Selection Criteria + Specific Application Scenarios

304 (06Cr19Ni10)

Selection Criteria: Standard rust resistance, budget-conscious, minimal welding required; carbon content ≤ 0.08%. There is a risk of intergranular corrosion at weld seams; post-weld heat treatment is recommended. Application Scenarios: Indoor stainless steel decorative panels, railings, door frames, kitchenware, sinks, cups, home appliance casings, standard water tanks, general-purpose transport piping, non-welded large components for food machinery, and shelving.

304L (022Cr19Ni10)

Selection Criteria: Low-carbon version of 304 (carbon ≤ 0.03%). Designed for extensive welding; does not require post-weld solution heat treatment, and weld seams are resistant to rusting. Slightly lower strength than 304, with a slightly higher price point. Application Scenarios: Welded stainless steel tanks, air ducts, standard water treatment piping, welded brackets, welded structural components for food processing equipment, welded sheet metal enclosures, and indoor municipal welded structures.

316 (06Cr17Ni12Mo2)

Selection Criteria: Contains molybdenum, offering strong resistance to chloride ions (saltwater, salt spray); carbon ≤ 0.08%. Suitable for corrosive environments, though prone to intergranular corrosion at weld seams if extensive welding is performed. Higher cost than the 304 series. Application Scenarios: Outdoor coastal decorations, swimming pool accessories, welded components for marine environments (limited welding), pharmaceutical containers, cosmetic manufacturing equipment, equipment for mildly acidic environments, and coastal hardware (with minimal welding).

316L (022Cr17Ni12Mo2)

Selection Criteria: Low-carbon content combined with molybdenum; offers the best overall performance among the four in terms of weldability and resistance to chloride ions. Carbon ≤ 0.03%. Corrosion resistance remains uncompromised after welding. Highest price point; strength is slightly lower than that of 316. The preferred choice for chemical industry and marine-related applications. Application scenarios include seawater piping, offshore platform components, wastewater treatment equipment, pipelines for mildly acidic chemical substances, desulfurization equipment, medical implants, complete welding equipment for swimming pools, large-scale welded steel structures in coastal areas, and cleaning equipment exposed to saline environments.