304 vs 316 vs 430 stainless steel

304 vs. 316 vs. 430 Stainless Steel: A Detailed Comparison

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply high-quality SA 240 GR 304, SA 240 GR 316, and SA 240 GR 430 stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. These grades—304 (UNS S30400), 316 (UNS S31600), and 430 (UNS S43000)—represent different stainless steel families with distinct properties.

This article compares 304, 316, and 430 in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weldability, cost, and applications to help you choose the right material for uses like plat stainless 304 and SA 240 GR 304 pipe. For inquiries, contact us at admin@gangsteel.com or explore our ASME SA 240 stainless steel plate offerings.

Overview of 304, 316, and 430 Stainless Steel

• SA 240 GR 304 (AISI 304, 1.4301): An austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and non-magnetic properties, ideal for food processing and general applications.
• SA 240 GR 316 (AISI 316, 1.4401): An austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum (2-3%), offering superior corrosion resistance in chloride environments, suitable for marine and chemical settings.
• SA 240 GR 430 (AISI 430, 1.4016): A ferritic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance, magnetic properties, and lower cost, used in less demanding environments like appliances.

304 and 316 are austenitic (non-magnetic), while 430 is ferritic (magnetic). All are specified under ASME SA 240 for plates, sheets, and strips.

Chemical Composition Comparison

• 304: High chromium and nickel for corrosion resistance and SA 240 304 non magnetic properties.
• 316: Molybdenum enhances chloride resistance; higher nickel improves toughness.
• 430: Low/no nickel reduces cost but limits corrosion resistance; ferritic structure is magnetic.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

• Strength: 304 and 316 have higher tensile strength than 430 due to austenitic structure.
• Ductility: 304 and 316 offer better formability (higher elongation) than 430.
• Hardness: 316 is slightly harder due to molybdenum; 430 is softer, easier to machine.

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

• 304: Excellent in atmospheric, freshwater, and mild acid environments (food-grade). Outperforms SS204 vs SS 304. Less resistant to chloride pitting (e.g., coastal areas). See sa 240 gr 304.
• 316: Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments (e.g., marine, chemical) due to molybdenum. Preferred for harsh conditions. See sa 240 gr 316l.
• 430: Moderate corrosion resistance in mild environments (e.g., indoor, dry conditions). Prone to pitting in chlorides; less durable than 304/316.

Weldability Comparison

• 304: Good weldability with ER308 fillers; SA 240 GR 304L (low-carbon) preferred for critical welds to avoid sensitization.
• 316: Good weldability with ER316 fillers; SA 240 GR 316L preferred for critical welds. Molybdenum requires careful heat control.
• 430: Limited weldability due to ferritic structure; prone to grain growth and cracking. Requires specialized fillers and pre/post-weld treatment.

Magnetic Properties

• 304/316: Non-magnetic (austenitic) in annealed state, ideal for applications requiring SA 240 304 non magnetic properties. Slight magnetism possible after cold-working.
• 430: Magnetic (ferritic), unsuitable for non-magnetic applications like medical devices.

Cost Comparison

As of October 15, 2025:

Gangsteel offers 304 at $1.60/kg FOB, 316 at $2.50/kg FOB, and 430 on request (MOQ 1 ton). Contact admin@gangsteel.com.

Applications

• 304: Food processing (tanks, plat stainless 304), chemical equipment, architecture (plate 2 mm SUS 304), general-purpose applications. See sa 240 gr 304.
• 316: Marine equipment, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, coastal structures requiring chloride resistance. See sa 240 gr 316l.
• 430: Appliances (e.g., refrigerator panels), automotive trim, indoor decorative parts where cost is critical and corrosion exposure is minimal.

For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 304h or sa 240 gr 321.

Which is Better?

• Choose 304for cost-effective, general-purpose applications (e.g., food-grade, mild environments) with good formability and weldability.
• Choose 316for chloride-heavy environments (e.g., marine, chemical) requiring superior corrosion resistance.
• Choose 430for low-cost, indoor applications with minimal corrosion exposure, accepting magnetic properties and limited formability.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304, 316, and 430 plates with competitive SS 304 plate price starting at $1.60/kg FOB for 304. Our 600+ ton inventory supports global delivery for applications from plat stainless 304 to heavy plates. For quotes or to learn more, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.