Steam trap troubleshooting is a necessary step in diagnosing problems that will arise at some point in the life cycle of your steam system. Therefore, it’s important to schedule routine testing of your steam traps. Steam trap failure is caused by improper removal of the condensate. When the steam trap shows signs it can no longer remove condensate from the steam system efficiently, it’s a sign the traps are failing. Increased inefficiency means wasted fuel and an overall increase in production costs.(more…)
Do you find yourself sitting around your kitchen and instantly feeling like you are stuck back in the 80’s? Sick of staring at those paltry plastic knobs on your cabinets? Or perhaps you have little wooden dowels that double as your cabinet hardware? It’s time to fast forward your kitchen into the 21st century. Below we share some tips on transforming your kitchen into the modern era by updating cabinet hardware. (more…)
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century introduced the use of steam as a means of generating power, performing work and delivering heat to industrial process systems. Today, in industrial and commercial facilities and plants, as well as the marine industry, steam is still used commonly as a source of energy—for heating, processing, and power. Steam traps are used anywhere there is a steam-powered system to discharge condensate, that is, the liquid that builds up in the pipelines, along with other non-condensable gases, to relieve the pressure in the lines and regulate the flow of steam within in it. To do this effectively, steam traps are placed at intervals along the pipelines. But what exactly is a steam trap and how does it work?(more…)
When you are building a new home, or remodeling your current kitchen, choosing your kitchen cabinets is a crucial step in the overall look and feel of your home. You invest a good amount of time on deciding the color and style of your kitchen cabinets, but sometimes the hardware decision is rushed and made without regard to the look and style quality cabinet hardware can add to your kitchen. Below we will discuss choosing cabinet hardware, and cover a few different styles available today. (more…)
When your drawers stick, bind, won’t move, or make unpleasant noises, you may need to replace the drawer slides. Whether installing replacement drawers or replacing slider hardware on existing drawers, knowing how to measure drawer slides is integral to the use and longevity of your drawers. (more…)
Float balls are used for much more than the plastic float balls found in toilets. Float balls are ideal for boiler systems, oil fields, water management and refrigeration. Nearly every industry that requires liquid level controls, measurements, and control switches has a need for float balls, and having the correct float balls can mean the difference between success and dangerous equipment failure.
Float balls are typically made of either metal or plastic and each have their own benefits. Though there are times when either plastic or metal float balls can be used, most scenarios call for either one or the other. Read on to learn more about the differences between stainless steel vs plastic floats! (more…)
Stainless steel can be finished using a variety of techniques. When talking about brushed stainless steel and satin stainless steel, these two finishes have a lot in common, and many consumers use the terms synonymously. This leads to a lot of confusion when making a finish selection. Let’s examine the similarities, differences, pros and cons of choosing brushed vs satin finish stainless steel. (more…)
The most widely used types of stainless steel are graded as 304 and 316. The grading system used to classify these two steel grades comes from a numbering system started by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), one of the oldest trade unions from 1855. These classifications indicate their compositions, with most stainless steels rated in the 200s and 300s considered austenitic. The austenitization process involves heating the iron, iron alloy, or steel to a point where it changes its crystalline structure from ferrite to austenite.
What’s the Difference Between 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel
Though difficult to distinguish between the two with the naked eye, the distinctive properties between 304 vs 316 stainless steel make each better for specific applications.
About 304 Stainless Steel
The most commonly used of the austenitic stainless steel, the 304 grade, comprises 8-10.5 percent of nickel and 18-20 percent of chromium. Alloys also include other elements – including carbon, manganese, and silicon – with the rest of the composition being primarily iron. With the high nickel and chromium content, the 304 grade of stainless steel offers excellent protection against corrosion.
Common applications for 304 stainless steel include:
Automotive moldings and trim
Commercial equipment used for processing food
Electrical enclosures
Fasteners and finishing hardware like nuts, bolts, screws, plates, and handles
Harsh environments where carbon steel readily corrodes
Heat exchangers
Interior architecture and decorative hardware, such as panels and sculptures
Piping
Pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils and implements
Residential kitchen appliances
Residential sinks and their components
Storage tanks
Tubing for equipment
Wheel covers
One notable difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is their levels of nickel and chromium. The former grade usually has a higher chromium content, while the latter generally contains more nickel.
