{"id":7482,"date":"2026-09-21T10:16:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:16:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/?p=7482"},"modified":"2026-09-21T10:41:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:41:55","slug":"stainless-steel-sheet-metal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/stainless-steel-sheet-metal\/","title":{"rendered":"Stainless Steel Sheet Metal: 304 vs 316, Cutting, Bending and Finishes"},"content":{"rendered":"<style id=\"xproto-stainless-sheet-metal-layout\">\n.xproto-note{background:#f3f7fb;border-left:4px solid #1687e5;margin:26px 0;padding:18px 22px;}\n.xproto-warning{background:#fff8e8;border-left:4px solid #d99a00;margin:26px 0;padding:18px 22px;}\n.xproto-table-scroll{margin:0 0 28px;overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;}\n.xproto-table-scroll table{margin-bottom:0;min-width:720px;}\n.xproto-cta{background:#071c50;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;margin:34px 0;padding:28px 30px;}\n.xproto-cta h2,.xproto-cta p{color:#fff;}\n.xproto-cta a{color:#fff;text-decoration:underline;}\nbody.postid-7482 .elementor-element.elementor-element-0898c57{display:none!important;}\nbody.postid-7482 .elementor-element.elementor-element-3d574ba{display:none!important;}\n@media (max-width:767px){\n  .xproto-table-scroll table{min-width:680px;}\n  .xproto-cta{padding:22px 20px;}\n}\n<\/style>\n<h1>Stainless Steel Sheet Metal: 304 vs 316, Cutting, Bending and Finishes<\/h1>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" style=\"margin:24px 0 34px;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/stainless-steel-sheet-metal-featured.webp\" alt=\"Precision stainless steel sheet metal fabrication parts including a formed enclosure, brackets, a vented panel and a welded assembly\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" loading=\"eager\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:10px;\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Stainless steel sheet metal<\/strong> is widely used for enclosures, brackets, panels, guards, food-processing equipment, laboratory products and corrosion-resistant assemblies. However, successful fabrication depends on choosing the correct grade, thickness, finish and manufacturing route even though the material can deliver a clean appearance and long service life.<\/p>\n<p>For example, grade 304 is the common starting point for general fabrication, while 316 is often selected when chloride exposure or a more demanding corrosive environment requires additional resistance. By contrast, ferritic grade 430 can be appropriate for selected indoor products and decorative applications. This guide compares these options and explains how fabricators cut, bend, weld, finish and specify stainless steel metal sheet for quotation.<\/p>\n<nav aria-label=\"Table of contents\" class=\"xproto-note\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0;\"><strong>In this guide<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom:0;\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-stainless-sheet\">What stainless steel sheet metal is<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#grades\">304, 316 and 430 grade comparison<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#thickness-finish\">Thickness, gauge and mill finish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cutting\">How to cut stainless steel sheet metal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#bending\">Bending and forming guidelines<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#welding\">Welding and assembly<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#finishing\">Surface finishing and passivation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rfq\">Design and RFQ checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-stainless-sheet\">What Is Stainless Steel Sheet Metal?<\/h2>\n<p>Stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing enough chromium to form a thin, chromium-rich passive film on the surface. When the surface is clean and exposed to oxygen, this film can reform after minor damage. That passive behavior gives stainless steel its characteristic corrosion resistance, but it does not make every grade immune to every environment.<\/p>\n<p>Mills supply sheet and strip as flat-rolled products defined by alloy, thickness, width, temper or mechanical condition, and surface finish. In addition, the same nominal grade can come with different surface conditions and dimensional tolerances. A production drawing should therefore state the material designation and governing specification rather than calling out only \u201cstainless.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"xproto-note\">\n<p><strong>Short answer:<\/strong> use 304 for many general indoor, architectural and equipment applications; consider 316 where chlorides, salt or a more aggressive environment makes pitting and crevice corrosion a greater concern. Choose 304L or 316L when a low-carbon welding grade is required by the design or fabrication specification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"grades\">304 vs 316 vs 430 Stainless Steel Sheet Metal<\/h2>\n<p>Material selection should reflect the complete service environment: chemicals, concentration, temperature, cleaning procedure, surface deposits, crevices, stress and expected life. Therefore, the following comparison is an engineering starting point rather than a universal selection rule.