304, 316, and 316L both belong to Austenitic stainless steel. The main difference among them is the different content of alloying elements, which makes their performance different.
316 and 316L contain more alloying elements and have better corrosion resistance, but the price is also more expensive.
We can analyze the differences among the 3 from 6 aspects.
- Different Content of Ingredients.
| Grade | C max | Mn max | P max | S | Si max | Cr | Ni | Mo |
| 304 | 0.08 | 2.0 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 18-20 | 8-12 | |
| 316 | 0.08 | 2.0 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 |
| 316L | 0.03 | 2.0 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 |
- Different Mechanical Properties.
| Grade | UTS N/mm | Yield N/mm | Elongation % | Hardness HRB | Comparable DIN number | |
| Wrought | Cast | |||||
| 304 | 600 | 210 | 60 | 80 | 1.4301 | 1.4308 |
| 316 | 560 | 210 | 60 | 78 | 1.4401 | 1.4408 |
| 316L | 530 | 200 | 50 | 75 | 1.4406 | 1.4581 |
- Different Density
The density of 304 is 7.93g/cm³
The density of 316/316L is 7.98g/cm³
- Different Advantages.
304 has good processing performance and high toughness, while 316 & 316L have good corrosion resistance, good atmospheric corrosion resistance, and good high-temperature strength.
- Different Application Areas
304 is widely used in industry, home building materials decoration, food industry, household products, etc.
316 is used in seawater equipment, chemical, dye, paper, oxalic acid, fertilizer and other production equipment, photography, food industry, coastal facilities, ropes, CD rods, bolts, and nuts.
- Different Prices
The order of price from high to low is as follows：316L > 316 > 304
304 stainless steel plate：16000 RMB/T；
316 stainless steel plate：23000 RMB/T；
316L stainless steel plate：24000 RMB/T；
Please note that the prices are based on the material price of April 21, 2021.
The prices will have fluctuates daily.
Therefore, please choose the most suitable material according to the area where the products will be used.
