304 grade:
Advantages:
Cost-effective: The most commonly used and cost-effective grade of stainless steel, suitable for most general applications.
Good workability: Easy to weld, cut, bend, and deep-draw, with excellent formability.
Moderate corrosion resistance: Performs well in most indoor and dry environments, resisting everyday oxidation and minor corrosion.
Disadvantages:
Chloride ion sensitivity: Susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in environments with high chloride ion content (such as coastal areas, near swimming pools, and in salt spray environments).
Unsuitable for strong acid and alkali environments: Insufficient corrosion resistance in industrial environments exposed to strong acids or alkalis.
316 Grade:
Advantages:
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Containing molybdenum (Mo), it significantly enhances corrosion resistance against chloride ions, acids, alkalis, and other media, particularly surpassing 304 in pitting and crevice corrosion.
Excellent High-Temperature Strength: Maintains excellent strength and creep resistance even in high-temperature environments.
Suitable for Harsh Environments: Ideal for coastal construction, chemical equipment, medical devices, and marine components.
Disadvantages:
Higher Cost: Due to the addition of rare metal elements such as molybdenum, the price is typically 20-40% higher than 304.
Inferior Machinability: Compared to 304, 316 can be slightly more challenging to process (such as welding and polishing) and requires higher technical skills.
