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Two Kinds Of Material Of The Stainless Steel Sink

At the moment, the kitchen sink used in our home is a stainless steel sink, but you know there are 304 and 316 stainless steel materials. Both Type 304 and Type 316 stainless steel are part of the 300 series stainless steel alloy (austenitic alloy) designed for forming and drawing stainless steel sinks.

Among the various stainless steels on the market, 304 and 316 stainless steels are all strength, machinability and corrosion resistance. The key difference is that 316 stainless steels contain about 2-3% molybdenum. This addition adds corrosion resistance, particularly to chlorides and other industrial solvents, making it more suitable for harsh outdoor environments and high exposure applications. Visually comparing two looks of the same metal, polished and abrasive, it is impossible to distinguish which one is type 304 and which type is type 316. The unique properties of each material can be found below the surface and in the chemical composition.

Although both alloys are stainless steel and very similar in content, chromium gives stainless steel luster and durability. There are some key differences in the percentage of chromium, nickel and carbon content in the alloy. Type 304 is the basic chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel, the price is generally low, suitable for a wide range of products and construction applications. As part of the 300 Series it basically consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, sometimes called 18-8 stainless steel. It is non-magnetic and can not be hardened by heat treatment. It is readily available in all its forms. This type is easy to form and manufacture with excellent corrosion resistance.

Regardless of your choice, stainless steel is often the cheapest material choice when considering total life cycle costs. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable. It is estimated that about 80% of stainless steel is recycled at the end of its life to produce more stainless steel, and the process can be carried out indefinitely. This means that resources can be saved, and the same material is continuously recycled through the production chain in a sustainable closed-loop system, making it an eco-friendly material.