The difference between 301 and 304 stainless steel is mainly in the following three aspects:
Composition and properties: 301 stainless steel contains 6-8% chromium, no nickel, and stronger corrosion resistance; 304 stainless steel mainly consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, non-magnetic and very stable.
Cost and availability: 301 stainless steel cost is usually lower than 304 stainless steel, while 304 stainless steel price is higher.
Applications: 301 stainless steel is mainly used for industrial springs, connectors and other precision stampings and hardware; 304 stainless steel is also used in food and beverage processing, medical equipment and industrial machinery parts manufacturing.