Differences Between 904L And 316L Stainless Steel

Differences between 904L and 316L Stainless Steel

904L is more corrosion resistant than 316L
904L is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance. Compared to 316L, 904L has higher levels of chromium, nickel and molybdenum, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally, 904L is resistant to stress corrosion cracking and pitting.

316L is easier to weld than 904L
While both 904L and 316L are austenitic stainless steels, 904L is known to be less weldable than 316L. This is due to the higher chromium, nickel and molybdenum content in 904L, which makes it difficult to weld without causing hot cracks.

904L is more expensive than 316L
Due to its superior corrosion resistance and weldability, 904L is generally more expensive than 316L. However, the price difference between the two grades of stainless steel will vary depending on market conditions at the time of purchase.

316L is more commonly used than 904L
Despite its superior performance, 904L is not as commonly used as 316L due to its higher cost. In addition, 316L has a wider range of applications due to its good weldability. Some common applications for 316L include food processing equipment, chemical tanks, and marine environments.