<\/p>\n<div class=\"xproto-table-scroll\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Comparison of common stainless steel sheet metal grades\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Grade<\/th>\n<th>Structure<\/th>\n<th>Why it is selected<\/th>\n<th>Common fabricated applications<\/th>\n<th>Important limitations<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>304 \/ 304L<\/td>\n<td>Austenitic<\/td>\n<td>Good general corrosion resistance, formability, weldability and broad availability<\/td>\n<td>Enclosures, food equipment, panels, brackets, tanks, laboratory and architectural parts<\/td>\n<td>May be vulnerable to localized corrosion in chloride-rich conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>316 \/ 316L<\/td>\n<td>Austenitic<\/td>\n<td>Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in many chloride environments<\/td>\n<td>Marine-adjacent equipment, chemical processing parts, pharmaceutical and outdoor assemblies<\/td>\n<td>Higher material cost; still requires an environment-specific corrosion review<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>430<\/td>\n<td>Ferritic<\/td>\n<td>Lower alloy content, magnetic behavior and good appearance in mild environments<\/td>\n<td>Appliance trim, interior panels, decorative covers and selected formed parts<\/td>\n<td>Different corrosion performance and forming behavior from 304 and 316<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2205<\/td>\n<td>Duplex<\/td>\n<td>Higher strength and strong resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking<\/td>\n<td>Selected process, marine and structural equipment<\/td>\n<td>Fabrication and welding need grade-specific controls; not a drop-in replacement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3>304 stainless steel sheet metal<\/h3>\n<p>304 is the most familiar austenitic stainless grade and is often the first material evaluated for a fabricated product. Moreover, it provides a useful combination of ductility, corrosion resistance, weldability and appearance. Grade 304L limits carbon for welded fabrications where the applicable specification calls for improved resistance to sensitization-related corrosion.<\/p>\n<p>Use 304 sheet for general equipment only after checking the actual cleaning chemicals, operating temperature and exposure. A part used indoors in a dry environment faces a different risk than an enclosure exposed to coastal salt, deicing chemicals or stagnant chloride-bearing water.<\/p>\n<h3>316 stainless steel sheet metal<\/h3>\n<p>316 contains molybdenum, which generally improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with 304 in chloride-containing environments. As a result, 316 stainless steel sheet metal is a frequent candidate for marine-adjacent, chemical, pharmaceutical and food-processing equipment.<\/p>\n<p>Engineers commonly specify grade 316L for welded assemblies when the design requires a low-carbon version. However, the additional corrosion resistance does not eliminate the need for drainage, cleanability, crevice control and appropriate post-weld treatment. Temperature, chloride concentration and surface condition can materially change performance.<\/p>\n<h3>430 stainless steel sheet<\/h3>\n<p>430 is a ferritic stainless steel used for selected decorative, appliance and indoor components. It is magnetic and has a different forming and welding response from austenitic 304 or 316. It can be economical where the service environment and fabrication route are suitable, but it should not be substituted solely on price.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thickness-finish\">Thickness, Gauge and Mill Finish<\/h2>\n<p>Specify stainless sheet thickness directly in millimeters or inches. Although gauge numbers are still common in some markets, gauge systems are not universal and should not be used without a referenced conversion table. In addition, the ordered thickness carries a mill tolerance that is separate from the final fabricated-part tolerance.<\/p>\n<p>Thickness affects stiffness, weight, material cost, minimum feature size, cutting speed, bend force and tooling access. However, a thicker sheet is not always a better design: it may add cost and make forming more difficult without improving the actual load path. Use calculation, prototype testing and supplier review to select the thickness.<\/p>\n<p>For common gauge conversions and design implications, see the Xproto <a href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/sheet-metal-thickness-chart\/\">sheet metal thickness chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Common stainless sheet surface finishes<\/h3>\n<div class=\"xproto-table-scroll\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Common stainless steel sheet surface finishes\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Finish<\/th>\n<th>General appearance<\/th>\n<th>Typical use<\/th>\n<th>Drawing considerations<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>2B<\/td>\n<td>Smooth, cold-rolled mill finish with moderate reflectivity<\/td>\n<td>General fabricated and process equipment<\/td>\n<td>Define cosmetic surfaces and protective film requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No. 4<\/td>\n<td>Directional brushed appearance<\/td>\n<td>Appliances, food equipment and visible panels<\/td>\n<td>State brush direction, visible face and acceptable variation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BA<\/td>\n<td>Bright-annealed, more reflective surface<\/td>\n<td>Decorative and clean applications<\/td>\n<td>Handling marks and reflection make cosmetic criteria important<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td>Uniform matte surface<\/td>\n<td>Non-directional cosmetic parts and glare reduction<\/td>\n<td>Specify media, sample, masking and roughness expectations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Electropolished<\/td>\n<td>Bright, smoothened surface with reduced microscopic peaks<\/td>\n<td>Cleanability and selected corrosion-sensitive applications<\/td>\n<td>Define process standard, material removal and acceptance tests<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"cutting\">How to Cut Stainless Steel Sheet Metal<\/h2>\n<p>The correct cutting method depends on thickness, geometry, quantity, edge quality, heat sensitivity and cost. Industrial sheet metal production commonly uses fiber laser cutting, punching, shearing, waterjet cutting and machining.