Specify the grade as well as the size
Stainless describes a family of alloys, not one material. Two sheets with identical dimensions and finish can have different corrosion behaviour. A polished surface, a familiar appearance or a magnet test alone cannot certify a grade.
Select the required grade for each catalogue row. The sheet table offers requested grades 201, 304 and 316; pipe and hollow-section rows may offer a narrower selection. A grade shown elsewhere in the catalogue is not proof it is offered for your exact row.
What changes between these grades?
These are general selection considerations, not guaranteed service-life or mechanical-property values. Ask for confirmation of the actual material specification before approving a substitution.
| Grade | Buying consideration | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| 201 | A manganese-containing, lower-nickel austenitic grade. Do not assume it has the same corrosion resistance as 304. | Not a default choice for external coastal exposure or storage of acids and highly corrosive industrial chemicals; do not substitute solely on appearance. |
| 304 | A chromium-nickel austenitic grade commonly considered for general fabrication and many indoor applications. | Moisture, cleaning chemicals and chlorides; stainless is not corrosion-proof. |
| 316 | A molybdenum-containing austenitic grade, generally more resistant to chloride pitting than 304. | Coastal or chemical exposure and the design specification; 316 can still corrode and is not a blanket seawater guarantee. |
Describe the environment, not just “food grade” or “marine grade”
Tell sales whether the material will be indoors or outdoors, near salt spray, exposed to cleaning chemicals, welded or in contact with food. Grade alone does not establish hygiene compliance or fitness for a particular chemical.
Finish, surface condition, crevices, fabrication and maintenance can affect corrosion performance. If a drawing requires 304L, 316L or another exact designation, write that in your enquiry rather than treating it as identical to the catalogue grade label.
Before you request a quote
A quick selection check
- Grade for every selected size; specify any exact standard or low-carbon designation required.
- Thickness, width and length for sheet; outside dimensions and wall thickness for pipe or hollow section.
- Finish, fabrication or welding needs, exposure conditions, quantity and delivery location.