Materials
201, 304 or 316L? Start with the environment
Compare common grades and prepare a brief covering exposure, appearance and purchasing requirements.
A grade name is a starting point. Agree the exposure conditions and acceptance requirements before choosing material.
What distinguishes 201 from 304?
201 is a chromium-manganese-nickel austenitic grade; 304 is a common chromium-nickel grade. Check the specified chemistry rather than treating every low-nickel material as interchangeable.
What do molybdenum and L mean?
The 316 family contains molybdenum to improve resistance in certain corrosive environments; L denotes a low-carbon version. Coastal, chloride-containing or welded applications still need project-specific assessment.
Four things to include in the order
Record exposure, grade and standard, finish and dimensions, and required material documents with batch references. State any food-contact, pressure or structural acceptance requirements separately.
How to describe your enquiry
For example: “Interior hotel wall panels, designer-specified 304, silver hairline, cut to drawings; please confirm the sample and batch documents.” Thickness and installation remain project decisions.
Further reading & sources
Technical background references are listed below. Enquiry examples and checklists are prepared by Jinlaibao.