<\/p>\n<h3>Fiber laser cutting<\/h3>\n<p>Fiber laser cutting is flexible for prototypes and production parts with complex profiles. It avoids dedicated blanking dies and can process many holes and contours in one setup. The quotation is influenced by material thickness, total cut length, number of pierces, assist gas, small-feature density and required edge quality.<\/p>\n<p>However, very small holes, narrow webs and heat-sensitive cosmetic surfaces may require slower parameters or a different process. Therefore, the fabricator should review whether a hole is practical relative to thickness and whether secondary drilling or machining is more reliable.<\/p>\n<h3>CNC punching and stamping<\/h3>\n<p>Punching can be efficient for repeated holes, slots, louvers and formed features. For instance, turret tooling may create standard geometries without dedicated production dies. At high volume, progressive stamping can reduce unit cost, but tooling investment and design stability must justify the process.<\/p>\n<h3>Shearing and sawing<\/h3>\n<p>Shearing is fast for straight cuts and rectangular blanks. As a result, it produces characteristic rollover, burnish, fracture and burr zones, so the direction and finishing of the cut edge may matter. Sawing is more common for thicker plate, bar or simple blanks than for intricate sheet profiles.<\/p>\n<h3>Waterjet cutting<\/h3>\n<p>Waterjet cutting produces no conventional heat-affected zone and can process thick stock. Therefore, fabricators may select it for heat-sensitive work or where laser capability is limited. Nevertheless, the quotation should account for edge taper, surface striations, abrasive cost and slower cutting speed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"xproto-warning\">\n<p><strong>Contamination control:<\/strong> stainless parts can pick up free iron from carbon-steel tools, worktables, grinding dust and shared abrasives. Therefore, separate handling, dedicated brushes and suitable cleaning procedures help preserve the intended surface condition and corrosion performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"bending\">Bending and Forming Stainless Steel Sheet Metal<\/h2>\n<p>Austenitic stainless steels combine high ductility with substantial work hardening. Consequently, they can form complex parts but normally require more forming force and show more springback than mild steel. Tooling, bend sequence and flat-pattern calculations need to reflect the actual grade and thickness.<\/p>\n<h3>Inside bend radius<\/h3>\n<p>Minimum bend radius depends on grade, temper, thickness, grain direction, edge condition and tooling. A larger inside radius reduces outer-fiber strain and cracking risk. Do not apply one universal radius to 304, 316, 430 and duplex grades.<\/p>\n<h3>Springback and bend angle<\/h3>\n<p>Stainless steel recovers elastically after the forming load is removed. Specifically, the amount depends on material strength, bend radius, die opening and process. Press-brake programs may compensate with over-bending or bottoming strategies, but operators should verify the final angle on the production material.<\/p>\n<h3>Hole-to-bend distance and bend relief<\/h3>\n<p>Holes and slots too close to a bend can stretch, ovalize or pull toward the bend line. Therefore, bend relief at edges and corners helps prevent tearing and uncontrolled distortion. If a critical hole must be near a bend, the manufacturing plan may instead use a later drilling or machining operation.<\/p>\n<h3>Grain direction and surface protection<\/h3>\n<p>Rolled sheet has a directional structure and cosmetic finishes such as No. 4 have a visible grain. In addition, show the required brush direction and cosmetic face on the drawing. Protective film can reduce handling marks but must be compatible with cutting, bending, welding and final cleaning.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"welding\">Welding and Assembly<\/h2>\n<p>Fabricators may join stainless sheet assemblies by TIG welding, MIG welding, resistance spot welding, laser welding, riveting, clinching, screws or inserted hardware. Ultimately, the appropriate method depends on joint strength, sealing, distortion, finish, access and production quantity.<\/p>\n<p>Thin stainless sheet can distort from concentrated heat. Therefore, fixtures, balanced weld sequences, intermittent welds where engineering permits, and lower-heat processes can help control movement. Cosmetic welds add grinding and blending work, so the drawing should distinguish structural, sealed and visible joints.<\/p>\n<h3>304L and 316L for welded parts<\/h3>\n<p>Fabricators commonly use the low-carbon L grades in welded assemblies when the material or corrosion specification requires them. In addition, filler metal, shielding gas, joint preparation and heat input must match the base material and service requirements. Welding procedure qualification may be necessary for regulated or critical products.