Rust is the process where iron molecules combine with oxygen in the presence of water. Stainless steel has the compositional ability to form a protective surface that prevents such corrosion. Stainless steel alloys contain either chromium and nickel or chromium and manganese.

Stainless Steel 304 Round Bars are known for its tensile strength, increased corrosion resistance and high fabrication ability. 304 SS Round Bars are highly versatile and extremely durable. The most common form of Stainless Steel 304 Round Bars is 18/8 which contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The chromium content provides the corrosion and oxidation resistance of these bars. It is non-magnetic and exhibits poor thermal and electrical conductivity.

316 Stainless Steel Round Bars are used majorly for marine applications. 316 SS Round Bars has similar structure as that of Stainless Steel 304 Round Bars apart from an addition of 2-3% molybdenum which further improves the steel’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion and has excellent weldability.

304 vs 316 SS Round Bar Strength

Grade 304 offers Yield Strength .2% offset = 30,000 / Ultimate Tensile Strength = 80,000 / Elongation = 50%. Hardness R = 90 max, while grade 316 offers Yield Strength .2% offset = 30,000 / Ultimate Tensile Strength = 80,000 / Elongation = 50%. Hardness R = 90 max.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Round Bar Machinability

Calcium Injection Treatment gives 316, an improved machinability without degrading any other features. Small sulphur addition of about 0.005 to 304, however can increase machinability by 50 percent or more.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Round Bar Price

When comparing the price, 304 stainless stands to be cheaper in cost, which is one reason for its popularity and widespread use as compared to 316.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Round Bar Uses

304 is used for electric enclosures, kitchen equipments and storage tanks among others while 316 is more suitable for chemical and pharmaceutical equipments, marine applications among others.

At Hitesh Metal, all of our stainless steel round bars products available as per the various standards like ASTM, ASME, AMS, UNS, ISI, ANSI, and more and they meet the required 304 SS Round Bars Specification as well as the 316 SS Round Bars Specification. Please see our size chart or contact us directly for more information.