What is 316 Stainless Steel?
316L stainless steel is a high-carbon, low-nickel, molybdenum-enhanced stainless steel. Often referred to as marine-grade stainless steel, it is an excellent choice for the food and beverage industry, as well as in marine environments. It exhibits high tensile strength, as well as high heat and corrosion resistance.
The chromium in 316L stainless steel reacts with oxygen in saltwater to form chromium oxide, which prevents the formation of rust on the surface of the metal. Molybdenum increases the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel by preventing pitting in areas of heavy use.
What is 904L Stainless Steel?
This grade of steel is also known for its high resistance to chloride pitting corrosion and stress cracking corrosion. It’s highly resistant to crevice corrosion and pitting from other sources too, such as chlorides. Stainless Steel 904L Sheets have excellent weld-ability, with the addition of a small amount of copper in the composition along with the high nickel content.
Some people are familiar with 904L stainless steel since it is a metal widely used in the manufacture of some products, indicating its excellent strength and reliability.
904 vs 316 Stainless Steel:
Corrosion protection: The capacity of any alloy used in maritime applications to withstand prolonged contact with corrosive chemicals is the most significant quality. The corrosion of seawater filters can occur from a variety of sources, including chlorides, and microbiological and crevice corrosion. 904L stainless steel is significantly stronger than 316L stainless steel, with an average PREN value of 36.7. As a result, 904L is more resistant to the corrosion of seawater.
Durability: 904L has more chromium than 316L, which implies it is more likely to impart longer-term protection. Because all stainless steels contain chromium, chromium oxide is formed on the alloy’s surface when chromium interacts with oxygen in the air.
Expense: Some manufacturers may hesitate to make all of their filter screens from 904L because it is approximately 1.3 times more expensive than 316L. Stainless steel 904L filters, however, will last longer and require less money for maintenance than filters made of less robust materials.
Hardness: The Rockwell hardness of both 904L and 316L stainless steel is less than 95, which is common for most stainless steel. This implies they will be able to endure the majority of forces. It is significantly more critical than seawater filter screens to survive internal threats such as chlorine and other corrosion assaults. 904L provides superior overall protection, surpassing 316L.
