304 / 321 / 316L / 347 Stainless Steel Selection Comparison Chart

Jul 07,2026

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304 / 321 / 316L / 347 Stainless Steel Selection Comparison Chart 

Comparison item 

304 ( 06Cr19Ni10 ) 

321 ( 06Cr18Ni11Ti ) 

316L ( 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 ) 

347 ( 06Cr18Ni11Nb ) 

Key Alloy Characteristics 

Standard 18-8 Austenitic stainless steel 

Add \\  Titanium (Ti) \  Stabilization 

Add Molybdenum (Mo) , low-carbon 

Add \\  Niobium (Nb) \  Stabilization 

Core Advantages 

Well-balanced overall performance and excellent value for money. 

High-temperature resistance and intergranular corrosion resistance 

Chloride-ion resistant, pitting-corrosion resistant / Crevice corrosion 

Ultra-high temperature stability and optimal creep resistance 

Maximum long-term operating temperature 

≤425℃ 

425 ~ 850℃ 

≤450℃ 

500 ~ 950℃ 

Intergranular corrosion 

The sensitized zone is prone to corrosion after welding. 

Excellent , no post-weld solution treatment required 

The low-carbon version exhibits better resistance to intergranular corrosion. 

Excellent , no carbides precipitate under long-term high-temperature service conditions. 

Chloride-ion corrosion resistance 

Generally, prone to pitting corrosion. 

General 

Excellent , seawater, saline conditions 

General 

High-temperature strength / Creep resistance 

General 

Good 

General 

Optimal 

Weldability 

Good 

Excellent, with stable post-weld performance. 

Excellent 

Excellent 

Cost price range 

Minimum 

Medium 

Slightly high 

Relatively high 

Typical Use Cases 

General-purpose equipment at ambient temperature, ordinary pipelines, food-processing equipment, and standard structural components. 

High-temperature pipelines, boiler components, exhaust systems, and medium-to-high temperature welded assemblies 

Seawater / Chemical corrosion environments, acid–alkali equipment, pharmaceuticals /  Marine operating conditions 

High-temperature furnace tubes, heat treatment equipment, ultra-high-temperature flue gas components, and long-term high-temperature pressure-bearing parts 

 

Quick Selection Recommendations

Ambient temperature, standard operating conditions, cost control → 304

Medium to high temperature ( 450–850℃ ), multi-welded structure → 321

In environments containing chloride ions, seawater, and corrosive acids or alkalis. → 316L

850℃ The above is subjected to ultra-high temperatures and prolonged high-temperature pressurization. /  Creep operating condition → 347 

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Guide to Distinguishing Between Tubular Shafted, U‑Shaped Shafted, and U‑Shaped Shaftless Screw Conveyors

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