Grade
The unique quality, mechanical and physical properties of the material.
18-8
A general designation for the most common and popular stainless steel, (300 Series) referring to the 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's strength has a range from the middle to low end of the grade scale. All 300 series stainless steel share the ratio of chromium to nickel with varying other elements improving different properties. It has higher corrosion resistance than the 400 series stainless steels and it is non-magnetic.
316
The second most common stainless steel grade, this material is stronger than grade 2, slightly weaker than grade 5,or generally as strong as medium to low carbon steel. It is on the low middle end of the grade scale. It is used in more severe corrosive environments than 304 stainless steel, as such it is used in more industrial settings, like process chemicals, textiles, bleaches, salt water and rubber. It is also used in surgical implants. The DIN/ISO denotation for a very similar grade is A4-70.
