SS 304 vs SS 316
SS 304 and SS 316 are the two most widely used austenitic stainless steel grades in India. The key difference is molybdenum: SS 316 contains 2–3% Mo, which dramatically improves corrosion resistance against chlorides, seawater, and many acids. SS 304 is cheaper, easier to source, and adequate for most general-purpose applications.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | SS 304 | SS 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | AISI 304 / EN 1.4301 / IS 6911 | AISI 316 / EN 1.4401 / IS 6911 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18–20% | 16–18% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8–10.5% | 10–14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | — | 2–3% |
| Density | 7.93 g/cc | 7.98 g/cc |
| Tensile strength | ≥ 515 MPa | ≥ 515 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥ 205 MPa | ≥ 205 MPa |
| Corrosion resistance | Good (mild atmospheres) | Excellent (marine, chemical, chloride) |
| Magnetic | Non-magnetic (slight when cold-worked) | Non-magnetic |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical price difference | Baseline | 15–30% costlier |
| Common uses | Kitchen equipment, sinks, food processing, decorative trims | Marine hardware, chemical tanks, pharma, surgical, coastal architecture |
When to choose SS 304
Choose SS 304 when the environment is indoor, mildly corrosive, or budget-sensitive — kitchen appliances, food processing, dairy, decorative work, general fabrication. It covers the vast majority of stainless applications in India.
Buy SS 304 on MetaleMartWhen to choose SS 316
Choose SS 316 when you need protection from chlorides — marine and coastal use, chemical/pharma processing, salt-water exposure, swimming pool fittings, surgical instruments, or any application where pitting and crevice corrosion are a concern.
Buy SS 316 on MetaleMartFrequently asked questions
Is SS 316 always better than SS 304?
Not always. SS 316 has better corrosion resistance but costs 15–30% more. For indoor or non-marine use, SS 304 performs identically and is the more economical choice.
Can I tell SS 304 from SS 316 visually?
No — both look identical. The only reliable way to distinguish them is PMI (Positive Material Identification) testing or a chemical spot test for molybdenum.
Is SS 304 magnetic?
In the annealed state SS 304 is non-magnetic. After cold working (bending, drawing) it can become slightly magnetic, but a strong magnetic response usually indicates SS 430 or another ferritic grade — not SS 304.
Which grade is better for outdoor use in coastal cities?
SS 316 is strongly recommended for coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Goa. SS 304 will rust within months in salt-laden air, while SS 316 resists chloride attack for decades.
What is the price difference per kg?
On MetaleMart, live SS 316 prices are typically 15–30% above SS 304, depending on shape and quantity. Bulk orders narrow this gap. Check current per-kg rates from verified sellers on each product page.