304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In contrast, 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.
The chemical distinction between these two grades of stainless steel is of great importance when considering their intended uses.

Different designations: 304 stainless steel corresponds to Chinese designation 0Cr18Ni9. 316 stainless steel corresponds to the Chinese brand 0Cr17Ni12Mo2.
Difference between stainless steel 316 and 304
Different compositions: 304 stainless steel mainly uses Ro-Nickel stainless steel, which has good alkaline, acid and corrosion resistance. Suitable for stainless steel bowls and pans. The 316 stainless steel is added with molybdenum, which has better performance than 304. It has good resistance to chloride corrosion and better service effect. It belongs to food grade and is commonly used in food industry, watch industry, medical equipment and so on. So 316 is more expensive than 304.

Difference between stainless steel 316 and 304
Material varies: 304 stainless steel is made of Universal Stainless steel, which can withstand chemical oxidation. It is the material that must be used by the national pressure cooker standard. The standard material of stainless steel pressure cooker is more than 304. Because there are not many pressure cooker production plants approved by the state, these factories are very honest, all of which are 304 stainless steel materials used as the lowest standard. The 316 stainless steel premium is made of 10% nickel to make the stainless steel more durable and corrosion resistant. This stainless steel is called 18-10 stainless steel, or "medical stainless steel", and has no metal ion precipitation at all.

Difference between stainless steel 316 and 304
Different practicability: 316 mainly reduces the content of Cr and increases the content of Ni and Mo2%~3%. Therefore, it has better corrosion resistance than 304 and is suitable for use in chemical industry, sea water and other environment.

Advantages of stainless steel wire mesh:
18Cr-12Ni-2.5Mo has excellent corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance and high temperature strength due to the addition of Mo. It can be used under harsh conditions and is less susceptible to corrosion in brine, sulphur water or halogen than other Chromium-Nickel Stainless steels. The corrosion resistance is better than 304 stainless steel wire mesh and has good corrosion resistance during pulp and paper production. And 316 stainless steel wire mesh is more resistant to ocean and corrosive industrial atmosphere than 304 stainless steel wire mesh.