tbyrne
02-05-2009, 01:14 PM
Some customers ask what the difference is between 304 and 409 stainless steel so this info should help cover that question -
Stainless steel is a low-carbon steel that includes at least 12 percent chromium. Put simply, adding chromium to low-carbon steel gives it stain resistance. It is the addition of chromium to the steel that makes it resist rust, or stain less, than other types of steel. Chromium has an element that allows it to produce a filmy texture. This film serves as a buffer that prevents corrosion and even scratches and cuts. The more chromium is added to steel, the more stainless it becomes. This means that it becomes even more resistant to corrosion or oxidation. The addition of nickel content to the steel also enhances its resistance. Obviously, stainless steel products that turn rusty right away have less chromium content in its material and they are mostly made from t304 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Systems -
The T304 and T409 are stainless steel production systems. The T304 system is more expensive because it is made to be more durable and it is a higher quality of stainless steel. The T304 system is generally used in equipment that requires more strength and durability like in cars (http://www.******************/forums/showthread.php?p=1664661#) and machines.
Chromium Content -
The difference between T304 and T409 stainless steel lies in their chromium content. T304 has more chromium component than T409 at 18 to 20 percent. It also has a nickel content of 8 to 10 percent. The T409 only has chromium content of 10.50 to 11.75 percent. Its nickel content is only 0.50 percent. The T304 has so much chromium and nickel content and very little ferrous material that magnets will not stick to it.
T304
T304 stainless is generally the highest material grade currently used for exhaust systems. It is an aircraft-quality, 16-gauge stainless containing 18 to 20 percent chromium and 8 to 10 percent nickel, also known as austenitic stainless. This means that the material is highly durable and it will never rust. It is very attractive, and even after extended use, can be polished to a high-shine finish. It also has the lightest weight of any of the material grades because of its high chromium content. T304 stainless is the perfect choice for the vehicle (http://www.******************/forums/showthread.php?p=1664661#) that will be owned for an extended period of time, and/or needs to stand up to rugged use or challenging weather conditions. It's also the only choice for the consumer who simply wants the very best, or is using their vehicle as a show vehicle. T304 systems automatically add to the value of the vehicle, and the appearance is exceptional. Because it is the finest material grade available, it also has a higher price point. This material grade frequently carries a lifetime warranty, depending upon the manufacturer.
T409
T409 stainless is the next grade of stainless available, and is probably the best known and most popular, also known as ferritic stainless. T409 is a low-carbon steel that is at least 12 percent chromium. It is a rugged, durable, long-lasting material grade offering a variety of finishes from dull "mill" finish to a high-shine finish. In extreme applications and harsh weather conditions, it can eventually show signs of wear, such as surface rust, but the core of this material will remain solid. It offers a high-value, attractive material selection at a more affordable price.
Hope this helps!
Tom
Stainless steel is a low-carbon steel that includes at least 12 percent chromium. Put simply, adding chromium to low-carbon steel gives it stain resistance. It is the addition of chromium to the steel that makes it resist rust, or stain less, than other types of steel. Chromium has an element that allows it to produce a filmy texture. This film serves as a buffer that prevents corrosion and even scratches and cuts. The more chromium is added to steel, the more stainless it becomes. This means that it becomes even more resistant to corrosion or oxidation. The addition of nickel content to the steel also enhances its resistance. Obviously, stainless steel products that turn rusty right away have less chromium content in its material and they are mostly made from t304 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Systems -
The T304 and T409 are stainless steel production systems. The T304 system is more expensive because it is made to be more durable and it is a higher quality of stainless steel. The T304 system is generally used in equipment that requires more strength and durability like in cars (http://www.******************/forums/showthread.php?p=1664661#) and machines.
Chromium Content -
The difference between T304 and T409 stainless steel lies in their chromium content. T304 has more chromium component than T409 at 18 to 20 percent. It also has a nickel content of 8 to 10 percent. The T409 only has chromium content of 10.50 to 11.75 percent. Its nickel content is only 0.50 percent. The T304 has so much chromium and nickel content and very little ferrous material that magnets will not stick to it.
T304
T304 stainless is generally the highest material grade currently used for exhaust systems. It is an aircraft-quality, 16-gauge stainless containing 18 to 20 percent chromium and 8 to 10 percent nickel, also known as austenitic stainless. This means that the material is highly durable and it will never rust. It is very attractive, and even after extended use, can be polished to a high-shine finish. It also has the lightest weight of any of the material grades because of its high chromium content. T304 stainless is the perfect choice for the vehicle (http://www.******************/forums/showthread.php?p=1664661#) that will be owned for an extended period of time, and/or needs to stand up to rugged use or challenging weather conditions. It's also the only choice for the consumer who simply wants the very best, or is using their vehicle as a show vehicle. T304 systems automatically add to the value of the vehicle, and the appearance is exceptional. Because it is the finest material grade available, it also has a higher price point. This material grade frequently carries a lifetime warranty, depending upon the manufacturer.
T409
T409 stainless is the next grade of stainless available, and is probably the best known and most popular, also known as ferritic stainless. T409 is a low-carbon steel that is at least 12 percent chromium. It is a rugged, durable, long-lasting material grade offering a variety of finishes from dull "mill" finish to a high-shine finish. In extreme applications and harsh weather conditions, it can eventually show signs of wear, such as surface rust, but the core of this material will remain solid. It offers a high-value, attractive material selection at a more affordable price.
Hope this helps!
Tom