The Difference Between 316 and 304 Stainless Steel Strips

Do you know the differences between 316 and 304 stainless steel? The two most commonly used types of stainless steel are 304 and 316 (or their German/European equivalents, 1.4308 and 1.4408). The main difference between 316 and 304 lies in their chemical composition, with 316 containing molybdenum (Mo). Generally, it is recognized that 316 has better corrosion resistance, especially in high-temperature environments, where engineers typically choose parts made from 316 material. However, under conditions of concentrated sulfuric acid, even at high temperatures, never use 316! Otherwise, it could be a major issue. Those who study mechanical engineering have learned about threads and may remember the need for a black, solid lubricant to prevent thread seizing in high-temperature situations: molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). From this, we can draw two conclusions: [1] Mo is indeed a high-temperature-resistant material (did you know gold is melted in molybdenum crucibles?). [2] Molybdenum readily reacts with高价 sulfur ions to form sulfides. In the end, no stainless steel is super-indestructible against corrosion. After all, stainless steel is just steel with a higher concentration of impurities (but these impurities are more corrosion-resistant than steel^^), and like all steel, it can react with other substances.