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304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Washers – Which One’s Better for You?

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Washers – Which One’s Better for You?

When it comes to stainless steel washers, two of the most widely used grades are 304 and 316. While both offer strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, they’re not always interchangeable. The choice between 304 vs 316 stainless steel washers depends largely on your application, environment, and budget.
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In this blog, Steelicon Stainless—a leading manufacturer of stainless steel washers in India—breaks down the differences between these two grades to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

What Are Stainless Steel Washers?

Stainless steel washers are thin, circular metal discs used with bolts and screws to:

  • Distribute load

  • Prevent fastener loosening

  • Protect the surface beneath

  • Improve structural stability

Thanks to their rust resistance, heat tolerance, and mechanical strength, stainless steel washers are used in construction, marine, automotive, oil & gas, and various industrial applications.

What is 304 Stainless Steel?

304 stainless steel is the most commonly used grade in industrial fasteners and components. It is made primarily of:

  • 18% chromium

  • 8% nickel

Key Benefits:

  • Excellent corrosion resistance in normal atmospheric and indoor conditions

  • High strength and durability

  • Good for general industrial, architectural, and structural use

  • Cost-effective and widely available

What is 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel is similar to 304 but contains an additional element — molybdenum (2–3%), which enhances corrosion resistance.

Key Benefits:

  • Superior resistance to chloride corrosion, saltwater, and harsh chemicals

  • Ideal for marine, chemical processing, coastal, or industrial environments

  • Longer lifespan in aggressive conditions

  • Slightly higher strength and heat resistance compared to 304

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Washers – Key Comparison

Feature

304 SS Washer

316 SS Washer

Corrosion Resistance

High (general environments)

Excellent (marine/chemical)

Chloride Resistance

Moderate

Superior

Price

More affordable

Slightly expensive

Applications

Construction, machinery, interiors

Marine, pharma, chemical plants

Strength & Durability

Strong and durable

Stronger with better heat & chemical resistance

Availability

Widely available

Less available but increasing

When to Use 304 Stainless Steel Washers

Choose 304 SS washers if:

  • Your project is indoors or in a low-corrosion environment

     

  • You’re looking for a cost-effective solution

     

  • The washer will not be exposed to salt, acid, or extreme chemicals

     

  • You’re working on general construction, automotive, or equipment assemblies

When to Use 316 Stainless Steel Washers

Choose 316 SS washers if:

  • The application involves saltwater, moisture, or chemicals

     

  • You’re in coastal areas, marine docks, or chemical plants

     

  • Corrosion could compromise safety or performance

     

  • Long-term durability in harsh environments is a priority

Which One’s Better?

Both 304 and 316 stainless steel washers are excellent choices, but your application decides the winner:

  • For general-purpose use, 304 is reliable and economical.

     

  • For harsh or corrosive environments, 316 is the better investment.

At Steelicon Stainless, we manufacture and supply both grades based on your exact specifications, offering high-quality, precision-engineered washers for every application.

FAQ

The main difference lies in corrosion resistance. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which gives it enhanced resistance to saltwater, chlorides, and chemicals, making it ideal for marine and chemical environments. 304 stainless steel, while also corrosion-resistant, is better suited for general indoor or mildly corrosive conditions.
304 stainless steel washers are more affordable and widely available, making them the most cost-effective option for general-purpose use. 316 stainless steel washers are more expensive due to their enhanced chemical composition and higher resistance to corrosion.
While 304 SS washers offer good corrosion resistance, they are not recommended for marine or coastal environments due to their limited resistance to salt and chlorides. 316 SS washers are a better choice for such applications because they withstand harsh environmental conditions much more effectively.
Yes. Steelicon Stainless manufactures and supplies a wide range of 304 and 316 stainless steel washers, available in various sizes, thicknesses, and custom specifications for industrial and commercial applications.
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