Austenitic stainless sheet stock. 304 (18/8) for general corrosion resistance, food contact, indoor applications. 316 (with molybdenum) for chloride environments — marine, chemical processing, medical. Both stocked in 0.5 to 3 mm, available in 2B mill finish, #4 brushed, or #8 mirror polish.
The critical difference: 316 contains 2–3% molybdenum, which gives it pitting resistance in chloride environments.
| Environment | 304 suitable? | 316 suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor dry | ✓ Yes | ✓ Overkill |
| Outdoor clean air | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Coastal / marine | ⚠ Pits over time | ✓ Yes |
| Saltwater immersion | ✗ Pits quickly | ✓ Yes (service, not severe) |
| Food contact | ✓ Yes (standard) | ✓ Yes (pharmaceutical grade) |
| Medical implants | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited — 316L preferred |
| Chemical processing (acid) | ⚠ Grade-dependent | ✓ Better; evaluate vs Hastelloy |
316 costs roughly 30% more than 304 per kg. Use 316 only when corrosion environment justifies it; otherwise 304 is the default.
Welding stainless creates two problems: (1) heat-affected zone loses some corrosion resistance due to chromium carbide precipitation; (2) weld spatter and surface iron contamination can initiate rust.
Passivation fixes both:
We include passivation on all welded stainless assemblies unless customer opts out.
Upload DXF. Specify 304 or 316 and desired finish (2B / brushed / mirror). Passivation included on welded parts.
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