As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, generally speaking, 304 stainless steel tends to be less expensive than 316 stainless steel. This price difference is primarily due to the differences in their alloying elements and properties.
304 stainless steel contains a higher percentage of chromium (around 18-20%) and nickel (8-10.5%), while 316 stainless steel contains slightly less chromium (16-18%) and higher amounts of nickel (10-14%) as well as the addition of molybdenum (2-3%). The addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel enhances its corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich environments.
Because of the added nickel and molybdenum content in 316 stainless steel, it is typically more expensive to produce than 304 stainless steel. Therefore, in most cases, 304 stainless steel is cheaper than 316 stainless steel.
However, keep in mind that metal prices can fluctuate due to market conditions, availability, and other factors. Additionally, prices can vary based on region, supplier, quantity ordered, and specific product forms (sheets, bars, tubes, etc.).
If you're considering using stainless steel for a specific project, I recommend getting quotes from multiple suppliers to compare the costs of both 304 and 316 stainless steel in your current market conditions. Always make sure to consider other factors beyond just initial cost, such as the required properties (corrosion resistance, strength, etc.) for your application.
Your message must be between 20-3,000 characters!
