MATERIAL FAMILY
Stainless steel
From brushed panels to corrosion-resistant assemblies. Explore our stainless steel grades, compare their properties, and find the finish and thickness for your part.
EXPLORE THE CATALOG
Find your stainless
Explore 304 / 304L and 316 / 316L by surface finish. Open a grade for its thicknesses, properties, fabrication limits, and availability.
#4 brushed sheet shownPanels, enclosures & general fabrication
304 / 304L
A versatile stainless for fabricated panels, enclosures, and architectural parts. Explore 2B and brushed sheet, plus hot-rolled plate.
- Catalog thickness
- 0.024–0.625″
- Thickness options
- 13
2B sheet shownMarine & chemical applications
316 / 316L
Molybdenum-bearing stainless for applications that call for greater chloride resistance. Explore 2B sheet and hot-rolled plate, with grade-specific specifications.
- Catalog thickness
- 0.036–0.375″
- Thickness options
- 10
Thickness ranges and surface photos follow the selected finish. Availability and forming limits depend on the grade, finish, and gauge.
AT A GLANCE
Compare stainless grades
Review strength, corrosion resistance, formability, and more. Use the radar for broad catalog ratings and the material specifications for grade-specific differences.
Material performance
Compare two grades across eight properties.
These grades share the same broad catalog ratings, so their outlines overlap. Compare the specifications below for grade differences.
| Property | 304 / 304L | 316 / 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Weldability | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Toughness | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Formability | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Machinability | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Heat Treating | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
Ratings are relative to the materials in our catalog: 1 is the low end, 5 is the high end. Use the specifications below and each material’s page for measured properties and fabrication limits.
Specifications by grade
Scroll sideways to compare all columns
| Grade | Typical tensile | Typical yield | Catalog thickness | Catalog finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / 304L | 73 ksi | 31 ksi | 0.024–0.625″ | #4 brushed sheet, 2B sheet, #1 hot-rolled plate |
| 316 / 316L | 75 ksi | 30 ksi | 0.036–0.375″ | 2B sheet, #1 hot-rolled plate |
Typical properties from the material catalog. The ranges above cover all finishes for each grade. 316 contains molybdenum for greater chloride resistance; the shared 1–5 corrosion score does not mean the grades perform identically in every environment.
FINISH YOUR PART
Finishes & fabrication
Explore the process, then check compatibility on the individual material page.
Fiber laser cutting
Explore cutting capabilities and design guidance for stainless sheet, plate, and flat parts.
Explore laser cuttingPowder coating
Explore color options, surface preparation, and coating allowances for finished stainless parts.
Explore powder coatingForming & bend data
Explore press-brake capabilities. Check each grade’s per-gauge data for bend radii and forming limits.
Explore CNC bendingCHOOSING A MATERIAL
Stainless questions
Which stainless grades are in the catalog?
The catalog includes 304 / 304L and 316 / 316L. Open either material for its thicknesses, surface finishes, mechanical properties, and fabrication data. For another grade, ask us about your project.
How do 304 and 316 differ?
304 is a general-purpose stainless for fabricated parts and panels. 316 contains molybdenum for greater chloride resistance and is used in marine and chemical applications. Compare each grade’s specifications with the requirements of your part and its environment.
Which surface finishes can I choose?
304 is listed in 2B sheet, #4 brushed sheet, and #1 hot-rolled plate. 316 is listed in 2B sheet and #1 hot-rolled plate. Select a finish above to see the corresponding catalog thickness range.
Why do the radar outlines overlap?
304 and 316 currently share the same broad 1–5 ratings in our catalog. Those ratings do not capture every difference in chemistry or corrosion behavior. Use the property table and individual material pages for the detailed comparison.
Where can I check a thickness or bend requirement?
Open the individual grade and choose your thickness and finish to see the applicable fabrication data. Some thicker plate entries are for flat parts only. You can also browse the complete sheet metal catalog.
Have a part in mind?
Upload your design, or ask us about a stainless grade, finish, or thickness you don’t see here.