304l vs 316 vs 304h stainless steel

304L vs. 316 vs. 304H Stainless Steel: A Detailed Comparison

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply high-quality SA 240 GR 304L, SA 240 GR 316, and SA 240 GR 304H stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. These grades—304L (UNS S30403), 316 (UNS S31600), and 304H (UNS S30409)—are austenitic stainless steels known for their corrosion resistance, formability, and non-magnetic properties. This article compares 304L, 316, and 304H 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 304L, 316, and 304H Stainless Steel

• SA 240 GR 304L (AISI 304L, 1.4306/1.4307): A low-carbon (≤0.03%) version of 304, optimized for weldability and corrosion resistance in mild environments, ideal for food processing and chemical applications.
• SA 240 GR 316 (AISI 316, 1.4401): A molybdenum-enhanced (2-3%) stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance in chloride environments (e.g., marine settings), suitable for harsh conditions.
• SA 240 GR 304H (AISI 304H, 1.4948): A high-carbon (0.04-0.10%) version of 304, designed for high-temperature strength and creep resistance, used in boilers and heat exchangers.

All three grades are non-magnetic in the annealed state, with a density of ~8.00 g/cm³, and are specified under ASME SA 240 for plates, sheets, and strips.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The key differences lie in carbon, molybdenum, and nickel content, affecting strength, corrosion resistance, and cost:

• 304L: Low carbon (≤0.03%) minimizes sensitization, enhancing weldability.
• 316: Molybdenum (2-3%) improves pitting resistance in chloride environments.
• 304H: Higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) increases high-temperature strength but may reduce weldability.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

• Strength: 316 and 304H have higher tensile (515 MPa) and yield strength (205 MPa) than 304L (485 MPa, 170 MPa) due to higher carbon or molybdenum.
• Ductility: All grades offer ≥40% elongation, ideal for forming (e.g., plat SS 304 3mm).
• Hardness: 316 is slightly harder due to molybdenum, while 304L and 304H are similar.

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

• 304L: Excellent in atmospheric, freshwater, and mild acid environments (food-grade); less resistant to chloride pitting. Outperforms SS204 vs SS 304 due to higher nickel. Ideal for general use.
• 316: Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments (e.g., marine, chemical) due to 2-3% molybdenum. Preferred for coastal or saline applications.
• 304H: Similar corrosion resistance to 304L in mild environments but less suited for chloride exposure. Higher carbon enhances strength at elevated temperatures, not corrosion resistance.

For harsher environments, explore sa 240 gr 317l or sa 240 gr 904l.

Weldability Comparison

• 304L: Excellent weldability due to low carbon (≤0.03%), minimizing sensitization. Uses ER308L fillers, ideal for welded SA 240 GR 304 pipe.
• 316: Good weldability with ER316 fillers, but higher carbon (≤0.08%) may cause sensitization unless carefully controlled. 316L (≤0.03%) is preferred for critical welds.
• 304H: Fair weldability due to higher carbon (0.04-0.10%), increasing sensitization risk. Requires controlled heat input or post-weld annealing. Uses ER308 fillers.

For critical welds, 304L or 316L are preferred over 304H or 316.

Cost Comparison

As of October 15, 2025:

Gangsteel offers 304L at $1.50/kg FOB, 316 at $2.50/kg FOB, and 304H at $1.60/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton). Contact admin@gangsteel.com for quotes.

Applications

• 304L: Food processing (tanks, plat stainless 304), chemical equipment, architecture (plate 2 mm SUS 304), welded structures. See sa 240 gr 304l.
• 316: Marine equipment, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, coastal structures requiring chloride resistance. See sa 240 gr 316l.
• 304H: Boilers, heat exchangers, high-temperature piping requiring creep resistance. See sa 240 gr 304h.

For high-temperature stability, explore sa 240 gr 321.

Which is Better?

• Choose 304Lfor cost-effective, welded applications in mild environments (e.g., food-grade, chemical).
• Choose 316for chloride-heavy environments (e.g., marine, chemical) requiring superior corrosion resistance.
• Choose 304Hfor high-temperature applications (e.g., boilers, heat exchangers) needing enhanced creep strength.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304L, 316, and 304H plates with competitive SS 304 plate price starting at $1.50/kg FOB for 304L. 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.