The grade of stainless steel determines how it behaves during fabrication and how it performs in service. Grade 304 is the most widely fabricated stainless alloy, offering good corrosion resistance and formability for general-purpose applications. Grade 316 adds molybdenum for improved resistance to chlorides and is specified for marine and chemical environments as well as medical settings where 304 falls short.
CMV Fabrication works with both grades and can advise on which is appropriate for a given application. Specifying a higher grade than the application requires adds cost without functional benefit. Specifying too low a grade puts the part at risk in its operating environment.
