We often come into contact with things made of stainless steel in our daily life, whether it is utensils, or tools, some of which will be imported, and these some of which will be imported, and some of which will be used as utensils. Therefore, different utensils will use different materials. So what is the difference between our common stainless steel 304 and 316? Why is 316 so much more expensive than 304? Today, I give you the difference between the two.
Speaking of the two in the end which is better? I will not hesitate to give the answer: 316 stainless steel than 304 contains more of a rare metal molybdenum (Mo), better corrosion resistance, higher hardness, more expensive, food stainless steel preferred stainless steel 316 material. If the requirements are lower, stainless steel 304 more cost-effective, can meet the requirements of daily life use.
First of all, if you are the choice of daily use, you can directly choose 304 stainless steel, relatively more cost-effective; if you choose food utensils, we still try to pick 316 stainless steel, of course, the requirements of life a little lower, the use of 304 stainless steel will not produce any harm; and if it is the medical treatment, instruments and other industry-specific utensils are the best! Use 316 stainless steel material. Another point to note, in the selection of stainless steel food utensils, be sure to choose food-grade stainless steel, that is, with GB 4806.9-2016 logo.
Stainless steel 304 and 316 comparison table
Stainless steel is generally made of iron as the main component, and then add some carbon compounds, nickel, chromium and other metal elements made of stainless steel grade is generally the content of these rare metals. The commonly used method of evaluating stainless steel grades is the American Iron and Steel Institute's American Standard ASTM, stainless steel 304 and 316 grades are developed according to this method.
The following I first of these two stainless steel is introduced, and then focus on the comparison.
A, 304 stainless steel
304 stainless steel is the most common stainless steel in our lives, stainless steel bowls and chopsticks, stainless steel spoons, cups most of this material. This kind of stainless steel is exposed to more acid and alkali, so it has good acid and alkali resistance, and high density, good-looking polishing.
304 stainless steel basin
Two, 316 stainless steel
316 stainless steel composition than the 304 more than one kind of rare metal called molybdenum (Mo), can make 316 than 304 have better corrosion resistance, therefore, generally used in the therapeutic food, machinery, heavy industry or in high temperature environment to do parts, etc. Industry.
316 stainless steel surgical instruments
Three, compare
1. Material composition and corrosion resistance
316 stainless steel than 304 composition of a rare element molybdenum (Mo), it is this element makes 316 stainless steel Corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance and high temperature resistance characteristics than 304 is much stronger. For example, common food on the 304 stainless steel will not cause corrosion, but some special food, such as carbonated beverages, white vinegar, coffee, etc., 304 stainless steel on the downhill, this time to use the 316 stainless steel, this kind of molybdenum stainless steel in the corrosion resistance to be a big cut above the general stainless steel, used to hold any food will not be corroded in the antioxidant, corrosion resistance to be better.
2. Density and hardness
316 stainless steel density is 8.03g/cm^3, while the density of stainless steel 304 is 7.93g/cm^3, 316 stainless steel density than 304 density is greater, and more adaptable to wear and tear of the use of harsh environments. On the other hand, stainless steel 304 plasticity is also stronger, can be more easily made into a variety of daily utensils in life.
3. Price and use
316 stainless steel plate price of about 21,000 yuan / ton, while the 304 stainless steel plate price of about 15,000 yuan / ton, so whether it is a plate or a finished appliance, 316 stainless steel and its application equipment to be more expensive than the 304, and some even several times more expensive. And for its own material and price reasons, 304 stainless steel is generally only used for daily life appliances, such as pots and pans, etc., while 316 stainless steel is mostly used in the medical, mechanical and other industries, but also some food utensils.
Food grade stainless steel
Four, suggestions and precautions
First of all, if you are the choice of daily use, you can directly choose 304 stainless steel, relatively more cost-effective; if you choose the food utensils, we try to pick 316 stainless steel, of course, the life of a little less demanding. The use of 304 stainless steel will not produce any harm; and if the medical, instruments and other industry-specific apparatus is best to use 316 stainless steel material. Another point to note, in the selection of stainless steel food utensils, be sure to choose food-grade stainless steel, that is, with the GB 4806.9-2016 logo. GB 4806.9-2016 is the national standard for stainless steel cutlery, which clearly specifies what kind of standard stainless steel in contact with food should meet, 304 stainless steel in line with the standard stainless steel is the lowest grade.