These have very similar types of stainless steel: 18/8, 316 or 304. Except for their constitution, properties and applications are totally different with comparing to one another. And even the cost differs a lot in them.
In this article, we discuss when each of the 18/8 vs. 316 vs. 304 stainless steel wrought material might be suitable and what if any performance distinctions may actually exist among those three options.
What Is 18/8 Stainless Steel?
18/8 stainless steel is a common designation referring to stainless steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This is an informal industry term, not a formal standard. Technically, it corresponds to ASTM 304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) or EN 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) in international standards.
How Is 18/8 Stainless Steel Made?
How Is 18/8 Stainless Steel Made? Its chmes ions are first melted than to this alloy in specific shuttle with different quantity of metals (18% Cr, 8% Ni; Fe:50–70%; and C:. Once the alloy is molten, it can be formed into solid shapes like ingots or billets The alloy inoculants are subjected to cold/hot working operations like rolling, forging and annealing; leading the desired shape/size finished goods with proper metallurgical structure & mechanical properties of metal.
Key properties:
- Corrosion resistance: Excellent in mild environments (atmospheric exposure, fresh water, organic acids), but vulnerable to chlorides (fails above 200 ppm at >30°C).
- Structure: Austenitic (non-magnetic when annealed), with superior formability and weldability.
- Mechanical: ~515 MPa tensile strength, 40% elongation – ideal for deep-drawn components.
Typical applications:
- Kitchenware (cutlery, sinks, cookware)
- Food processing equipment (dairy tanks, brewing vessels)
- Architectural trim (interior railings, decorative elements)
- Non-corrosive industrial parts
What Is 316 Stainless Steel?
This is the second most common commercial grade of stainless steel after 304. It is most recognized for its corrosion resistance properties as a result of high Ni and Cr composition, with higher levels than 18/8 & general 304. By adding molybdenum – typically 2 to 3 percent -to the alloy, this increases its resistance substantially in pitting and halide conditions. It has a tensile strength of 621 MPa, however its working temperature is only up to 800 °C.
While 316 stainless steel contains the exact same ratio of minerals as its compliant, lesser-grade brother—namely chromium (16–18%) and nickel (10–14%), it also includes molybdenum. For these applications there is more obviously no typical screw either (less often :), probably some variant of 316 fasteners that contain a minimum amount of molybdenum to help resist corrosion and ensure overall longevity. In addition, it holds strength at high temperatures and exhibits good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, along with modestly oxidizing and reducing environments.
316 stainless steel comes in many different forms. Its most popular variants are F, H, L and N bearings which have different distinguishing features in itself. 316L, for example is actually formulated to contain less carbon therefore already has even higher corrosion resistance when welding or needing greater carbide precipitation. The higher-carbon-content variant (316H) has superior creep resistance and thermal stability.
For more about 316 stainless steel properties, visit our Learning Center.
What is 316 Stainless Steel Made of?
18/8 stainless steel is composed of the same elements, but there are more other materials besides iron in 316 stainless steel: chromium, nickel and molybdenum as well as carbon; manganese silicon small amount nitrogen It extracts out by melting these two in an electric arc furnace or a blast furnace. These are precisely set measures of various substances, used to achieve the exact chemical composition in this case 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and just under >2.
The molten metal is then injected into sketches as: compounds, billets or slabs, to create ultimate forces for the requisite geometry and measurement. Where different methods can include continuous casting or ingotcasting. This casted steel is subsequently put through hot and cold working stages to arrive at its final shape. Many processes for them include: rolling, forging, extruding into sheet and strip, bar form.
The steel is then subject to heat treatment, whereupon the process anneals it and eliminates any stresses caused by stamping while improving ductility and microstructure. This is an important step for obtaining the desired mechanical propertiess. The steel is then descaled of oxides and other impurities. This is usually done with a process called pickling (acid washing) or through an abrasive blasting operation. Lastly the steel cut to length and finished as per end application requirement. This can consist of polishing, grinding, or exterior finishes to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Benefits of Using 316 Stainless Steel
Some of the benefits that 316 stainless steel provides and which ultimately make it so sought after for such a wide range of applications. Some benefits of CBD oil$conCLUSION
- Has high grade corrosion resistance. The molybdenum reduces the material resistance to salt water and 316/317 are more resistant than 314 to pitting in chloride containing solutions.
- Keeps all its strength and mechanical properties up to 650 F
- Comprised of a highly durable construction, they are ready to take on the harshest industrial application.
- Its resistance to corrosion and non-reactive nature also makes it suitable for use in the medical & surgical industry.
