Grades

The longevity of stainless steel is the result of the composition of the alloy and, therefore, it has a natural corrosion resistance. Nothing is applied to the surface that could add additional material to the environment. It does not need additional systems to protect the base metal, the metal itself will last.

Stainless steel's durability is further enhanced by some of its other physical and chemical properties.

It is impervious to soot deposits, acid rain, bitumen compounds, cement or lime mortar, contact with timbers and wood-based sheets and fungi and mould. On a galvanic scale stainless steel is at the noble metal end and thus will not deteriorate when in contact with other metals.

304 grade

304 (EN 1.4301 or SS 2333; AFNOR Z 6 CN 18-09; BS 304S31) is the basic chromium nickel austenitic stainless steel and has been found suitable for a wide range of applications. It is the most readily available in a variety of product forms. This grade is easy to form and fabricate with excellent resistance to corrosion.

316 grade

316 (EN1.4401 or SS 2347; AFNOR Z 7 CND 17-11-01; BS 316S31) offers even greater corrosion resistance through the addition of molybdenum. This grade is desirable where the possibility of severe corrosion exists, such as heavy industrial atmospheres and marine environments.