Whats the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? - Stainless Steel Enclosures | NEMA Enclosures
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How do you know youre getting 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless steel?
You cant tell just by looking at it. Theres no visible difference between two identical pieces of sheet
metal, a polished or grained the exact same way. Thats why you need a material test report (MTR)
of the actual material to validate it as being 304 or 316. We make sure we get one with every
shipment we receive at Nema Enclosures so that we can assure our customers that the enclosure and
its parts are constructed of the exact stainless steel material, as specified and ordered. Some small
parts such as clamps and mounting feet, constructed of 316 stainless steel are specifically marked, in this case a
number 6 within a circle, as shown in the photo above.
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27/11/2014
Whats the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? - Stainless Steel Enclosures | NEMA Enclosures
Type 316 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless and heat-resisting steel with
superior corrosion resistance as compared to other chromium-nickel steels when exposed to many
types of chemical corrodents such as sea water, brine solutions, and the like. Since Type 316
stainless steel alloy contains molybdenum bearing it has a greater resistance to chemical attack than
304. Type 316 is durable, easy-to-fabricate, clean, weld and finish. It is considerably more resistant
to solutions of sulfuric acid, chlorides, bromides, iodides and fatty acids at high temperature. Stainless steels
containing molybdenum are required in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals in order to avoid excessive metallic
contamination. The bottom line is that Type 316 stainless steel costs a little more upfront but you could save a whole
lot on the back end especially if your enclosure is going to be used outdoors. Something worth keeping in mind when
youre designing your next enclosure. To place an order or if you have questions please contact us today at 713-9212233.
For more information on stainless steel electrical enclosures: 304 Stainless Steel 316 Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Enclosures
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