18/8 and 316 Stainless Steels: Comparison
Table 1: Properties of 18/8, 316 and 304 stainless steels
| Properties | 316 Stainless Steel | 304/Standard & 18/8 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
|
Density
|
7.87–8.07 g/cm^3
|
7.87–8.07 g/cm^3
|
|
Tensile Strength (MPa)
|
480–621
|
540–750
|
|
Melting Point (°C)
|
1,648–1,673
|
1,450
|
|
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)
|
193
|
193
|
|
Electrical Resistivity (Ω.m)
|
0.69–0.81 x 10-6
|
0.72 x 10-6
|
|
Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K)
|
13–17
|
16.2
|
|
Thermal Expansion (1/K)
|
15–18 x 10^-6
|
17.2 x 10^-6
|
|
Elongation at Break (%)
|
60
|
70
|
|
Hardness (Rockwell B)
|
80
|
70
|
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
Exceptional
|
Excellent
|
|
Magnetic
|
No
|
No
|
|
Formability
|
Good
|
Very Good
|
|
Machinability (annealed)
|
Fair
|
Fair, but better than 316
|
18/8 & 316 stainless steels which is more corrosion-resistant?
Both 18/8 and 316 are resistant to corrosion. Featuring high resistance to both pitting and crevice corrosion, the addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel further increases its robustness compared to an 18/8 or type 304 grade. It is specified for marine use or in certain cases where corrosion resistance is not only desired, but required as with surgical tools.
While 18/8 are resistant to corrosion when exposed in various mediums, they exhibit scale formation when chlorides (from saltwater) is present. This makes unsuitable for marinise applications.
Which Is The Toughest 18/8, 316 And 304 Stainless Steel?
All three wear well, but 316 stainless is the best of the lot – especially in a corrosive environment. It has the highest corrosion resistance to marine environments and will serve for a very long life under saltwater or other corrosives.
Are 18/8 and 316 Stainless Steels Weldable?
18/8 stainless steels can be welded. It is widely used for welding as these steels gives good results. Although 316 is weldable, it can be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in many conditions and has been demonstrated that when subjected to controlled acid etching or autoclaving this will result in the welded portion of type 430 stainless strip being further corroded but because its easy process methods was selected as a candidate host matrix. 316: This low-carbon modification to 316 stainless is generally acceptable but does give good welding results.
Is 18/8 and 316 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Partially magnetic: 18/8 and 316 stainless steels. Nevertheless, the magnetical degree of each of these steels is really low so that they are normally treated as non-magnetic. This particular stainless steels are frequently used in appliances that call for non-magnetic ful steel.
what is the cost of 18/8,316,and304 stainless steels
18/8, 316 and 304 stainless steels: prices vary based on form (sheet, bar, etc.), market conditions and where you’re buying from. As a rough guideline, 316 stainless steel is around 40% more expensive than standard or grade 304 (18/8) stainless steels. They represent one part of their costs, and the surcharges for stainless steel corresponding to December 2023 are as follows: 304—$0.9229-$0.9539 per lb | $316-Approximately a dollardollars34 lbs These surcharges are added to the base price and can fluctuate by supplier from time to time, affected greatly at times due many factors like: alloy content, production cost that incurs or market demand.
An alternative view of cost is garnered from scrap values, where 18/8 stainless steel’s US-scrap price has averaged $0.32 per pound; a top rate was at $.5 and the lowest at $0.2 per solidedge). For stainless 316, the scrap price is around $0.60 per pound Note that scrap prices may vary widely depending on local market conditions and the quality of the materials.
They illustrate the differing material costs and relative cost of a 316 stainless steel, which typically is more expensive because it contains molybdenum that provides even better corrosion resistance compared to 304 or an inox food gravy. The price paid for stainless steel, be it as a raw material or in the shape of scrap also has to do with what is expected from its application; namely corrosion resistance combined with various factors related genetically to strength and presence of such additional elements that may contribute subtly by synergistic effects where higher dynamic performance is specifically assured.
Conclusion
“18/8 stainless steel” is an informal descriptor for 304-type alloys (18% chromium, 8% nickel, zero molybdenum), while 316 stainless steel is a distinct grade containing 2-3% molybdenum for superior chloride resistance. They are not interchangeable in marine, chemical processing, or high-chloride environments. The molybdenum in 316 fundamentally alters corrosion mechanisms by stabilizing the passive film against chloride ion attack—preventing pitting and crevice corrosion that destroys 18/8 components. For non-corrosive applications like indoor architectural elements or food processing with neutral pH, 18/8 (properly certified as ASTM 304) remains cost-effective. However, any exposure to saltwater, bleach, or industrial chemicals demands 316.
