ss 304 is the most common stainless steel grade and it is used in a variety of industries and applications. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, tensile strength and durability. It is also a popular choice for CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication.
316 is a higher-end stainless steel that contains molybdenum and has a lower carbon content than 304. It also has a slightly higher nickel content and is more resistant to rusting and oxidation.
Both ss 304 and ss 316 are considered austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel alloys, meaning that they have been heated to a point at which their crystalline structure changes from ferrite to austenite. This heating process transforms the metal into a more durable, hardened material that is more chemically and thermally conductive than regular iron.
It is a more expensive material than 202 because of its higher nickel content, but it offers superior corrosion resistance to other stainless steel grades when exposed to salty water or sodium chloride. It is an excellent choice for rails and bollards, as well as other outdoor furnishings that will be exposed to corrosive environments.
Stainless steel is a great option for a wide variety of projects because it can resist corrosion, oxidation and heat, while still being very flexible and easy to fabricate. It is also a good choice for applications that require corrosion-resistant materials that will not rust or chip, such as marine-grade products and equipment. It is also a good choice for products that will be exposed to high temperatures because it has a higher melting point than other types of stainless steel.