<\/p>\n<h3>Mechanical hardware<\/h3>\n<p>Rivet nuts, self-clinching fasteners, studs and threaded inserts can avoid some thermal distortion. Stainless sheet is harder than common aluminum or low-carbon steel, so hardware compatibility and installation force must be confirmed. Maintain adequate edge distance and provide installation access before bends close the part.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"finishing\">Stainless Steel Finishing, Cleaning and Passivation<\/h2>\n<p>Post-fabrication treatment should restore a clean surface and the specified appearance. However, excessive heat or cross-contamination during grinding and brushing can damage the finish. Therefore, use stainless-compatible abrasives and keep the directional grain consistent across visible surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>Pickling and passivation are different chemical treatments. Pickling removes scale and certain surface contaminants, while passivation supports formation of a clean passive surface after contaminants are removed. Neither process should be treated as a substitute for degreasing or correct weld cleanup.<\/p>\n<p>Define whether the fabricator must remove weld heat tint, which surfaces are cosmetic, what roughness the part requires and whether it needs a documented passivation standard. When surface texture matters, use a measurable specification and consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/surface-roughness-chart\/\">surface roughness chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Design Guidelines for Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Parts<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Specify grade, L-grade when required, thickness and material standard.<\/li>\n<li>Use direct thickness values rather than an unreferenced gauge number.<\/li>\n<li>Keep bend radii consistent where one tool setup can meet the design.<\/li>\n<li>Provide sufficient flange length for the selected press-brake tooling.<\/li>\n<li>Place holes and slots outside the primary bend-deformation zone.<\/li>\n<li>Add bend relief where a bend ends at an edge or adjacent flange.<\/li>\n<li>Design tabs and slots to locate welded assemblies and reduce fixturing.<\/li>\n<li>Mark the cosmetic face and required brush direction.<\/li>\n<li>Prevent crevices, standing water and difficult-to-clean joints in corrosive service.<\/li>\n<li>Apply tight tolerances only to features that control fit or function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Xproto can review cutting, bending, welding, finishing and inspection requirements as part of a <a href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/custom-sheet-metal-fabrication-service\/\">custom sheet metal fabrication<\/a> project.<\/p>\n<h2>Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Tolerances<\/h2>\n<p>Flat cut features, bend angles, formed dimensions and welded assembly dimensions do not share one process capability. For example, a tight hole pattern in a flat blank may be straightforward, while the same positional tolerance measured across several bends and welds can require fixtures and secondary machining.<\/p>\n<p>Use a controlled 2D drawing to identify datums, critical dimensions, measurement conditions and inspection-report requirements. Account for raw-sheet thickness tolerance and avoid dimension chains that accumulate variation across multiple bends. If a dimension is functionally important after assembly, dimension it in the assembled condition.<\/p>\n<h2>What Drives Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Cost?<\/h2>\n<p>Cost depends on grade, thickness, sheet utilization, cutting time, bend count, hardware, welding, grinding, surface finish, inspection and quantity. Although grade 316 usually costs more than 304, material price is only one part of the quotation. For example, a heavily welded cosmetic 304 enclosure can cost more than a simple 316 bracket.<\/p>\n<p>Protective film, directional brushing, weld blending, pickling, passivation and individual packaging add value but also add process steps. Therefore, clear cosmetic zones and measurable acceptance criteria prevent suppliers from pricing every face to the highest standard. For a complete estimating model, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/sheet-metal-fabrication-cost\/\">sheet metal fabrication cost guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rfq\">Stainless Steel Sheet Metal RFQ Checklist<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>3D CAD model in STEP or another neutral engineering format.<\/li>\n<li>Controlled 2D drawing with revision, datums and critical tolerances.<\/li>\n<li>Grade such as 304, 304L, 316, 316L or 430.<\/li>\n<li>Thickness and applicable ASTM, EN, JIS or customer specification.<\/li>\n<li>Mill finish, brush direction, protective film and cosmetic surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>Weld symbols, grinding requirements and required post-weld treatment.<\/li>\n<li>Hardware and purchased-component specifications.<\/li>\n<li>Prototype, production and expected annual quantities.<\/li>\n<li>Material certificates, first-article or inspection-report requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Packaging standard, delivery destination and required schedule.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the grade is not yet fixed, describe the chemicals, salt exposure, temperature, cleaning process and required life. This information allows the engineering team to review the material decision instead of selecting 316 automatically or using 304 where the environment is too aggressive.