stainless steel grades

Selecting the right stainless steel grade is crucial for the success of your project. This is true if you’re making custom equipment, fixing a vintage vehicle, or looking for building materials. Each grade has different levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. However, choosing the right one now can help you prevent early failure and avoid extra costs.

Stainless steel grades indicate the specific alloy makeup and the performance traits of the metal. Recognising these differences allows you to select a grade suited to your project, whether it’s for personal use or bulk orders.

In this guide, we explain the most commonly used stainless steel grades, including 304, 316, and 430. From here, we’ll explain where each performs best so you can make an informed choice with confidence.

What Are Stainless Steel Grades?

Stainless steel grades describe the alloy’s chemical composition. They mainly consist of chromium, nickel, and carbon. These elements determine corrosion resistance, durability, and how the steel is fabricated.

In the UK and Europe, these grades are often identified by EN numbers (such as 1.4301 or 1.4404), which correspond to familiar grades like 304 or 316.

For example:

  • 1.4301 = 304
  • 1.4404 = 316L
  • 1.4016 = 430

These grades belong to broader families with different properties:

  • Austenitic (304, 316): Non-magnetic, highly corrosion resistant, widely used.
  • Ferritic (430): Magnetic, more affordable, with moderate corrosion resistance.
  • Martensitic & Duplex: Stronger and harder, suited for specialist industrial uses.

Knowing the family helps you understand how a grade will perform in your project.

For further details, see the British Stainless Steel Association’s Classifications of Stainless Steel Families.

304 Stainless Steel is The All-Rounder

Grade 304 stainless steel (EN 1.4301) is widely used. It combines strong corrosion resistance, good formability, and cost-effectiveness. It contains roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination protects against rust and wear, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Typical uses:

  • Kitchen equipment, such as sinks and splashbacks
  • Architectural cladding and exterior panels
  • Tubing and bars for structural fabrication
  • Food processing and storage equipment

Its ease of welding and forming makes it popular with both DIYers and industry professionals. For applications where welding quality is crucial, 304L (EN 1.4307) is a low-carbon option. It reduces the risk of weld decay while still providing good corrosion resistance.

For more detailed technical specifications, refer to the TWI’s European and American Standards for Stainless Steel.

316 Stainless Steel has Marine-Grade Strength

Grade 316 stainless steel (EN 1.4401) is highly regarded for its strong corrosion resistance. It’s advantageous in harsh environments where saltwater or chemicals are often present. It contains molybdenum, which significantly increases resistance to chloride and pitting corrosion. As a result, it is ideal for marine, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications.

Typical uses:

  • Marine fittings and coastal architecture
  • Food and beverage processing equipment
  • Medical devices and surgical tools
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical processing

While 316 visually resembles 304, it offers enhanced durability in demanding conditions. For better weldability, 316L (EN 1.4404) is a low-carbon choice. It prevents carbide precipitation during fabrication, helping to maintain its corrosion resistance.

316 can be up to 40% more expensive than 304 stainless steel. But in harsh environments, its durability often makes the extra cost worthwhile.

Further information is available from the British Stainless Steel Association’s Stainless Steel Grades Datasheet.

430 Stainless Steel is Affordable & Magnetic

Grade 430 stainless steel (EN 1.4016) is a ferritic stainless steel known for its magnetic properties and affordability. Unlike austenitic grades, it has little to no nickel. While this reduces corrosion resistance, it also significantly lowers the cost. This makes 430 a popular choice for indoor applications where exposure to moisture and harsh chemicals is limited.

Typical uses:

  • Cooker hoods and splashbacks
  • Domestic appliances and trims
  • Decorative cladding and panels
  • Low-cost fabricated components

Its magnetic nature can be an advantage in specific applications, such as appliance backings or automotive trims. 430 offers moderate corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for projects with minimal environmental impact. This keeps costs down while still providing essential durability.

For more information on ferritic grades, see the British Stainless Steel Association’s Ferritic Stainless Steels Overview.

Comparing Stainless Steel Grades: 304 vs 316 vs 430

When choosing stainless steel grades, understanding their primary differences is beneficial. Focus on corrosion resistance, weldability, magnetic properties, and cost.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Grade 316 gives top protection, particularly against saltwater and strong chemicals. Grade 304 offers strong corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various indoor and mild outdoor applications. Grade 430 has moderate resistance, making it best suited for dry, indoor environments.
  • Weldability: Both 304 and 316 stainless steels weld well and are suitable for complex fabrications. Grade 430 has limited weldability and is better for simpler, non-structural applications.
  • Magnetic Properties: Grades 304 and 316 are typically non-magnetic. On the other hand, 430 is magnetic. Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage depends on your project needs.
  • Cost: Grade 430 is the most economical choice, followed by 304 at mid-range pricing. Grade 316 is the premium option, often costing around 40% more than 304 due to its enhanced corrosion resistance.

Best use cases:

  • 304: Ideal for general fabrication, kitchenware, and food-safe environments.
  • 316: Suited for marine, chemical, and medical applications requiring superior durability.
  • 430: Appropriate for domestic appliances, decorative trims, and budget-conscious projects.

For detailed specifications and stock availability, visit our stainless steel products category.

How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Grade for Your Project

  • Environment & Exposure: For outdoor or marine use, 316 offers superior corrosion resistance. For indoor or dry conditions, 304 or 430 are suitable options.
  • Budget: Grade 430 is the most cost-effective option, but it is less corrosion-resistant. Grade 304 balances price and performance, while Grade 316 is a premium choice for demanding environments.
  • Magnetic Needs: If magnetism is required, 430 is magnetic; 304 and 316 are usually non-magnetic unless cold worked.
  • Fabrication: For complex welding or forming, 304 and 316 excel. 430 suits simpler fabrication due to limited weldability.
  • Industry Standards: Food processing often requires 304 or 316 stainless steel for hygiene purposes. Marine and pharmaceutical sectors typically rely on 316 for its durability.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Grade

Picking the right stainless steel grade is important. It affects your project’s durability, performance, and overall cost. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, engineer, or procurement expert, understanding the key differences between 304, 316, and 430 is crucial. This knowledge helps you pick the right material for your needs and budget.

Armed with this knowledge, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your stainless steel stands the test of time. At Clickmetal, we supply high-quality stainless steel cut just for you. Launch your project confidently with our broad range of cut-to-size stainless steel sheets, bars, and angles. We provide fast delivery within the UK and have no minimum order requirements. Start your next project with confidence and explore our stainless steel range today.

Call 01794 526090 or contact our expert team for personalised support and advice.