AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents vs AISI 316L Stainless Steel (UNS S31603): Marine-Grade Properties
Side-by-side engineering comparison of AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents (ASTM A240/A276) and AISI 316L Stainless Steel (UNS S31603): Marine-Grade Properties (ASTM A240/A276). Compare mechanical properties, chemical composition, density, yield strength, international equivalents, and typical applications to select the right material for your project.
Quick Comparison
| Property | AISI 304 Stainless Steel | AISI 316L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A240/A276 | ASTM A240/A276 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) | 485 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Key Applications | <a href="https://ykwiki.com/materials/ss304/">AISI 304</a> (UNS S30400) is the most common austenitic stainless steel, c... | <a href="https://ykwiki.com/materials/ss316l/">AISI 316L</a> (UNS S31603) is a low-carbon (≤0.03%) austenitic stainless ... |
International Equivalents
| AISI 304 Stainless S Equivalents | AISI 316L Stainless Equivalents |
|---|---|
| EN 1.4301 | EN 1.4404 |
| X5CrNi18-10 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| SUS304 | SUS316L |
| 06Cr19Ni10 | 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| AISI 304 | AISI 316L |
How to Choose
| Choose AISI 304 Stainless Steel when... | 304 is sufficient for indoor, freshwater, and food-contact applications. |
| Choose AISI 316L Stainless Steel when... | 316L adds 2-3% molybdenum for pitting resistance in chlorides—essential for marine, coastal, and chemical processing. |
Frequently Compared Questions
What is the main difference between AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS and AISI 316L Stainless Steel (UNS?
AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS S30400): Properties & Equivalents (ASTM A240/A276) provides 205 MPa (30 ksi) yield strength at 8.00 g/cm³ density, while AISI 316L Stainless Steel (UNS S31603): Marine-Grade Properties (ASTM A240/A276) delivers 170 MPa (25 ksi) at 8.00 g/cm³. The choice depends on whether your application prioritizes cost-effectiveness in mild environments or chloride/corrosion resistance.
Can AISI 304 Stainless Steel (UNS be substituted for AISI 316L Stainless Steel (UNS?
In many applications, these materials can be cross-referenced, but direct substitution should always be verified against specific project specifications, especially for cost-effectiveness in mild environments, chloride/corrosion resistance, and operating environment. Consult your engineer of record.