Description

316 Stainless Steel Vs. 304 Stainless Steel

In industrial and engineering applications, the choice between 316 and 304 stainless steel is driven by environmental exposure and corrosion resistance requirements. 316 stainless steel, enhanced with molybdenum (2-3%) and a higher nickel content, provides superior resistance to chlorides and harsh chemicals compared to 304 stainless. This makes it essential for marine environments, chemical processing facilities, and applications involving aggressive cleaning agents or high salt concentrations.

The addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly critical in environments where chloride exposure is constant. This grade is widely specified in marine installations, chemical plants, food processing facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing where regular exposure to caustic cleaning agents and process chemicals would compromise 304 stainless steel’s integrity.

While 316 stainless steel commands a higher price point than 304, its enhanced corrosion resistance makes it the optimal choice for applications where equipment failure due to corrosion cannot be tolerated.

316 Stainless Steel Industrial Casters Model 3. Capacity up to 300 pounds per caster. 316 stainless steel casters excel in highly corrosive environments such as marine applications, chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing facilities (especially those using caustic cleaners or salt), water treatment facilities, and any setting where exposure to chlorides, acids, or harsh cleaning agents is routine.

Caster City manufactures this 316 stainless steel caster for washdowns and as-such it has no dust cap covering the swivel bearing. Utilizing a 1.25″ wide wheel design that provides optimal load distribution while maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces.

High Temperature Phenolic Wheels have a prefix “TP” in the part number and are made with glass fiber. They are best suited for dry heat applications such as powder coating, dry heat bakery ovens and dry heat autoclaves. Will give excellent continuous service at temperatures up to 475° Degrees F. They can be used intermittently as high as 525 degrees F.  Applications include baking ovens, curing ovens, and autoclaves.  Then allow it to cool to room temperature. If used above 475° F for more than 30 minutes of continuous operation it will reduce the life of the wheel.  The wheel is prone to chip if it is impacted with floor obstructions.  These wheels are available in 3″ to 12″ diameter in a wide variety of bore and hub length sizes.

In any high temperature application it is always best to shield High Temperature Wheels from a direct heat intake source. Consult us for a load capacity rating in your application. We will need the following information: Maximum Temperature and for how long? Maximum load on each caster? Is your application wet or dry?

*Photo shown of 5 inch diameter high temperature phenolic wheel in a 316 Stainless Steel swivel caster bracket.