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/h2>\n<h3>Is 304 or 316 better for stainless steel sheet metal?<\/h3>\n<p>Neither is universally better. For instance, grade 304 is widely available and suitable for many general applications. Grade 316, however, contains molybdenum and normally provides stronger resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. Choose from the actual exposure, fabrication route, required life and cost.<\/p>\n<h3>Can stainless steel sheet metal be laser cut?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Fiber laser cutting is commonly used for stainless sheet profiles, holes and slots. However, practical capability depends on thickness, alloy, machine power, assist gas, feature size and edge requirement. Punching, waterjet cutting, shearing or machining may be better for some parts.<\/p>\n<h3>How do you cut stainless steel sheet metal without contaminating it?<\/h3>\n<p>Use clean equipment, dedicated stainless-compatible tools and abrasives, and prevent contact with carbon-steel grinding dust or work surfaces. In addition, remove burrs with controlled processes and clean the part according to the required finish and passivation specification.<\/p>\n<h3>Is stainless steel harder to bend than mild steel?<\/h3>\n<p>Many stainless grades require higher forming force and exhibit greater springback and work hardening than mild steel. Therefore, base the bend radius, tooling and flat-pattern compensation on the actual stainless grade, thickness and production process.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between 304 and 304L?<\/h3>\n<p>304L is a low-carbon version of 304. Engineers often specify it for welded fabrications when the applicable material or corrosion requirement calls for a low-carbon grade. Nevertheless, confirm the governing standard and service environment before choosing it.<\/p>\n<h3>Does 316 stainless steel rust?<\/h3>\n<p>316 has strong corrosion resistance but is not immune to every condition. For example, chloride concentration, temperature, crevices, deposits, contamination, surface finish and cleaning can all affect corrosion. Therefore, base material selection on the full service environment.<\/p>\n<h3>What finish is best for stainless steel sheet metal?<\/h3>\n<p>The best finish depends on appearance, cleanability, corrosion conditions and cost. For example, 2B is common for general fabrication, No. 4 provides a directional brushed appearance, bead blasting creates a matte surface, and electropolishing can improve smoothness and cleanability for selected applications.<\/p>\n<h3>What files are needed for a stainless sheet metal quote?<\/h3>\n<p>Send a 3D CAD model, 2D drawing, grade, thickness, finish, quantity, welding and hardware requirements, inspection documents, packaging needs and delivery location. In addition, mark cosmetic faces and critical dimensions clearly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"xproto-cta\">\n<h2>Request a Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Review<\/h2>\n<p>Send Xproto your CAD model, drawing, grade or service environment, thickness, quantity and finish. Our team can review cutting, bend access, weld distortion, cosmetic surfaces and inspection requirements before quotation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/contact\/\"><strong>Contact Xproto for a stainless steel sheet metal fabrication quote.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Technical References<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/worldstainless.org\/about-stainless\/what-are-stainless-steels\/categories-grades-and-product-forms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">worldstainless: stainless steel categories, grades and product forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/worldstainless.org\/about-stainless\/properties\/corrosion-properties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">worldstainless: corrosion properties and passive-film behavior<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/worldstainless.org\/about-stainless\/process-and-production\/fabrication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">worldstainless: stainless steel fabrication resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/worldstainless.org\/about-stainless\/process-and-production\/production-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">worldstainless: pickling, passivation and production guidance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A practical guide to stainless steel sheet metal fabrication, including 304 vs 316, cutting, bending, welding, finishes, tolerances and RFQ requirements.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-2"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Stainless Steel Sheet Metal: 304 vs 316 Guide | Xproto<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how stainless steel sheet metal is selected, laser cut, bent, welded and finished. Compare 304, 316, 430, thicknesses, tolerances and costs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xprototech.com\/de\/stainless-steel-sheet-metal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"de_DE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Stainless Steel Sheet Metal: 304 vs 316 Guide | Xproto\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how stainless steel sheet metal is selected, laser cut, bent, welded and finished. 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