I know what you’re thinking, 303 vs. 304 stainless steel, they’re just the same, right? Not quite.
Even an expert with decades of experience can tell you the difference between 303 and 304 stainless steels. So, in this blog, we’ll give you the information you need to easily be able to figure out whether you need 303 or 304 stainless steels, so you don’t have to dig deep yourself!
Will 303 Stainless Steel Rust?
Source: Anson Steel
Yes, 303 stainless steel can rust, especially in chemically harsh and extreme environments. However, it’s best to know that like many of its cousins in the stainless steel 300 series, it has good-quality corrosion resistance. It has good-to-moderate resistance to mild corrosion, making it a decent choice.
Is 304 Stainless Steel Rustproof?
Source: Navstar Steel Corporation
The answer is no, 304 stainless steel isn’t rustproof. However, it has a better, higher, and more effective corrosion resistance factor compared to 303 stainless steel, making it a better choice for marine, chemical, and gas industry applications.
NOTE: It’s better than 303 in corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel is resistant to alkaline solutions and mild acids.
316 vs. 303 vs. 304 Stainless Steel: Which Fits Your Application Best?
When choosing the best stainless steel grade, it’s imperative that you understand each of the grades in question. Doing so gives you enough knowledge to compare and check where they’re the most suitable with.
Check this video out that tackles the comparison between 304 and 316 stainless steel!
For 303 vs. 304 vs. 316 stainless steel, we prepared a table that would help outline differences these grades have. From what they’re made of, their properties, and even pricing, you can refer to this table for more information!
| Property | 303 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 316 Stainless Steel | |||
| Composition | Contains added sulfur and phosphorus for better machinability. | Has a balanced mix of chromium and nickel for corrosion resistance. | Includes molybdenum for superior resistance against chloride corrosion. | |||
| Strength & Durability |
|
|
| |||
| Corrosion Resistance | Good resistance to mild environments; sulfur addition slightly reduces corrosion resistance. | Excellent resistance to a wide range of environments and corrosive environments. | Superior resistance, especially against chlorides and marine environments, due to molybdenum content. | |||
| Machinability | Enhanced machinability due to added sulfur; ideal for high-speed machining applications. | Adequate machinability but can be challenging without proper tools and techniques. | Lower machinability; requires appropriate tooling and techniques for effective machining. | |||
| Temperature Resistance |
|
|
| |||
| Weldability | Not recommended for welding; sulfur can cause hot cracking. | Excellent weldability; commonly used in welded applications. | Good weldability; often used in welded structures requiring high corrosion resistance. | |||
| Applications | Nuts, bolts, screws, gears, and other components requiring extensive machining. | Kitchen equipment, storage tanks, piping, and architectural trim. | Marine equipment, chemical processing equipment, and medical devices. | |||
| Cost | Generally more affordable due to ease of machining. | Moderately priced; widely available and versatile. | Higher cost attributed to enhanced corrosion resistance and alloying elements. |
As you can see, they’re all different–it’s like all of them are different products! 303 stainless steel is optimal for applications requiring extensive machining but is less suitable for corrosive environments and welding.
304 stainless steel offers a balance of corrosion resistance, weldability, and affordability, making it versatile for various applications.
And lastly, 316 stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments, making it ideal for marine and chemical applications, albeit at a higher cost.
Is 303 Stainless Steel Food Grade?
Contrary to popular belief, 303 stainless steel is NOT food grade. Meaning, it’s not ideal or safe to be combined with items and produce that entail human consumption.
The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) says that using 303 steel, along with using alloys with leachable copper, lead, or other toxic materials is prohibited in the 3-A Sanitary Standards (1).
Which Stainless Steel Grade is the Best?
It depends on what “the best” is in your perspective. For instance, in terms of industrial and medical use, 316 stainless steel is the best because of its superiority in corrosion resistance.
On the other hand, for food, cookware, and other types of kitchenware, 304 stainless steel takes the crown because of its affordability, resistance against oxidizing acids, and sanitization purposes.
Overall, though, 316 stainless steel is what many consider as the all-around stainless steel grade that is applicable and effective for many different applications.
HDC as Your #1 303 or 304 Stainless Steel Manufacturer
Years ago, the metal industry boomed, paving way for manufacturers like us here at HDC a chance to perform. Fast-forward to today, and we’re rated as the country’s most trusted stainless steel manufacturer, servicing the whole world.
Our expertise in handling, machining, forming, and even sourcing 303, 304, 316, or any stainless steel grade remains unmatched.
So, if you ever need custom 303 or 304 stainless steel components, feel free to reach out to us. We’re equipped with the most seasoned engineers and experts to make your metal and plastic prototypes a reality.
If you ever need help in building projects, whether you’re in the automotive industry, the manufacturing industry, medical, or even the transportation industry, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’ll get you a free estimate of the service or product you require!
Discover more with our blog posts.
Recent Posts
Discover more about our products.
Related Products
Instant Quote!