When selecting a valve’s housing material, it is important to know the differences between stainless steel 304 (EN steel number 1.4301) and stainless steel 316 (EN steel number 1.4401, 1.4436). Selecting between the two typically depends on an application’s corrosion resistance requirements. This article discusses the nature of each type of steel, how to choose between them, and how to determine which to use for a stainless steel valve.

What is stainless steel?

Steel, in general, consists of iron and carbon. Stainless steel, on the other hand, encompasses various steel blends containing at least 10.5% chromium by weight. These blends are primarily made to withstand corrosion or oxidation, which occurs when metals react with oxygen (in air or water) and form rust. Stainless steels are 100% recyclable.

When chromium (Cr), a durable metal, comes into contact with water or air, it undergoes a chemical reaction with oxygen. In stainless steel, chromium oxide forms a thin, stable film on the surface (Figure 2 labeled A), protecting the metal from corrosion by limiting oxygen exposure. This corrosion resistance process is known as passivation. The protective film can self-repair (Figure 2 labeled C) if scratched or disturbed (Figure 2 labeled B).

Figure 2: Stainless steel with a chromium oxide surface film. Chromium oxide intact (A), chromium oxide damaged (B), and chromium oxide self-reformed (C). The blue spheres are oxygen.

Types of stainless steel

Varying the ratios of different elements has led to many kinds of stainless steel. Beyond chromium, other alloying elements are added to stainless steel, for example, molybdenum, nickel, and titanium. These elements enhance stainless steel’s formability, strength, and chemical resistance.

Austenitic stainless steel is the most widely produced family of stainless steel. It is created by alloying nickel, which gives it excellent formability and weldability. Stainless steels 304 and 316 are members of this family.

Stainless steel 304 vs 316

When selecting a specific grade of stainless steel for a given application, the first and foremost criterion is corrosion resistance. Other mechanical or physical properties may also need to be considered to meet service performance.

Figure 3: A stainless steel 304 pipe end stamped to indicate its steel grade

Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel 304 (EN steel number 1.4301) and stainless steel 316 (EN steel number 1.4401, 1.4436) have very similar physical and mechanical properties, but their primary difference remains in their resistance to corrosion in different environments:

• 304 Stainless Steel
  • Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel
  • Cost-effective choice if high concentrations of chloride are not present.
• 316 Stainless Steel
  • Contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and an additional 2% molybdenum
  • The added molybdenum provides greater corrosion resistance to acids and localized pitting attack by chloride solutions such as seawater and de-icing salts.

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel in acidic or basic solutions depends on the kind and concentration of acid or base and the solution temperature.

Figure 4: A stainless steel 316 tee pipe fitting stamped to indicate its steel grade

Corrosion resistance to acids

Table 1: Stainless steel 304 vs 316 resistance to acids

Corrosion resistance to bases

Table 2: Stainless steel 304 vs 316 resistance to bases

Other factors

As mentioned in the above section about corrosion resistance, most of the other properties of stainless steel 304 and 316 are similar. Understanding the following properties can help select the right stainless steel, but does not need a lot of focus unless the application has very precise demands:

• Mechanical properties: 304 and 316 have similar tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. 316 has slightly higher strength and toughness due to molybdenum.
• Cost: 304 is less expensive than 316 due to the absence of molybdenum. The lower cost can be significant for large materials or projects.
• Heat resistance: 316 has a slightly higher heat resistance than 304.
• Fabrication and formability: 304 is slightly easier to work with than 316 when fabricating, welding, and forming.
• Weight: 316 is slightly denser than 304 due to molybdenum.

Stainless steel valves

Stainless steel valves are widely used primarily due to their corrosion resistance. With everything else equal, 304 and 316 valves have a negligible difference in temperature and pressure rating. Look for a stamped number on the valve’s body to determine if it’s 304 or 316, similar to the objects in Figures 3 and 4. The following table describes factors to consider when selecting between stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316 valves.

Table 3: Selecting between stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316 valves

FAQs

How do I tell the difference between stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316?

Unless stamped, the only way to tell the difference between these two types of stainless steel is to test them chemically. There are no visual markers or mechanical properties that make them easy to differentiate.

How do I choose between stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316?

Choosing between these two stainless steel types typically comes down to understanding how much corrosion resistance is necessary. Stainless steel 316 has superior corrosion resistance but is also more expensive.