SS 316L vs. 316F vs. 904L- The final VERDICT- A technical study

[mydnytrydr]

Love the post...you obviously did your research! From a consumer's perspective, I prefer the "look" of 316F ..... I feel it is as advertised, and have yet to be disappointed...you get what you pay for (if you stick with our TD's, that is..)!

 

[Thrasher]

Hi friend

Don't get wrong AISI 440, whatever KW says, is not a high grade SS to manufacture watches, It is cheaper and worse by far than AISI 316L or 316F because it has no Nickel just Chromium

Read below links:
http://www.suppliersonline.com/propertypages/440C.asp
http://www.interlloy.com.au/our-products/stainless-steel/440c-martensitic-stainless-steel-bar/
http://www.vtlg-asia.com/products/p...-balls/stainless-steel-aisi-440c-martensitic/
http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1024

ALE

Wow, I didn't know that I just assumed the higher number meant better quality or least harder metal... Now that I think of it do they make a 440 aluminum? maybe that's my confusion? Anyway do you really think they are using 440 since its probably the same case maker everyone uses?

And really Ale your like a god around here I would be stupid to question you. I know I'm new but I have read enough to know you are the top Guru of knowledge and good intentions.

 

[ALE7575]

No worries Thrasher. That confusion is very normal and usual

I'm not considering you are questioning me. Anyway my opinions here are to be discussed and not to be accepted. Indeed I'm very grateful of comments like yours and discussion about my threads.
I really try to not get wrong, but unfortunately many times I'm not right and I like people tell me about my mistakes.

Regarding your comments about me I really think your are exaggerating a lot, I'm just trying to help using some knowledge and studying a lot.

Thanks
ALE

 

[Riquesa]

Really great post

Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 mediante Tapatalk

 

[zxcv81]

[MENTION=35350]ALE7575[/MENTION]

The case of Pam 111 is real 316L stainless steel?

 

[ALE7575]

@ALE7575

The case of Pam 111 is real 316L stainless steel?

GEN is PAM 316L
Reps are real PAM 316L or 316F depending on makers and batches

Anyway, no worries about this matter, the material is good enough

ALE

 

[zxcv81]

Thanks!

 

[dmastah12]

Really Really well researched and such a helpful post............Thank You

 

[kamalog2014]

Thank you very much

Sent from my BIRDY using Tapatalk

 

[handmade.by.nguyeen]

I have never seen 904L steel.

 

[booyahman]

I thought 904l steel had no nickel in it, allowing it to be worn by people with nickel allergies. I thought wrong? Thats pretty high nickel content in that chart.

 

[verno75]

great read - I know this is an old post, but have referred back to a couple times now for further edification!

 

[stockwatch]

Hey great read.
My question is if someone can answer.

Is there any weight different?


Sent from using Tapatalk

 

[SirVanHelsing]

Realy great read! Sir.
Thanks a lot for this article.

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks for your kind words

ALE

 

[ALE7575]

Hey great read.
My question is if someone can answer.

Is there any weight different?

Sent from using Tapatalk

Of course being different the specific weith of iron, nickel and chromium there are some very little differences, but completely no noticeable without precise instruments.
Not at all noticeable in practice.
No worries about this matter
ALE

 

[hzzhangyu]

Great post! I wonder if there exists a quantitative comparison of the production costs, 904L vs 316L, in watchmaking?

I.e. how much hundred of dollars more in terms of the costs.

Would give an idea of the size of the market should they make one in 904L.

 

[OTF_300]

For a replica if we had to choose between 316L and 316F, then 316F is better but you need to have an AD polish your watch as the finish from the replica factory is not that good, I had them polish my ss royal oak and the steel looked as good as the genuine one.

 

[Neilc]

Ale7575 that was very interesting reading and very very informative thanks.

 

[ScottCamel]

This is such a detailed write-up. I think people normally overlook the metal composition of a case when getting a watch. Learn something new from this forum again.

Great post! Thanks ALE.