Understanding the types of Stainless-Steel in the Pharmacy Cleanroom 304 vs. 316

Not all stainless-steel is the same when it comes to stainless furnishings in the pharmaceutical cleanroom. Knowing and understanding the types of stainless-steel can make the difference on long-term rust and corrosion. The last thing you need is your lab equipment and furnishings rusting out on you. Not only is it an eye sore, but can seriously impact the purity of the drug products you are working with. When considering your needs for new stainless-steel furnishings or equipment, a recurring question remains: What’s the difference between 304 and 316 grade stainless-steel?

304  grade stainless-steel  is a T 300 Series Stainless Steel  austenitic. It has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. It is defined as a  Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy. Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless that you will probably see in your pans and cookery tools at home. Due to the harsh cleaning agents required by USP <797> and <800>, 304 stainless-steel cannot withstand and will rust/corrode over time.

316 stainless-steel is comprised of chromium and nickel at 16% and 10% respectively, along with molybdenum. The molybdenum component gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties greater than 304 grade and particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Thus, giving 316 grade stainless-steel furnishings/equipment the clear advantage of long-term durability within the pharmaceutical cleanroom.

The next time you consider changing or buying new stainless products for your cleanroom, ask the vendor the grade type of stainless-steel used as it can play a much larger role in your facility’s compliance. ProPharma Cleanrooms comprehensive offering of stainless-steel furnishings (found Here) are comprised of 316 grade stainless-steel to better serve and support the pharmaceutical industry.