%) | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~201 | ~217 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Max Service Temp (°C) | 870 | 870 (in air) |
International Standards & Designations: SS 304 vs SS 316
Both grades conform to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240, but they differ in UNS and EN designations:
| Grade | ASTM/ASME | UNS Number | EN Standard | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | A240 / SA240 | UNS S30400 | EN 1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 |
| SS 316 | A240 / SA240 | UNS S31600 | EN 1.4401 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
SS 316L (low carbon variant) is also popular where weldability is crucial.
Available Sizes, Plate Thickness & Dimensions
Both grades are available in:
- Thickness: 2 mm to 100 mm
- Width: 1000 mm / 1250 mm / 1500 mm / 2000 mm / custom
- Length: 2000 mm to 6000 mm or custom cut-to-size
Hindustan Steel Corporation provides cut-to-length and profile-cut services for both SS 304 and SS 316 plates.
Corrosion Resistance Comparison: SS 304 vs SS 316
SS 316 offers superior resistance to:
- Chloride stress corrosion cracking
- Acidic and saline media
- Pitting and crevice corrosion
SS 304 performs well in mild environments, but in chemical plants, coastal fabrication, or saltwater exposure, SS 316 is the safer investment.
Welding, Bending & Formability Differences
| Feature | SS 304 | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Welding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | High | Slightly lower than 304 |
| Post-Weld Treatment | Not usually required | Recommended for critical jobs |
| Machinability | Comparable for both | Slight edge to SS 304 |
Both grades can be laser cut, sheared, CNC profiled, or cold rolled into desired shapes.
Why Choose Hindustan Steel for SS 304 / SS 316 Plates?
We offer:
- Dual-certified SS 304/304L and SS 316/316L plates
- Mill test reports (MTR), ultrasonic tested plates
- Stock in multiple finishes: 2B, No. 1, mirror, matte
- CNC cutting and surface customization
- Export packaging + third-party inspection (BV / SGS)
Common Alternatives: When to Use 316L or 304L?
- SS 304L: For welding-intensive fabrication with low risk of intergranular corrosion
- SS 316L: For chloride-heavy environments needing better weld performance
- SS 316Ti: For high-temperature service with resistance to sensitization
- SS 904L: If budget allows and corrosion is extreme
Export Supply & Global Packaging Support
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we export both SS 304 and SS 316 stainless steel plates to over 45+ countries including:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, Malaysia
- South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria
- UK, Germany, Turkey
- USA, Canada, Mexico
Export Services Include:
- Wooden pallet and seaworthy packing
- Fumigation and ISPM 15 compliance
- MTC + EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 certificates
- Custom thickness and mirror polish available for international specs
Buyer’s Guide: When to Choose SS 304 or SS 316?
Choose SS 304 when:
- You need general corrosion resistance
- Project is indoor or dry environment
- Budget is a constraint
Choose SS 316 when:
- Application involves chloride, saline, or acidic exposure
- Long-term durability is a priority
- Project is in coastal, marine, or chemical areas
If in doubt, request a free consultation or MOC recommendation from our team.
Certifications & Test Reports Offered
We provide:
- Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Ultrasonic Testing Report
- Pitting Resistance Equivalence (PREN)
- NABL-Approved Lab Analysis
- IBR, ISO, PED Compliance Certificates
Every dispatch includes quality-approved traceability documents.
FAQs for Difference Between SS 304 and SS 316?
What is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
SS 316 contains molybdenum (2-3%) which enhances its corrosion resistance, especially in saline or acidic environments.
Is SS 304 cheaper than SS 316?
Yes. SS 304 is generally 20–30% cheaper than SS 316 due to the absence of molybdenum.
Can SS 304 be used in food applications?
Yes, both SS 304 and SS 316 are FDA-compliant and used in food-grade environments. However, SS 316 is preferred in acidic or brine processing.
Which grade is more resistant to rust: SS 304 or SS 316?
SS 316 is more rust-resistant due to the addition of molybdenum and is suitable for marine, chemical, and high-humidity environments.
Can I use SS 304 in coastal areas?
While SS 304 may perform moderately well, it may develop tea staining or pitting. SS 316 is recommended for long-term coastal exposure.
What’s the difference between SS 316 and 316L?
SS 316L has lower carbon content, making it more suitable for welding and reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion.
Which stainless steel is best for acid environments?
SS 316 performs well in many acids, but for strong acid resistance, SS 904L or Duplex stainless is recommended.
Do SS 304 and SS 316 have the same strength?
Their mechanical strength is quite similar, but SS 316 offers better corrosion durability in harsh environments.
Is 316 stainless magnetic?
SS 316 and 304 are non-magnetic in annealed condition but may develop slight magnetism during cold working.
Get Prices, Sizes & Datasheet PDF
- Latest SS 304 / SS 316 plate prices per kg
- Size chart & tolerance details
- Corrosion resistance guide PDF
- Mirror finish, hot rolled or annealed options
Request a callback or WhatsApp quote for bulk orders.