Where do you want to use stainless steel tubes in the marine, aerospace, or food and beverage industry? Asking this question is a must since the application of both 316, and 304 stainless steel tubes vary depending on the environment. For example, if you only want to pass oil and gas through SS pipes, then 304 grade might work for you. But if you’re going to use stainless steel tubes in marine applications, then 316 grade would be a better choice.
The primary reason behind this phenomenon is that salty water damages the protective oxide layer of 304 stainless steel, resulting in corrosion. But that’s not the case with 316 steel pipes. Let’s see some of the major benefits of 316 stainless steel tube that 304 lacks:
1 – Corrosion-resistant
Have you ever wondered why 316 stainless steel pipes are more corrosion-resistant than 304 steel tubes? It’s the addition of molybdenum that helps 316-grade tubes fight rusting and maintain a longer life. Besides this, 316 stainless steel tube is the ideal material to use in highly acidic and caustic environments, given that molybdenum helps in reducing pitting. If you don’t know what pitting means, it is the extreme form of corrosion that causes small holes in metallic substances.
2 – Lasting durability
The durability of 316 stainless steel tubes is more than its 304 counterparts. Its robust and versatile property makes it a perfect choice to build customized products that intend to last for years. What’s more, the engineers design 316-grade steel in such a way that it can withstand repeated exposure to high-impact processes.
3 – Marine applications
Do you know that seawater or saltwater is not suitable for the health of metals? The chlorides are pretty harmful to stainless steel materials, especially 304 grade. That means the usage of 304 stainless steel materials in the marine industry might result in corrosion. But if you use grade 316 stainless steel pipes in marine applications, it will offer better salt and chloride pitting resistance.