Which is better: SS 316 or SS 410
Stainless steel is widely used in several industries because it fulfills the strength requirements and has powerful corrosion resistance. SS 316 and SS 410 are the two popular stainless-steel types and are suited for particular applications. The most in-demand stainless steels are alloy grades SS 316 and SS 410. SS 316 refers to austenitic stainless steel, whereas SS 410 is referred to as martensitic stainless steel, and there are notable differences between the grades of stainless steel.
What is SS 316?
Stainless steel 316 is rising in importance because it is a popular austenitic stainless steel with added molybdenum content. SS 316 is resistant to crevice and pitting corrosion, such as chloride. This grade of stainless steel has amazing welding and forming characteristics; therefore, it can break into different parts and is mostly applied in the architectural, industrial, and transportation fields.
What is SS 410?
Stainless steel 410 is known as martensitic stainless steel and is similar to non-stainless steel, which becomes hardened by giving heat treatment known as quench and temper. It has 11.5% chromium content which is enough to retain corrosion-resistant properties. It gains maximum corrosion-resistant power after becoming hardened, polished, and tempered.
SS 316 and SS 410 composition difference
Presence of chromium in the Ss 316 chemical composition gives it a good tensile strength. Stainless steel, when compared to carbon steel components, provides better corrosion resistance. There are many classifications of stainless steel, and some grades can outperform others. The nickel and chromium content in 316 stainless steel makes it more corrosion-resistant than 410 stainless steel. This is why 316 SS is mostly used in the coastal region where the salt content is higher and in areas that are more prone to corrosive chemicals and pollution, especially chloride.
Chromium content is a significant factor that contributes to the corrosion-resistant nature of 410 and 316 stainless steel. For example, the chromium content in stainless steel 316 is around 16 to 18%, whereas the chromium content in SS 410 chemical composition is only 11.5 to 13.5%.
The difference in yield strength
SS 316 has better yield strength as the materials are permanently deformed, offering tensile strength and decreased elongation. 316 stainless steel comes with a 520–118 tensile strength, whereas 410 stainless steel comes with a tensile strength of 520–770. Yield strength of 410 stainless steel ranges between 290 to 580, whereas 316 stainless steel has a yield strength of 230–850. 410 stainless steel has more stress which is suitable for specific trend areas, whereas 316 stainless steel can be used in diverse fields.
Cost analysis
There is a significant difference between price of 316 and 410 stainless steel. However, 410 stainless steel is more affordable and economical than 316 stainless steel. This is why products made of 410 stainless steel are more popular among users, as they meet all the standard corrosion resistance requirements at a low cost. Similarly, 316 stainless steel fasteners are popular among contractors working in highly corrosive environments.
Application for S316
· Marine parts
· Chemical industry
· Medical equipment and pharmaceutical equipment
· Forgings and structural steel in the marine environment
· High-temperature casting
Application for SS410
· Decoration
· Kitchen utensils such as forks and knives
· Bolt and nuts
· Home appliance tools and equipment
· Automobile exhaust
Which is better stainless steel 316 or stainless steel 410?
Both SS 316 and SS 410 grades have their corrosion resistance and strength properties to meet the requirements of industries. However, industries and contractors need to choose the right type of material and stainless steel grade based on the job site environment. Every stainless steel grade has different properties and sets of advantages and disadvantages that suit a particular environment; therefore, which stainless steel is better will depend entirely on the site where you want to use the stainless steel.
