Why You Should Use 316 Stainless Steel Rods
The difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is very commonly misunderstood, or not known at all, and can have a huge impact on the reliability of survey results, and what you’re achieving for your clients. Let’s explore this further. 304 stainless steel contains a mix of chromium and nickel and is slightly responsive to magnetic fields. The addition of the nickel (8-10.5%) modifies the physical structure of the steel and then, theoretically, makes it non-magnetic. However, through extended periods of continuous motion in one direction, and the resulting friction, grade 304 stainless steel can become slightly more magnetic. Additionally, if the steel alloy is mechanically deformed during the manufacturing process the internal structure of the steel may change causing the rods to be partly magnetic from the moment they leave your supplier’s warehouse. They haven’t even seen pay dirt yet. On the other hand, 316 type stainless steel is a molybdenum-alloyed steel and contains a...