What is the Best Stainless Steel Grade for You?

A common misconception about stainless steel is that it never stains and is practically untouched by the elements its exposed to. While stainless steel isn't an omni-powerful form of steel, it does have more impressive traits than typical steel.

Stainless steel stains less easily than other iron-based metals, but it’s not literally “stainless”. Just like standard steel, stainless can get marked up by fingerprints and grease, discolor, and eventually oxidation. The difference is resilience. Stainless steel can withstand much more time and abuse before showing signs of wear.

The basic iron and carbon composition of all steels is the same, but stainless steel also contains a healthy dose of chromium and nickel, the alloys that give its famous corrosion resistance.

There are several types, each with a slightly different composition of the alloy and thus slightly different physical characteristics, called stainless steel.

The two types of stainless steel that are most common are 304 and 316. The main difference is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy that, particularly for more saline or chloride-exposed environments, dramatically improves corrosion resistance.

316 stainless steel is molybdenum-containing. The stainless steel 304 is not.

Because of its excellent corrosion resistance and value, 304 stainless steel is the most popular type of stainless steel used around the world. It contains between 16 and 24 percent chromium and approximately 8 percent nickel, as well as carbon and manganese in limited quantities.

304 stainless steel is a type of 18-8 (18/8) stainless steel, which is a group of stainless alloys that consist of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.

COMMON USES FOR 304 STAINLESS STEEL:

• Storage tanks
• Fasteners and finishing hardware (screws, nuts, bolts, plates, handles)
• Pots and pans
• Residential sinks and sink parts
• Indoor architectural/decorative hardware (panels, sculptures, sconces)
• Equipment tubing
• Residential appliances
• Commercial kitchens

The second most common kind of stainless steel is 316 stainless steel.

316 stainless steel has almost the same physical and mechanical features as stainless steel 304 and uses a make-up of similar material. The main differences are a higher nickel content and the addition of 2 to 3 percent molybdenum. These additions increase resistance to corrosion, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents.

In many industrial applications involving processing chemicals, 316 stainless steel is widely used, as well as in high-saline environments such as coastal regions and outdoor areas where de-icing salts are normal. 316 stainless steel is also used in the manufacturing of medical surgical equipment because of its non-reactive properties.

COMMON USES FOR 316 STAINLESS STEEL:

• Industrial equipment as used in:
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Pulp and paper manufacturing.
• Industrial and chemical transportation
• Pressure vessels
• Cisterns and pipes for chemical applications
• Medical equipment where non-surgical steel
• Marine equipment
• Outdoor site furnishings
• Food production and processing in saline environments
• Commercial appliances