Material Differences and Customer Selection Guide for Wire Rope Isolators

I. Core Differences Between Three Materials
304 Stainless Steel: Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, with a density of 7.93g/cm³. It has strong oxidation resistance at room temperature, capable of withstanding corrosion from the atmosphere, fresh water, and weak acids and alkalis. With moderate cost, it is a universal choice in the industrial field.

316 Stainless Steel: Based on 304 stainless steel, it is added with 2-3% molybdenum, having a density of 7.98g/cm³. The molybdenum element significantly enhances the resistance to chloride ion corrosion. Its performance in withstanding salt spray, seawater, and chemical environments is far superior to that of 304 stainless steel, and its cost is approximately 30% higher than that of 304.

Aluminum: Mostly made of aluminum alloys such as 6061, with a density of 2.7g/cm³. Its weight is only 1/3 of that of stainless steel. The surface oxide film can provide basic corrosion protection, but its resistance to acids, alkalis, and salt spray is relatively weak, and its cost is lower than that of stainless steel.

II. Material Selection Recommendations
Aluminum: Suitable for scenarios sensitive to weight (such as aerospace and portable equipment) and with dry and clean operating environments. Regular maintenance is required to prevent damage to the oxide layer. It has outstanding cost-effectiveness, but its service life is limited by the environment.

304 Stainless Steel: Applicable to general industrial environments, indoor equipment, or slightly humid scenarios (such as ordinary workshops and civil machinery). It balances corrosion resistance and cost, requiring no frequent maintenance, and is the first choice for most conventional vibration isolation needs.

316 Stainless Steel: Targeted at customers with high salt spray requirements (such as marine engineering, coastal equipment, and chemical workshops). Its molybdenum-containing component can form a more stable passive film in high chloride ion environments. After a 5000-hour salt spray test, its corrosion rate is only 1/5 of that of 304 stainless steel, which can ensure the long-term reliable operation of the isolator in harsh environments. Although the cost is higher, it can significantly reduce the later replacement and maintenance costs.