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2025-08-28

What is the difference between 403 and 304 stainless steel

The difference between stainless steel 304 and 403 mainly lies in their corrosion resistance and hardness. 304 stainless steel has better corrosion resistance and toughness, making it suitable for applications such as food processing and medical devices; The hardness and strength of 403 stainless steel are higher, making it suitable for applications such as cutting tools and bearings. The specific differences are as follows: Different organizational structures: 304 is austenitic stainless steel with good toughness and strong corrosion resistance; 403 is martensitic stainless steel with high hardness and strength. Corrosion resistance: 304 stainless steel contains a higher proportion of nickel and chromium, with better corrosion resistance and the ability to maintain stability in humid or high pH environments. Although 403 stainless steel also has some corrosion resistance, it may be slightly inferior to 304 in certain specific media. Processing performance: 304 stainless steel is easier to process, whether it is cutting, welding or forming, it is relatively simple. 403 stainless steel is relatively easy to harden during the processing, requiring more skills and attention. Application areas: Due to the above differences, the two also differ in their application areas. 304 is widely used in chemical, food, pharmaceutical and other fields; And 403 is more commonly used in industries such as automobiles, medical equipment, and kitchenware.

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