416 ss vs 316 ss:Stainless Steel Ultimate Guide
Stainless steel is one of the unique and prime materials known for its numerous applications from kitchen utensils to industrial sector in everyday life. It comprises of different grades which are distinct among one another based on composition properties and various other factors. In this article, a detailed comparison between 416 and 316 stainless steel grade which will ultimately guide you to the way for choosing specific grade according to the required application. Both grades are well known for their properties like corrosion resistance, machinability with great performance under load. So, whether you are a metallurgist, engineer or from any other profession, this article will provide you with a good understanding as well as a precise comparative analysis for both grades.
AISI 416 Stainless Steel
A martensitic stainless steel which is well known for its exceptional machinability and its ability to withstand load under high stress. It is magnetic in nature with capabilities to alternate its microstructure when heat treated at extremely high temperature and making itself available for high strength applications. Furthermore, it is generally used in gears, fasteners, valves, and other parts that extensively demand high machining as well as corrosion resistance.
Figure 1, 416 Grade SS
YouTube Link:
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AISI 316 Stainless Steel
A marine grade steel which is known for offering high corrosion resistance, durability with exceptional strength capabilities. It comprises of high nickel and chromium content with other alloying elements. Furthermore, the presence of molybdenum in its composition makes this material favorite for harsh and aggressive environments that are exposed to corrosive chemicals. Major applications include construction, aerospace, automotive and vice versa.
Figure 2, 316 Grade SS
YouTube link:
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What are the Differences Between Stainless Steel 316 and 416?
Several factors based on which a detailed comparative analysis between both the grades can be done are discussed one by one below:
Chemical composition Chart
Table 1, Chemical composition
Element |
316 SS (% age) |
416 SS (% age) |
C |
≤ 0.08 |
0.15 |
Cr |
16.0 to 18.0 |
12.0 to 14.0 |
Ni |
10.0 to 14.0 |
≤ 1.25 |
Mo |
2.0 to 3.0 |
- |
Mn |
≤ 2.0 |
1.25 |
Si |
≤ 1.00 |
1.00 |
P |
≤ 0.045 |
0.06 |
S |
≤ 0.030 |
0.15 to 0.35 |
Fe |
Balance |
Balance |
316 vs 416 Stainless Steel Properties
Density
The 316 grade of stainless steel is comparatively denser usually between 7.9 - 8.0 g/cm³. On the other hand, 416 SS grade comprises of density i.e., 7.7 - 7.9 g/cm³.
Strength
The 316 grades of stainless steel have higher tensile strength usually between 520 - 1180 MPa. On the other hand, 416 SS grade comprises i.e., 510 - 800 MPa. Therefore, 316 grade is a good option for applications demanding high strength.
Hardness
The 316 grades of stainless steel have Brinell hardness value that usually lies between 160 - 360. On the other hand, 416 SS grade comprises i.e., 230 - 320. Hence, Brinell Hardness values of both the grades show that 416 grade is harder than 316 grade SS.
Tensile Strength
The 316 grades of stainless steel have higher UTS usually between 520 - 1180 MPa. On the other hand, 416 SS grade comprises of UTS lying between 510 - 800 MPa. Therefore,316 grade is ideal choice for the applications requiring high tensile strength.
Yield Strength
The 316 grades of stainless steel have higher yield strength usually between 230 - 850 MPa. On the other hand, 416 SS grade comprises of UTS lying between 290 - 600 MPa. So, based on this data 316 grade is comparatively stronger.
416 vs 316 Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistance
Grade 316 has greater corrosion resistance due to the presence of various elements present in its composition especially higher percentage of molybdenum and nickel therefore this steel has vast variety of applications including medical, food processing and in particular marine equipment while grade 416 comprise of low resistance to corrosion but there are other factors also based on which appropriate choice should be made when selecting for a specific application.
Hardened by Heat Treatment
Both grades have distinct response to heat treatment which is as following:
Quenching:
- Stainless Steel 316: No quenching is done rather cold worked or strain hardened to increase hardness.
- Stainless Steel 416: Heated to a temperature ranging between 950-1050°C followed by rapid cooling usually in water or oil to attain martensitic structure. Thus, increasing both strength and hardness.
Tempering:
- Stainless Steel 316:No tempering rather stresses are reduced via stress relieve annealing at 550-800°C.
- Stainless Steel 416:Tempering is done after quenching to acquire adequate balance between toughness and hardness. For that, the quenched SS is reheated usually at 300-700°C with a certain soaking time before cooling.
Weldability
316 grade SS has good weldability due to its FCC structure (conductive to welding) and variety of welding techniques could be employed for welding this material. On the other hand, 416 grade SS has poor welding ability due to its martensitic nature and contains sulfur which enables way for cracking which ultimately required post treatment after welding.
Machining service
416 grade SS has high machinability due to sulfur addition in its composition making it a perfect choice for the components that require high machining. In comparison to this, 316 grade SS has low machining ability because of high Ni content present in its composition. However, it can be machined under extreme care to avoid any cavities that may become the reason for corrosion.
Cost Difference
316 grade SS is way more expensive as compared to 416 grade stainless steel as far as cost is concerned. This comparison is made based on their ability to provide corrosion resistance and long-term protection and sustainability.
Common Applications
Stainless Steel 416
Figure 3, 416 Grade SS Applications
Stainless Steel 316
Figure 4, 316 Grade SS Application
Summary 316 vs 416: A Comparative Chart
Table 2, Comparative chart
Property |
316 Grade SS |
416 Grade SS |
Composition |
Cr, Ni, Mb |
Cr, S, Mn |
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent |
Good |
Machinability |
Moderate |
Excellent |
Strength |
Lower |
Higher |
Hardness |
low |
High post heat treatment |
Heat Treatment |
No |
Yes |
Density(g/cm³) |
~8.00 |
~7.75 |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
515-690 |
550-690 |
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel 316 and 416
Stainless Steel 316
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Stainless Steel 416
Pros | Cons |
|
|
When to Use 416 SS or 316 SS?
416 SS in Dynamic Applications
Can be extensively used in applications that demand enhanced machinability which allows this material to acquire any shape, design of a specific component such as valves, gears and various mechanical parts.
Utilizing 316 SS in Corrosive Environments
Extensively used for applications that demand high corrosion resistance against harsh and aggressive environmental conditions making it a preferred choice for marine applications, medical and petrochemical industries.
What Can Tuofa Machining 316 and 416 do for You?
Enhance your operations with Tuofa's specialized CNC machining for 316 and 416 stainless steel. Opt for 316 for unmatched corrosion resistance in harsh environments, ideal for marine and chemical applications. Choose 416 for its excellent machinability, perfect for precision components requiring intricate detailing. Rely on Tuofa's expert handling and rigorous quality assurance to maximize the unique properties of each material, ensuring your parts perform optimally in their specific applications.
FAQs
What material is equivalent to SS 416?
416 grade SS is considered equivalent to 410 grade SS due to their composition as well as mechanical properties with both offering low corrosion resistance.
Is 416 ss better than 316 ss?
It totally depends on the specific application requiring these materials. For good corrosion resistance, 316 SS is best choice while 416 SS is better choice in terms of good machinability.