Metal
Stainless Steel
Choose it for corrosion resistance, durable surfaces and parts that must remain strong in demanding service.
01 · QUICK ANSWER
When should you choose Stainless steel?
Use 304 for general corrosion resistance, 316 for chloride or marine exposure, 303 for easier machining, and 17-4 PH when high strength is more important than formability.
02 · SELECTION DATA
Typical properties at a glance
Screening values only. Final design data must follow the exact grade, condition, stock form and supplier certificate.
Density7.7–8.0 g/cm³
Strength range170–1170 MPa yield
TemperatureGrade dependent; often >400°C
MachinabilityModerate
03 · ENGINEERING NOTES
Specify what changes the result
A material name alone is not enough. Include grade, condition, finish and documentation on the drawing or purchase specification.
- 303
- 304 / 304L
- 316 / 316L
- 17-4 PH
- 420
- Food equipment
- Medical hardware
- Valve parts
- Marine fasteners
- Austenitic grades work-harden during machining
- 316 costs more and machines slower than 304
- Passivation does not remove deep contamination
- As machined
- Passivation
- Electropolish
- Bead blast
- Brushed finish
04 · MANUFACTURING FIT
Available process routes
CNC machiningCommonly available
Sheet metalCommonly available
3D printingCommonly available
05 · NEXT COMPARISON