Which Is Better, 304 Steel Pipe Or 316 Steel Pipe?

Stainless steel pipe is a material widely used in construction, industry and homes, and is favored for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and beautiful appearance. Among the many stainless steel pipes, 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes are the two most commonly used types.
Differences in ingredients
The main chemical components of 304 stainless steel pipe are iron, chromium and nickel, of which the chromium content is as high as 18% and the nickel content is 8%. This alloy ratio gives 304 stainless steel pipes good corrosion resistance and processing performance, and is widely used in situations that require high corrosion resistance.
In comparison, 316 stainless steel pipe adds 2% molybdenum element to 304, which makes its corrosion resistance even better. Especially under harsh conditions such as marine environment, high temperature, and acidic media, the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel pipes is significantly better than that of 304 stainless steel pipes.
Mechanical behavior
In terms of mechanical properties, 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes also perform differently. Because molybdenum is added to 316 stainless steel pipes, its yield strength and tensile strength are both higher than 304 stainless steel pipes. In addition, the low-temperature toughness of 316 stainless steel pipe is also better than that of 304 stainless steel pipe, and it can maintain better mechanical properties at lower temperatures.
Processing performance
In terms of processing performance, 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes are also different. Because 304 stainless steel pipe has good processing properties and is easy to perform operations such as cutting, bending and welding, it has been widely used in construction and industrial fields. Although the processing performance of 316 stainless steel pipe is slightly inferior to that of 304 stainless steel pipe, it can still maintain good processing performance under harsh conditions such as high temperature and acidic media.
Comparison of uses
Due to the differences in composition, mechanical properties and processing properties of 304 and 316 stainless steel pipes, their uses are also different. In the field of construction, 304 stainless steel pipes are widely used in interior decoration, doors, windows, railings, etc. due to their good corrosion resistance and processing properties. In the chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical and other industrial fields, because 316 stainless steel pipes have better corrosion resistance, they are widely used in highly corrosive environments such as acid-base media and seawater.