Introduction of stainless steel
When choosing a stainless steel that must withstand corrosive environments, usually austenitic stainless steels (stainless steel) are used. This steel consists of two metals: cream (between 18 and 20%) and nickel (between 8 and 10.5%) as non-main components of iron. The existence of these two elements, as well as having excellent mechanical properties, brings good resistance to corrosion for this steel. In addition, many austenitic stainless steels have good welding and forming capabilities.
Types of gold leaf grades
There are different types of steel sheets, including; Steel sheet 304, 316, 309, 321, 310, 430 and pointed. Of these, 304 and 316 steel sheets are the most common types of stainless steel that are used in many projects.
The difference between 304 and 316 steel
At first, it is worth mentioning that the mechanical properties of both are almost similar, but the main difference between 304 and 316 steel is that the 316 grade contains more nickel and molybdenum, and this increased nickel and molybdenum causes that 316 steel is slightly Be more expensive than grade 304.
Steel 304 is a standard component of 18.8 stainless steel. This steel sheet is available in a wide range of products and has outstanding forming and welding capabilities.
On the other hand, 316 stainless steel is commonly used in many industrial jobs that include processed chemicals as well as high salt environments such as coastal areas and open spaces where antifreeze salts are common. Due to its non-reactive characteristics, steel 316 is also used in the manufacture of surgical medical devices. The body of steel 316 is more resistant than grade 304 in terms of corrosion resistance, especially against chloride and chlorine solution, which is One of the factors is its price increase compared to 304 steel, and it makes stainless grade 316 more desirable for places that are exposed to salt. However, for projects with mild acids or places Where the material is not exposed to salt, and also where high formability is required, grade 304 can be a good choice. The higher molybdenum content in grade 316 can have adverse effects on its ductility, so sheet steel 304 is a better choice. In addition, in projects with financial constraints, 304 steel sheet is cheaper than 316.
As a result; In situations where the materials are submerged or continuously exposed to water, or projects that require great difficulty and when the environment contains a large amount of corrosive elements, 316 steel sheet is a better choice and is worth the higher cost. It has.Applications of steel 304
- Food processing equipment, especially milk
- Kitchen chairs, sink, freezer, equipment and other accessories
- Architectural panels such as fences
- Chemical tanks, including chemical transfer tanks
- heat exchangers
- Woven or welded plates for mining and water filtration
- Connectors
- springs
Applications of 316 steel
- Food preparation equipment, especially in chloride environments
- Bench and laboratory equipment
- Coastal architectural panel, fences
- Boat connections
- Chemical containers, including in transport
- heat exchangers
- Woven or welded plates for mining and water filtration
- Connectors
- springs
And finally, if your project is in a highly corrosive environment or where chlorides are evident, then paying more for 316 steel is definitely worth it. Because in such projects, grade 316 will be stainless for a longer time than steel 304, and this means a longer life of this steel sheet.
