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What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is not a single alloy, but rather the name applies to a group of iron-based alloys containing a minimum 10.5% chromium. Other elements are added and the chromium content increased to improve the corrosion resistance and heat resisting properties, enhance mechanical properties, and/or improve fabricating characteristics. There are over 50 stainless steel grades that were originally recognized by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Three general classifications are used to identify stainless steel.
They are:

Metallurgical structure

The AISI numbering system (200, 300 and 400 series numbers)

The Unified Numbering System

which was developed by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to apply to all commercial metals and alloys.
ALLOY TYPES:
304 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.
304L is the low carbon version of 304. It is sometimes specified where
extensive welding will be done.
316 offers more 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.
316L is the low carbon version of 316.
430 is a straight chromium ferritic stainless steel with lower corrosion resistance than the 300 series. It is principally employed for interior use.

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