“Stainless steel” covers many grades with very different corrosion resistance and cost.
Common grades
- 304 — the standard for food contact and general use.
- 316 — added molybdenum for marine and chemical resistance.
- 430 — magnetic, lower cost, used in appliances.
- 201 — cheaper, lower nickel, less corrosion-resistant.
The substitution risk
201 looks like 304 but rusts more easily. Specify the grade in the contract, request material certificates and test samples with an XRF analyzer or a simple chemical test kit.
Finishes
Brushed, mirror-polished, bead-blasted or PVD-coated — specify the finish and a reference sample.
