Knowledge

🎓 Full Analysis: Stainless Steel Grades 201 / 304 / 316 / 430 Explained 2024/09/20

Are You Using the Right Stainless Steel? Understanding Common Grade Differences
Stainless steel is an alloy steel prized for its corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and high strength, widely used in architecture, machinery, food processing, and medical equipment. However, different grades of stainless steel vary in corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Today, we'll look at the most common stainless steel grades to help you quickly choose the right material!

 ➤ Main Classifications of Stainless Steel
  Austenitic Stainless Steel
 ▪️Main Components: Chromium (Cr) 16-26%, Nickel (Ni) 4-22%
 ▪️Properties: High corrosion resistance, excellent ductility, suitable for most applications.
 ▪️Representative Grades: 201, 202, 304, 304L, 316, 316L (Common and widely used).

 
✔ Ferritic Stainless Steel
 ▪️Main Components: Chromium (Cr) 10.5-30%
 ▪️Properties: Good corrosion resistance, magnetic, relatively lower cost.
 ▪️Representative Grade: 430 (Economical grade, common in appliances and decorative metal).


➤ Comparison of Common Stainless Steel Grades & Properties
 
💡Click to view: Stainless Steel Grades Comparison
不銹鋼等級
Grade
類型
Type
特性
Features
應用範圍
Applications
201
201
奧氏體
Austenitic
低鎳、耐蝕性比 304 稍低、價格較便宜
Low nickel, corrosion resistance slightly lower than 304, cheaper price
餐具、裝飾金屬、結構件
Tableware, decorative metals, structural components
202
202
奧氏體
Austenitic
耐蝕性優於 201,但仍低於 304
Corrosion resistance better than 201, but still lower than 304
廚具、低腐蝕環境的結構件
Kitchenware, structural components in low-corrosion environments
304
304
奧氏體
Austenitic
耐蝕性高、適合一般用途
High corrosion resistance, suitable for general use
廚具、建築裝飾、化工設備
Kitchenware, architectural decoration, chemical equipment
304L
304L
低碳奧氏體
Low-carbon Austenitic
焊接後耐腐蝕性更好
Better corrosion resistance after welding
食品儲槽、焊接結構
Food storage tanks, welded structures
316
316
奧氏體
Austenitic
含鉬 (Mo),耐酸鹼與鹽水腐蝕
Contains Molybdenum (Mo), resistant to acid, alkali, and saltwater corrosion
海洋設備、食品工業、醫療器材
Marine equipment, food industry, medical equipment
316L
316L
低碳奧氏體
Low-carbon Austenitic
抗腐蝕性佳,適用於焊接需求
Excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for welding applications
化工管道、醫療設備
Chemical pipelines, medical equipment
430
430
鐵素體
Ferritic
耐熱耐蝕、價格較低
Heat and corrosion resistant, lower price
家電、裝飾金屬、汽車內裝
Home appliances, decorative metals, automotive interiors

 

 ➤ How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel?
 ▪️General Decoration, Architectural Structures → 201 / 202 / 304, good corrosion resistance, economical.
 ▪️Food-Grade Applications, Food Processing Equipment → 304 / 316, meets food-grade standards, does not affect food safety.
 ▪️High-Corrosion Environments (e.g., seawater, chemicals, pharmaceuticals) → 316 / 316L, resistant to acids, alkalis, and saltwater; less prone to rust.
 ▪️Low-Cost Uses (appliances, interior decoration) → 430, low price but still possesses stainless properties.
The choice of stainless steel depends on the application environment, budget, and corrosion resistance requirements. Selecting the right grade ensures equipment durability and cost optimization!


💡 Click Here for Stainless Steel Products! 💡 

📞 Contact Us
If you need stainless steel materials, please contact Guokai Steel!
📧 Email: sales@guokaisteel.com.tw
📩 Official LINE Account: @guokai
Add Guokai Steel on LINE for fast consultation with a steel professional!

【 Copyright Notice 
All content on this website, including text, layout, and images, is original work by Guokai Steel and is protected by copyright. Unauthorized reproduction, extraction, modification, or commercial use is strictly prohibited. If you wish to collaborate or share, please contact us.