Stainless steel wire mesh offers a level of versatility and durability that most mesh media cannot match. With dozens of classifications and specifications, lab technicians and floor engineers must pinpoint the best solution to deliver optimal results.
That said, 300 series and 400 series are often compared as they have similar qualities. But what’s the difference?
W.S. Tyler has worked with woven wire mesh of various alloys for over 140 years and is here to ensure you have the know-how needed to select the best alloy for your operation.
In this article, we establish what stainless steel is, what 300 series stainless steel is, what 400 series stainless steel is, how the two compare, and which alloy you should use.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless Steel is a steel alloy that demonstrates a longer life under severe corrosive and temperature conditions. Generally, there are various types of stainless steel on the market.
The biggest differentiator between stainless steel and other alloys is the quality of the alloy and the amount of carbon it contains.
In order for steel to be classified stainless, it must be made up of a range of .1% - .2% carbon and must also contain more than 12% chromium. As chromium is not typically found in steel, it is added to molten steel in order to bond it on a molecular level.
With that, the main difference between 300 series stainless steel and 400 series stainless steel is their chemical make up.
What Is 300 Series Stainless Steel?
The term 300 series stainless encompasses 9 different alloys: 304, 309, 310, 316, 317, 318, 321, 330, 347. Having said that, the most widely used 300 series stainless steel alloys are 304 and 316.
The other 300 series alloys are used for more special conditions.
Now, 304 stainless steel is an alloy that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 316 stainless steel is an alloy that contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.
What Is 400 Series Stainless Steel?
Generally, 400 series stainless steel refers to 430 stainless steel as it is the most widely used 400 series alloy. This family of stainless steel contains 11% chromium and 1% manganese.
It should also be noted that 400 series stainless steel has a higher carbon content than 300 series. This makes these alloys sturdier and more durable in the right applications.
How Do 300 and 400 series Stainless Steel Compare?
The biggest difference between 300 series and 400 series stainless steel is the alloys nickel content. The absence of nickel is a key indicator that a stainless steel alloy falls within the 400 series.
The lack of nickel in its composition makes 400 series stainless steel far less resistant to corrosion than 300 series. Having said that, all stainless steel alloys are resistant to corrosion, some are just more resistant than others.
Another key difference between 300 series and 400 series is the fact that 400 series has the property of being magnetic.
When it comes to cost, 300 series stainless steel wire mesh typically stands as the most expensive of the two. The difference in price circles back to the fact that 400 series does not have the corrosion-resistant qualities of 300 series.
Which Alloy Should I Use?
The application in which the woven wire will be used for ultimately dictates that alloy that should be used. If the mesh is going to be introduced to harsh, corrosive substances, 300 series alloys should be applied.
With that, if your operation calls for the use of material that is magnetic, such as the processing of food-grade phosphate, 400 series must be used. You can also apply 400 series if you are processing non-corrosive materials, such as food particles or aggregates.
An Effective Operation Starts With Selecting The Right Alloy
The durability and versatility of stainless steel wire mesh help lab technicians and floor engineers achieve optimal results in countless industries. Selecting the right alloy is crucial to this success and the decision often comes down to 300 series or 400 series stainless steel mesh.
300 series and 400 stainless steel are ultimately classified by how much nickel the alloy contains. That said, the alloy you choose is only the tip of the iceberg.
There are several other specifications you must review before you can create the perfect wire mesh solution.
Having worked with woven wire mesh for over 140 years, W.S. Tyler has the expertise needed to provide insight into the perfect mesh specifications for you.
For more information about which mesh specifications work best for you, refer to our article: How to Pick the Right Woven Wire Mesh (Mesh Count, Wire Diameter, and Micron Rating).
The Differences Between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel
All stainless steel is not made the same. Stainless steel is graded. The “grade” of stainless steel refers to its quality, durability, and temperature resistance. Deciphering what stainless steel you need is an important step in your next project involving stainless steel mesh. Type 304 and Type 316 stainless steel metal mesh are two of the most common types used but knowing the difference between the two is important.
304 Stainless Steel
Known as A2 stainless, 304 stainless steel is the most common of the stainless steel family. The most common form of 304 stainless steel is 18-8 or 18/8 stainless steel which contains 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.
304 stainless steel mesh can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes this grade of stainless steel easy to sanitize, an ideal advantage for kitchen and food applications. 304 stainless steel is also common in buildings, decor, and site furnishings.
304 stainless steel is austenitic, meaning it is a solid solution of carbon in a nonmagnetic form of iron. This means this grade of metal mesh is non-magnetic and exhibits poor thermal and electrical conductivity. While it boasts excellent malleability and can be formed into required shapes, it also carries increased corrosion resistance when compared to regular steel. 304 is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions, or from saline environments like the coast.
316 Stainless Steel
316 stainless steel, also known as marine grade stainless or A4 stainless, is well-known for its increased resistance to corrosion and its superb abilities in salt-water and marine applications. While it comes with the same physical properties as 304 as well as similar utilitarian functions, the big difference is the incorporation of molybdenum, generally ranging from 2-3% by composition (although some specialty 300-series stainless steels can contain up to 7-8% molybdenum).
The increased nickel content and the inclusion of molybdenum make 316 stainless steel metal mesh a bit costlier than grade 304 but offer increased corrosion resistance compared to 304—particularly against chlorides and chlorinated solutions. 316 stainless steel is generally used whenever chemical processes and high-salinity environments warrant chloride-resistant features and due to its non-reactive traits, is also widely used in the manufacture of medical & surgical equipment.
Knowing the Difference between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel for Your Purchasing Decision
Austenitic stainless steels are known for their versatility. Lawrence Sintered Metals carries a full assortment of metal meshes in 304 and 316 stainless steel, as well as other grades. The benefits of stainless steel also come with age and proper care as low-maintenance requirements and long service life ensure that architectural and mechanical integrity will be non-issues for years to come.
If you’re planning on using stainless steel in saltwater environments, 316 is the proper alloy. If you’re looking for a durable alloy and superior corrosion resistance isn’t necessary, 304 stainless can work perfectly. To learn more about what each stainless steel can do for you and find the perfect fit for your application, please reach out to us. We will be happy to assist in determining whether 304 or 316 stainless steel is a suitable choice for your metal mesh project.