Differences Between 304 & 316 Grades of Stainless Steel

The Differences Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel

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All stainless steel is not made the same. Stainless steel is graded. The &#;grade&#; of stainless steel refers to its quality, durability, and temperature resistance. Deciphering what stainless steel you need is an important step in your next project involving stainless steel mesh. Type 304 and Type 316 stainless steel metal mesh are two of the most common types used but knowing the difference between the two is important.

304 Stainless Steel

Known as A2 stainless, 304 stainless steel is the most common of the stainless steel family. The most common form of 304 stainless steel is 18-8 or 18/8 stainless steel which contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.

304 stainless steel mesh can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes this grade of stainless steel easy to sanitize, an ideal advantage for kitchen and food applications. 304 stainless steel is also common in buildings, decor, and site furnishings.

304 stainless steel is austenitic, meaning &#;&#;it is a solid solution of carbon in a nonmagnetic form of iron. This means this grade of metal mesh is non-magnetic and exhibits poor thermal and electrical conductivity. While it boasts excellent malleability and can be formed into required shapes, it also carries increased corrosion resistance when compared to regular steel. 304 is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions, or from saline environments like the coast.

316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel, also known as marine grade stainless or A4 stainless, is well-known for its increased resistance to corrosion and its superb abilities in salt-water and marine applications. While it comes with the same physical properties as 304 as well as similar utilitarian functions, the big difference is the incorporation of molybdenum, generally ranging from 2-3% by composition (although some specialty 300-series stainless steels can contain up to 7-8% molybdenum).

The increased nickel content and the inclusion of molybdenum make 316 stainless steel metal mesh a bit costlier than grade 304 but offer increased corrosion resistance compared to 304&#;particularly against chlorides and chlorinated solutions. 316 stainless steel is generally used whenever chemical processes and high-salinity environments warrant chloride-resistant features and due to its non-reactive traits, is also widely used in the manufacture of medical & surgical equipment.

Knowing the Difference between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel for Your Purchasing Decision

Austenitic stainless steels are known for their versatility. Lawrence Sintered Metals carries a full assortment of metal meshes in 304 and 316 stainless steel, as well as other grades. The benefits of stainless steel also come with age and proper care as low-maintenance requirements and long service life ensure that architectural and mechanical integrity will be non-issues for years to come.

If you&#;re planning on using stainless steel in saltwater environments, 316 is the proper alloy. If you&#;re looking for a durable alloy and superior corrosion resistance isn&#;t necessary, 304 stainless can work perfectly. To learn more about what each stainless steel can do for you and find the perfect fit for your application, please reach out to us. We will be happy to assist in determining whether 304 or 316 stainless steel is a suitable choice for your metal mesh project.

Stainless Steel is defined by its chemical composition consisting of two main elements Chromium, and Nickel.  Depending on the material grades these elements are adjusted to formulate stronger or magnetic varieties of metal.

Thanks to this formulation, stainless steel is a popular choice for many industrial, commercial, residential and architectural applications.

However, you still need to know a few things about this product before determining this material will meet your requirements.

What is Stainless Steel Mesh?

As mentioned, Stainless Steel is available in a variety of grades.  These include Type 304, Type 316, and Type 430.  

• Type 304 &#; Standard Grade 
• Type 316 &#; Higher Grade 
• Type 430 &#; Magnetic Grade    

These grades can be constructed in a number of different ways, including weaving techniques or mesh count, to create various wire cloth or wire mesh specifications. It can be finely woven or have a larger welded opening for example. 

Most specifications are readily available, making them easy to use for multiple purposes. However, they all provide a reasonable level of durability and strength.

For more information, please visit 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.

Additional resources:
Pros and Cons of Welded Wire Mesh

Properties of Stainless Steel Mesh

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If you expect to use stainless steel mesh for your application one of the questions to keep in mind is how strong this product is. Check out its main properties to get an idea.

• This material has high resistance to:
• Punctures or tears
• Corrosion
• High temperatures
• Low temperatures
• Acid and alkali solutions
• High pressures
• In addition, it has a chromium percentage of 16% or more. Therefore, you can be sure it will not rust or wear easily.

Why Choose Stainless Steel Mesh For Your Application

In addition to the properties mentioned above, stainless steel mesh can be the ideal solution for your industrial applications, residential property, or commercial building for the following reasons:

Strong and Durable Metal Material

Stainless steel mesh&#;s properties, particularly high resistance, give this product durability and strength. Therefore, it&#;s an excellent choice if you want to protect your property from attacks or theft.

This type of mesh can also withstand strong impacts and is almost impossible to cut or break. If you choose this option, you will significantly increase the level of security in your home or building.

Versatility

Stainless steel mesh is one of the most versatile products in construction since it can be used in multiple structures. Also, it&#;s perfect for different commercial products, such as swing doors, sliding windows, bi-fold doors, and more!
Furthermore, you can customize this material according to your needs and preferences since it is often available in many specifications that can be constructed and custom fabricated, including finely woven mesh options.

Common Uses of Stainless Steel Mesh

As mentioned, a stainless steel mesh is a versatile product that you can use for multiple purposes. 

It is a great material for industrial processing applications, fencing or railing inserts, baskets, trays, and other wire mesh products. 

Moreover, stainless steel mesh is renowned for its efficiency in filtration applications, ensuring clean air and water in industrial settings. Whether used as ventilation guards or as screens to deter pests, stainless steel mesh consistently delivers reliable filtration performance.

In Summary

Stainless steel wire mesh stands out for its versatility and durability and is suitable for a wide range of applications. Defined by its composition of chromium and nickel, stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, high and low temperatures, punctures, and chemical exposure.

With grades like Type 304, Type 316, and Type 430, each catering to specific needs, stainless steel wire provides strength and security, making it an excellent choice for industrial, commercial, residential, and architectural purposes. Its versatility allows for customization, making it adaptable to different structures and products, from fencing and railing inserts to ventilation guards and security solutions.

With its enduring properties and broad utility, this incredible wire mesh emerges as a reliable solution for diverse requirements in construction, manufacturing, and beyond.

Contact Universal Wire Cloth Today

Do you think a stainless steel mesh could be the ideal solution for your application, but still need more information? Don&#;t hesitate to contact us!

At Universal Wire Cloth, we have an engineering team ready to help you find the best products or manufacture the ones you need! Check out the quick links below for additional resources.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Pvc Coated Gabion Box.