SS 304 vs SS 316 – For Corrosive Environments?

SS 304 vs SS 316 – For Corrosive Environments?

When choosing stainless steel for corrosive environments, the two most popular contenders are SS 304 and SS 316. Both are austenitic grades known for their durability, formability, and resistance to oxidation. However, their performance in chloride-rich or chemical-prone environments differs significantly. At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we help buyers select the right grade that meets the demands of marine, chemical, food, or coastal applications—without compromising on budget or service life.

What is the Difference Between SS 304 and SS 316?

The core difference lies in the chemical composition. SS 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it ideal for general corrosion resistance. SS 316, on the other hand, includes 2–3% molybdenum, which significantly enhances its resistance to chlorides, saltwater, and acidic media. This makes SS 316 the preferred choice for aggressive environments such as marine exposure, chemical tanks, and coastal infrastructure.

Where Are These Grades Commonly Used?

• SS 304 Applications: Kitchen equipment, indoor railings, tanks, architectural panels, dairy & beverage equipment.
• SS 316 Applications: Chemical processing, marine hardware, pharma reactors, pulp & paper plants, offshore oil platforms.
• Key Difference in Use: SS 304 is often selected for indoor or mildly corrosive conditions, while SS 316 is used where corrosion is a critical concern.

Comparative Mechanical Properties

Property	SS 304	SS 316
Yield Strength (MPa)	~215	~290
Tensile Strength (MPa)	~505	~515
Elongation (%)	~40	~40
Hardness (Brinell)	~201	~217
Density (g/cm³)	8.00	8.00

Note: Despite similar mechanical performance, SS 316 outperforms SS 304 in acidic, salty, and chloride-rich environments.

Which One Is More Corrosion Resistant?

SS 316 is distinctly more corrosion resistant than SS 304, especially in:

• Saltwater or marine exposure
• High-chloride industrial setups
• Acidic or chemical contact zones
• High humidity coastal regions

For any project exposed to brine, seawater, or harsh industrial cleaning chemicals, SS 316 offers longer life and lower maintenance.

International Standards – ASTM A240, EN, and ASME

Both SS 304 and SS 316 are widely standardized under the following norms:

• ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 – For pressure vessel and general plate applications.
• EN 1.4301 (SS 304) and EN 1.4401 / 1.4404 (SS 316 / 316L) – European standards for corrosion-resistant steels.
• ISO 15510 – Covers global material equivalency.

These standards ensure consistency in chemical composition, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance. For marine and chemical environments, SS 316 meets stricter global certifications.

Available Thickness, Width & Finish Options

Parameter	SS 304	SS 316
Thickness Range	0.5 mm to 100 mm	0.5 mm to 75 mm
Width	Up to 2500 mm	Up to 2000 mm
Finish Types	2B, No.4, BA, Mirror	2B, No.4, BA, Mirror

Hindustan Steel Corporation provides both grades in HRAP, cold-rolled, and polished finish for decorative, hygienic, or structural needs.

Fabrication & Welding Behavior

• SS 304: Offers excellent formability and weldability. Suitable for TIG, MIG, spot welding, and laser cutting.
• SS 316: Slightly more difficult to machine due to molybdenum content, but welds well with low carbon (316L) version to avoid carbide precipitation.

For pharma and marine applications, 316L is preferred to prevent sensitization during welding.

Machining, Polishing & Cutting Recommendations

• Use carbide-tipped tools for both grades.
• 316 may require slower cutting speeds.
• For mirror polish, both grades perform equally well—but 316 retains shine longer in corrosive environments.

Hindustan Steel Corporation provides CNC plasma cutting, laser profiling, and mirror polishing for both grades.

Which Grade Should You Buy for Corrosive Environments?

Choose SS 304 when:

• Application is indoors or in mildly corrosive environments.
• Cost-efficiency is a top priority.
• You need decorative or structural strength without exposure to salt/chloride.

Choose SS 316 when:

• Environment involves saltwater, chemicals, or acidic conditions.
• You require long-term corrosion resistance.
• Maintenance and replacement cost is a concern.

Why Choose Hindustan Steel Corporation?

• Stock of 304 and 316 in all thicknesses and finishes
• Cut-to-size, mirror polish, and profile cutting in-house
• ISO, PED, and IBR approved materials
• Export-ready packing with mill test certificates
• Application-specific technical support

We help you select the right grade based on corrosive exposure, project life cycle, and budget.

Global Export – Marine, Pharma, and Chemical Buyers

At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we supply both SS 304 and SS 316 plates to over 40+ countries, including:

• Marine-grade SS 316 plates for shipbuilding in UAE, South Africa, and Singapore.
• Pharma-grade 316L stainless for Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Europe.
• SS 304 polished sheets for architectural projects in the USA and Africa.

We offer:

• Mill TC, third-party inspection (TUV, BV, SGS)
• Sea-worthy packing, edge protection, and waterproofing
• Support for LC, FOB, CIF, and EXW terms

How to Choose the Right Grade?

Buyer Tip:

• For hospitals, breweries, water tanks: SS 304 is often enough.
• For coastal, acidic, or chemical areas: SS 316 or 316L is a must.
• Use 316L for weld-heavy applications to avoid corrosion after fabrication.

You can request free consultation and cut sample comparison to choose what works for your project.

Quality Certifications & Compliance

We supply 304 and 316 plates with:

• ISO 9001:2015, IBR, PED, and RoHS
• Chemical and mechanical test reports
• Ultrasonic, PMI, and intergranular corrosion (IGC) test reports on demand
• Batch traceability and heat number marking on all plates

Hindustan Steel is a trusted exporter to OEMs, EPC contractors, and chemical fabricators worldwide.

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