When it comes to hygienic processing applications, choosing the grade of stainless steel is crucial, especially when considering the use of hygienic tube in industries such as food & beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, and cosmetics.

These industries require the pipework used to be clean, hygienic and corrosion resistant!

The difference between 316 and 304 Stainless Steel?

Both 316 and 304 Stainless Steel belong to the austenitic family and whilst they share similar qualities, 316 is often preferred over 304 for several reasons.

Both 316 and 304 offer good corrosion resistance, however 316 contains Molybdenum. Molybdenum significantly increases resistance to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents, making 316 the better option for applications where salt or other corrosive substances are a concern.

Why would someone choose 316?

316 Stainless Steel also offers more protection from pitting and crevice corrosion. This is vital for hygienic processing applications as corrosion is not just about equipment damage. Corroded tube can cause bacteria to get caught in the pipework, leading to product contamination and quality control issues.

We could talk about Stainless Steel all day!

Want to know more? Start shopping our complete range of 304 and 316 hygienic Stainless Steel tube here or give us a call on 01275 402782!

*E & OE. This is an informational page, and all information is offered in good faith. Whilst we do our best to fact check all information, the purchaser should decide whether the information provided is relevant.