Inox

Grade 304/304L stainless steel = standard stainless steel, material numbers 1.4301 (pipes and profile steel) or 1.4307 (plates, pipes and profile steel).

Characteristics:

• non-magnetic (in contrast to a generally considered somewhat "lower" grade such as stainless steel type 430).
• for standard use in the food industry, indoor applications, applications in non-aggressive environments (certainly not suitable for chlorine contact, when in doubt, consult corrosion tables).
• it is the most used stainless steel in sheet metal processing and the stainless steel that we suggest if customers simply ask for "stainless steel".
• 304 and 304L are similar, L indicates Low carbon content. Since Alinco buys all its steel alloys in L quality, you can also be sure that this is grade 304L stainless steel; pipes or profile steel often require grade 304 stainless steel only.

Grade 316/316L stainless steel = material numbers 1.4401 (pipes and profile steel) or 1.4404 (plates, pipes and profile steel).

Characteristics:

• Similar to grade 304 stainless steel, but more resistant to corrosion due to the addition of molybdenum.
• Suitable for outdoor applications and (to a limited extent) more aggressive environments – when in doubt, please refer to corrosion tables.

Other stainless steel grades

Grade 309, grade 310 and grade 314 stainless steel, highly alloyed materials: please include the material number or contact us when in doubt.