How do Stainless Steel grades 304, 316, and 316L differ in performance?

SS304: Offers excellent corrosion resistance for general industrial and food-processing environments.

SS316: Contains Molybdenum, which significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-rich or acidic atmospheres.

SS316L: The “Low Carbon” version of 316. It is specifically engineered to prevent intergranular corrosion after welding, making it the gold standard for marine, offshore, and pharmaceutical infrastructure.