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304 VS 316

304 Stainless steel is comprised of 18%chromium and 8% nickel. This is referred to as 18/8 stainelss steel. 304 stainless steel offers ease of cleaning, prevention of product contamination,and has good resistance to corrosion for moderately acidic or caustic solutions.

316 Stainless steel adds 2% molybdenum to the stainless steel which offers greater chemical resistance, and resistance to corrosion, pitting and oxidation. The 316 and 316L(Low Carbon) are more resistant to solutions of sulfuric acid, chlorides, bromides, iodides, and fatty acids at high temperatures. For pharmaceutical applications, the addition of the molybdenum in the stainless steel offers protection against metallic contamination.