Grades & Standards Reference
Stainless Steel Grades, Indexed Plainly
A reference index of common stainless steel grades — 304, 316, 430 and more — what each stainless grade specifies and where it is used.
Reference only — verify governing specifications before ordering; price on request
Information current as of
Stainless Grades Index
Common stainless steel grades by structure
An index of frequently specified stainless grades, grouped by their microstructure. Each entry is a summary, not a substitute for the governing specification.
Austenitic
- 304 / 1.4301
The most common stainless — corrosion-resistant general-purpose sheet, sections and pipes for food, industrial and architectural work.
- 316 / 1.4401
Molybdenum-bearing stainless with improved chloride and pitting resistance, used in marine and chemical environments.
- 321 / 1.4541
Titanium-stabilised stainless for high-temperature service and welding where intergranular corrosion is a concern.
Ferritic & Martensitic
- 430 / 1.4016
A ferritic stainless with good corrosion resistance and formability, used for automotive trim and lower-cost applications.
- 410 / 1.4006
A martensitic stainless that can be hardened, used for cutlery, valves and shafts needing strength and wear resistance.
Duplex & Precipitation
- 2205 / 1.4462
A duplex stainless combining high strength with strong chloride resistance, used in pressure and offshore service.
- 17-4 PH
A precipitation-hardening stainless for high-strength shafting and aerospace-grade components.
How to Read a Grade
The alloying additions, in plain terms
How the stainless designation encodes its composition — the parts that govern any order.
Chromium
Chromium is what makes it stainless — roughly 10.5% minimum to form the protective chromium-oxide layer.
Alloying additions
Nickel stabilises austenitic; molybdenum (as in 316) adds pitting and chloride resistance.
Material number
The EN material number (1.4301, 1.4401) is an exact cross-reference to the AISI designation.
The molybdenum in 316 is the practical difference from 304 — it is worth specifying 316 wherever chlorides, salt or chemical exposure is expected, so the grade is matched to the environment, not the shape.
Why Noor Deira Steel
Specification reconciled, not assumed
Grade and standard are held exact against your brief. Material is verified against its governing standard before release.
Grade reconciled
Stainless grade, dimensions and surface finish matched to the requirement.
Standard verified
Material verified against its governing specification before release.
MTC supplied
Mill test certificates and documents supplied per order.
FAQ
Stainless steel grades, answered directly
What is a stainless steel grade?
A stainless steel grade is a designation for a corrosion-resistant iron alloy containing chromium. Grades like 304, 316 and 430 are fixed by composition and structure.
What do 304 and 316 mean?
They are AISI designations for two austenitic stainless grades. 316 adds molybdenum, giving better chloride and pitting resistance than 304.
What is the difference between austenitic, ferritic and martensitic stainless?
It is the crystal structure. Austenitic (304, 316) is tough and non-magnetic; ferritic (430) is simpler and magnetic; martensitic (410) can be hardened by heat treatment.
Does Noor Deira Steel supply stainless steel?
Grade, standard and dimensions are reconciled against each requirement. Material is verified against its governing standard before release, and availability is confirmed at quotation.
How do I request pricing for a specific stainless grade?
Pricing is always on request. Send a structured enquiry naming the stainless grade, dimensions, quantity and destination.
Request Pricing by Grade
Send a structured enquiry naming the stainless grade and our commercial department responds with availability and pricing. Price is always on request.
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