They may look similar, but some differences affect performance.
1. Composition
. This combination is ideal for many environments. In contrast, SS 316 screws have one more ingredient- molybdenum. Adding 2-3 % of this is one major reason they are much more resistant to corrosion, especially by chlorides and acidic materials.
However, they may not hold up well in saltwater and certain chemicals over time.
3. Cost and Availability Factors
Industrial buyers comparing SS 304 and 316 should consider pricing and lead time differences due to global supply chain demands in recent years.
Top SS Threaded flanges manufacturer in india , like Regal Sales Corporation, have made accommodating infrastructure investments in the last decade. They can help to increase their production capacities for SS 316 parts. As a result, the availability of raw materials for 316 grade has improved significantly. However, it still lags behind the dominant inventory streams of 304 grade, which makes the latter slightly more affordable in ad hoc situations. Project managers should compare the lifespan of equipment and the upfront unit price. This helps minimize expenses at first, but there is a risk of higher replacement costs later. This is especially true when selecting 304 less resilient metal components.
4. Application Suitability
SS 304 fasteners are commonly used in environments where corrosion is a problem, but often not when there is high exposure to salts or acids. They suit kitchen appliances, outdoor environments, and general industrial applications. On the other hand, SS 316 fasteners manufacturers in India are chosen where the conditions are harsher, as in marine, pharmaceutical or chemical processing environments.
5. Machining Characteristics to Note
304 generally machine cuts, drills, and finishes easier than 316. This means manufacturers have fewer tooling hassles when working with 304. CNC precision enhancements have reduced variables in the past decade. Teams at Regal Sales Corp optimize programs for stainless machinery. This minimizes efficiency differences between metals for fabricators. Metallurgists say 316 is slightly more prone to clogging drilling and cutting bits than 304. Builders should know this when comparing supplier turnaround estimates for getting parts out the door.
Contact Regal Sales Corporation, the leading stainless steel fasteners manufacturers in India. They can help you to get information on choosing the right grades for your project.