What Is The Difference between SUS.304 And SUS.316 Stainless Steel Mixing Tanks?

In every corner of modern life, the brilliance of stainless steel is everywhere. From pots and kitchen utensils in daily life to thermos cups on desks and key equipment on industrial production lines, the application of stainless steel is extensive and far-reaching. However, behind this wide range of applications, for applications that require specific corrosion resistance and processing characteristics, it is particularly important to choose the right stainless steel material.

As a manufacturer of stainless steel jacketed & insulated mixing tank, IMMAY often encounter customers asking about the difference between SUS.304 and SUS.316 stainless steel paste liquid mixing tanks.

Although both materials belong to the austenitic stainless steel family and have many similar properties, they have significant differences in chemical composition and performance. These differences directly affect their applicability in different application scenarios.

The correct choice of stainless steel material can not only ensure product quality, but also extend the service life of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs.

Today, let's take a deep look at the difference between SUS304 and SUS316 stainless steel mixing tanks, and how they meet the needs of different industries to help you choose the most suitable mixing tank material for your product.

1. Before discussing the two types of stainless steel agitator tank, let us first understand what stainless steel SUS.304 and SUS.316 are?

SUS.304 stainless steel: This is a widely used stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and welding performance. Its chemical composition mainly includes 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which give 304 stainless steel good oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance. Therefore, 304 stainless steel is often used in food processing, storage and transportation, as well as agriculture, auto parts, building materials, chemicals and other industries. Due to its good comprehensive performance and relatively low cost, 304 stainless steel is one of the most widely used stainless steels.

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SUS.316 stainless steel is: This is a stainless steel material with higher nickel and molybdenum. Compared with 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel performs better in corrosion resistance and high temperature performance. Its chemical composition adds 2%-3% molybdenum element. The addition of this element forms a dense oxide film on the surface of stainless steel, which can effectively prevent the oxide layer from being destroyed, thereby inhibiting pitting and crevice corrosion. In addition, 316 stainless steel also has better corrosion resistance in chloride ion environments, such as seawater, salt water or chloride-containing environments. Therefore, 316 stainless steel is often used in the manufacture of marine equipment, chemical equipment, medical equipment and other occasions that require high corrosion resistance.

2. What is the difference between SUS.304 and SUS.316 mixing pot?

2.1 Corrosion resistance

SUS304: This stainless steel contains high levels of chromium and nickel, providing good resistance to oxidation and corrosion. It is suitable for most food processing environments, such as the production of beverages, dairy products and other foods.

SUS316: SUS316 containing molybdenum is superior in corrosion resistance, especially in high temperature and chloride-containing environments. SUS316 can provide additional protection, especially in the production of products with high salt content or using natural resources such as seawater.

‌In the cosmetics production process, some raw materials corrode the components of SUS.304 stainless steel, such as benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, boric acid, sorbic acid and other alcohols, aldehydes, pigments, flavors, acids and alkalis, etc. If the cosmetics contain acidic ingredients, they will cause varying degrees of corrosion when in contact with SUS.304 stainless steel. And some cosmetics containing metal ions, such as cream foundation or sunscreen, will cause stainless steel to oxidize, thereby releasing harmful substances such as nickel. Therefore, in the cosmetics production process, we recommend that the material contact layer use SUS.316 material to ensure the quality and chemical stability of the cosmetics products.

2.2 Cost

SUS304: Due to its widespread use in the market and relatively low alloy cost, SUS304 is generally more economical than SUS316. This makes it the material of choice for applications with limited budgets or that do not require extremely high corrosion resistance.

SUS316: Due to the more expensive molybdenum, the cost of SUS316 is relatively higher. This material is generally used in applications that have higher requirements for corrosion resistance to ensure the long-term stability and performance of the equipment.

2.3 Hygiene requirements

SUS304: SUS.304 stainless steel has good antibacterial properties. Its smooth surface and tiny pore structure make it difficult for bacteria and other microorganisms to attach and breed, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, 304 stainless steel meets the basic requirements of food-grade applications and is widely used in food processing and storage equipment.

SUS316: 316 stainless steel is more excellent in corrosion resistance.

The surface of 316 stainless steel is smoother and flatter, with fewer tiny pores, which reduces the living space of bacteria and avoids cross-contamination of food. Therefore, SUS.316 stainless steel is more suitable for applications that encounter more stringent conditions during food processing and storage, such as pharmaceutical grade.

2.4 Processing performance

SUS304: has good processing performance and can be easily cut, welded and formed to suit the design and size requirements of various mixing tanks.

SUS316: Although the processing performance is more complicated than SUS304, it is still sufficient to meet most manufacturing needs. Higher skills and more precise control may be required during the welding process.

2.5 Maintenance and service life

SUS304: Under normal use and maintenance conditions, the service life of SUS304 stainless steel mixing tanks is generally satisfactory. But in harsh environments, more frequent maintenance may be required.

SUS316: Due to its stronger corrosion resistance, SUS316 stainless steel mixing tanks generally require less maintenance and have a longer service life, especially in harsh working environments.

When choosing to buy SUS304 stainless steel mixing tank or SUS316 stainless steel blending mixer tank, you should consider the above factors and make appropriate decisions based on the specific product process requirements, production environment and cost budget. If you still have doubts, you can also consult IMMAY, a manufacturer specializing in the production of stainless steel paste and liquid mixing tank equipment. We will explore the infinite possibilities of stainless steel mixing tanks with you.

3. Which products can SUS.304 mixing pot be used for?

Food industry: dairy products, juice, cooking oil, honey, syrup, soy sauce, beer, liquor, olive oil, ketchup, salad dressing, jam, peanut butter, sesame paste, mustard sauce, curry sauce, etc.

Daily chemical industry: laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, glass washing liquid, floor washing liquid, car washing liquid, hand sanitizer, skin care gel, shoe polish, floor wax, fragrance, conditioner, insecticide, fungicide, plant nutrient solution, mite remover, etc.

Chemical industry: glue, alcohol, grease, engine oil, dye, paint, water-based paint, etc.

4. Which products can SUS.316 mixing container be used for mixing?

Food industry: milk, carbonated beverages, tea beverages, etc.

Pharmaceutical industry: syrup, calcium solution, oral solution, mineral supplements, injections, glycerin, buffer, ethanol solution, dispersant, etc.

Cosmetics industry: facial cleanser, facial water, facial cream, facial mask, shampoo, facial cream, hand soap, floral water, talcum powder, air freshener, anti-prickly heat water, foot powder, cologne, facial cleanser gel, milk, honey, balm, anti-cracking oil, essence , whitening lotion, sunscreen cream , sunscreen water, vaseline, sunscreen oil, firming water, astringent water, moisturizing lotion, hair oil, essential oil, hair wax, sunscreen shampoo, medicated hair milk, conditioning shampoo, aftershave, shaving cream, rouge, lipstick, eye shadow cream, liquid foundation, nail polish, perfume, depilatory cream, mousse, styling water, styling gel water, hair dye shampoo, hair straightener, hair dye cream, hair mousse, hair growth water, acne lotion, freckle cream.

Chemical industry: liquid detergent, dish washer, liquid soap, hand sanitizer, liquid fertilizer, disinfectant, emulsion, urea, pesticide, etc.

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