The slightly higher price point of 316 is well worth it in areas with high chloride exposure especially near the ocean or by heavily salted roadways.
Stainless steel grade 304 vs 316 price.
The major difference though is the addition of 2 3 molybdenum which is needed in certain environments to increase corrosion.
Taking steel plates as an example the cost of 316 is about 1 5 times the cost of 304.
The price of stainless steel depends on the price of the alloying element and the amount of the alloy eg ni cr and mo.
Though the stainless steel 304 alloy has a higher melting point grade 316 has a better resistance to chemicals and chlorides like salt than grade 304 stainless steel.
At the time of this writing the price of a 304 2b stainless steel sheet was 1 55 lb.
304 vs 316 stainless steel cost aisi 304 vs 316 stainless steel cost.
This has the following impact.
Stainless 304 usually consists of 18 chromium and 8 nickel.
The two steel grades are comparable in appearance chemical makeup and characteristics.
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Stainless 316 is made up of 16 chromium 10 nickel and 2 molybdenum.
When it comes to applications with chlorinated solutions or exposure to salt grade 316 stainless steel is considered superior.
304 is an economical and practical choice for most environments but it doesn t have the chloride resistance of 316.
For outdoor furnishings like rails and bollards stainless steel is an ideal corrosion resistant material but it will only withstand long term exposure if the grade is appropriate for its environment.
As part of the five families of stainless steel 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are austenitic grades that contain high levels of chromium and nickel.
Prices always fluctuate especially when politics get involved so keep checking in on the market price.