What's the Difference? 18-8 or 316

18-8 Stainless Steel

The most widely used of the stainless steels is a term used to describe the 300 series stainless steel alloys. Type 302, 303, 304, 305, and others of this series of close chemical compositions are all in the 18-8 family. 18-8 series contains approximately 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel, 2% Manganese. Corrosion properties of the 18-8 series are similar and all provide excellent performance in most applications. 18-8 stainless corrosion resistance is superior to 410 stainless as is 316 stainless superior to 18/8. (see chemical composition of stainless chart)

316 Stainless Steel

Increasing the nickel content by 2-4% Combined with the addition of 2-3% of molybdenum give 316 much better corrosion protection, as well as higher strength at elevated temperatures than 18-8 stainless steel.Often used in corrosive environments such as chemical equipment, and a multitude of marine applications.

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