304 vs 316 stainless steel for food

304 vs 316 stainless steel Corrosion resistance
304 stainless steel: contains about 18% chromium and about 8% nickel. It can form a dense oxide film under normal conditions to resist corrosion from the atmosphere, water and most weak acids and alkalis. However, in chloride ion environments, such as salt water and seawater, its corrosion resistance is limited and pitting corrosion is prone to occur.
316 stainless steel: 2%-3% molybdenum is added to 304 to enhance its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Especially in chloride ion environments, its corrosion resistance is significantly better than 304.
304 vs 316 stainless steel Mechanical properties
304 stainless steel: has good strength and toughness, tensile strength ≥515MPa, yield strength ≥205MPa, elongation ≥40%, can withstand certain external forces, and can be processed by cold bending, stamping, etc.
316 stainless steel: The mechanical properties are similar to those of 304, but in high temperature environments, its strength and anti-oxidation properties are slightly better than those of 304, and it can maintain good structural stability at higher temperatures.
304 vs 316 stainless steel Hygiene and safety
304 stainless steel: It complies with national food hygiene standards, is non-toxic and harmless, will not react chemically with food, and can ensure the hygiene and safety of food.
316 stainless steel: It also meets food hygiene requirements, and because of its better corrosion resistance, it can reduce the dissolution of metal ions, and its hygiene and safety are more guaranteed during long-term contact with food.

Application of 304 stainless steel
Food processing equipment: It is used to manufacture the shells and components of mixers, slicers, grinders, etc. Due to its good processing performance, it can be made into various shapes to meet the needs of different equipment; at the same time, its basic corrosion resistance can also cope with the acid-base environment in general food processing.
Application of 316 stainless steel
Marine food processing: In seafood processing, canned fish production and other fields, 316 stainless steel can resist the erosion of chloride ions in seawater, ensure the long-term stable operation of equipment in harsh environments, and extend the service life of equipment.
High-salt and high-acid food processing: For the processing of pickled foods, kimchi, fruit juice, etc., the excellent corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel can prevent the equipment from being corroded and prevent metal ions from mixing into the food, affecting the food quality and taste.