When selecting stainless steel for demanding industrial applications, 316L and 904L are two popular choices. Both offer excellent corrosion resistance and durability, but they differ significantly in composition, mechanical performance, and cost. In this article, we compare 316L stainless steel and 904L stainless steel across key criteria to help you choose the right alloy for your project.
316L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 316, part of the austenitic stainless steel family. It contains:
16–18% Chromium
10–14% Nickel
2–3% Molybdenum
Low Carbon (<0.03%)
Key Properties of 316L:
Excellent corrosion resistance in marine and moderately acidic environments.
Good weldability and formability.
Resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Common Applications:
Food and pharmaceutical equipment
Marine components
Chemical tanks and piping
Heat exchangers
904L stainless steel is a super austenitic stainless steel with high alloy content, specifically developed for extreme corrosion resistance. It includes:
19–23% Chromium
23–28% Nickel
4–5% Molybdenum
1–2% Copper
Key Properties of 904L:
Superior resistance to strong acids (sulfuric, phosphoric).
High resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Maintains strength and toughness at elevated temperatures.
Non-magnetic in all conditions.
Common Applications:
Acid processing plants
Offshore and marine systems
Pharmaceutical and chemical reactors
Heat exchangers handling aggressive media
| Property | 316L Stainless Steel | 904L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Content | 10–14% | 23–28% |
| Molybdenum Content | 2–3% | 4–5% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (general and marine) | Superior (acidic, chloride, seawater) |
| Strength | Moderate | Higher mechanical strength |
| Price | More economical | Significantly more expensive |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Weldability | Very good | Requires more care during welding |
Choose 316L if your application is in a moderately corrosive environment, such as food processing, medical equipment, or marine structures exposed to seawater.
Choose 904L for aggressive corrosive conditions, especially acidic media, chloride-rich environments, or high-end chemical and offshore installations.
While 316L offers a good balance of performance and cost, 904L outperforms in extreme environments — making it a premium choice where long-term reliability is critical.
Understanding the differences between 316L and 904L stainless steel is essential for making informed material selections. At SAKY STEEL, we supply both grades in various forms including plates, coils, bars, tubes, and flanges — all compliant with international standards such as ASTM A240, A312, A182, and more.