About 316 Stainless Steel
The 316 grade is also mostly comprised of iron. Similarly, it contains high amounts of nickel and chromium – at 10-14 percent and 16-18 percent, respectively – as well as smaller amounts of carbon, manganese, molybdenum, and silicon. For this reason, the 316 grade of stainless steel tends to be the preferred choice for use in marine environments.
Common applications for 316 stainless steel include:
Cisterns and piping used in chemical applications
Commercial kitchens and appliances
Containers used to hold pressurized gasses or liquids
Equipment for chemical storage and processing
Equipment used for industrial and chemical transportation
Marine components
Marine settings
Medical devices and equipment not requiring surgical steel
Outdoor electrical enclosures
Outdoor furnishing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Refinery infrastructure
Seafood production and other food processing in saline environments
The main difference between 304 vs. 316 stainless steel involves the 316 grade’s much higher molybdenum levels, typically 2-3 percent by weight and provide better corrosion resistance.
What Type of Stainless Steel Contains Molybdenum?
The name for the chemical element molybdenum evolved from the ancient Greek word for lead, as it was often confused with lead ores. It is not found alone as a metal but as an oxide in various minerals. Silvery-gray in appearance, has one of the highest melting points of any element. This property provides incredible strength and stability to steel alloys, so its most common use involves steel production.
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know
When looking at these two steel grades, both look similar in appearance and have comparable chemical compositions. Both resist rusting and corrosion well while also offering added durability. 316 stainless steel’s higher cost can be attributed to its better corrosion resistance. Because of this price differential and the limited environments in which 316 steel is advantageous, the 304 grade is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel.
Because of its better corrosion resistance, the stainless 316 grade costs more. This higher grade is especially recommended for applications that expose an alloy to chlorinated solutions and chlorides, including seawater. It can add years to the life of components or equipment exposed to harsh and corrosive conditions, particularly if it involves exposure to salts. Yet, for most applications, the 304 grade will work perfectly well. In summation, when looking at 304 vs. 316 stainless steel, for applications that require superior resistance to corrosion or water, use 316 stainless. For other applications, 304 stainless will work just fine.
To summarize, 316 steel is worth the expense if you need superior corrosion resistance and your application contains water. If not, 304 steel will serve your needs just fine.
Discovering the nuances between 304 and 316 stainless steel can guide you in selecting the right material for your specific needs. Understanding these differences is crucial, whether it’s for automotive, marine, industrial, or residential applications. Make an informed choice to enhance the longevity and performance of your projects. Make a wise selection between 304 and 316 stainless steel to ensure long-lasting results. Reach out to us today for more information.
Stainless steels are mainly used when corrosion or oxidation is an issue, as the function that they perform can’t be duplicated by other materials for their cost. Over 100 years ago, it was discovered that a minimum of 12% chromium would impart corrosion and oxidation resistance to steel; hence the name “stainless steel”. Several different types of grades of stainless steel have been developed. Below are the different stainless steel grades explained. (more…)
Your kitchen is the central hub of your home. Most people consider the kitchen to be the most important room of the house. You most likely start your day in the kitchen with a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat with your family. Everyone gravitates toward the kitchen to socialize, and it’s where you prepare meals and eat together. Kitchens are a main bonding area of the home. A highly functioning and aesthetically pleasing kitchen is an investment in your family’s health and happiness. All the little details matter, especially choosing your modern kitchen cabinet hardware. Below we discuss the three main types of kitchen cabinet hardware that can help improve the functionality of your kitchen, while providing a modern facelift. (more…)
Do you find yourself sitting around your kitchen and instantly feeling like you are stuck back in the 80’s? Sick of staring at those paltry plastic knobs on your cabinets? Or perhaps you have little wooden dowels that double as your cabinet hardware? It’s time to fast forward your kitchen into the 21st century. Below we share some tips on transforming your kitchen into the modern era by updating cabinet hardware. 
