In sanitary applications, stainless steel of a high-grade and quality is typically used to meet the stringent requirements of cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and durability. The two most common grades of stainless steel used in sanitary applications are:
304 Stainless Steel: Also known as 18-8 stainless steel, 304 is a versatile and widely used stainless steel grade. It is suitable for many sanitary applications, especially in the food and beverage industry. It offers good corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, and is resistant to most common chemicals.
316L Stainless Steel: This is an austenitic stainless steel with a low carbon content, making it more corrosion-resistant than 304 stainless steel, especially in environments where chloride exposure is a concern. The "L" in 316L stands for "low carbon," and this grade is often preferred for applications involving corrosive substances. It is commonly used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and marine applications.
Both 304 and 316L stainless steel meet the criteria for sanitary applications due to their corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and non-reactivity with the substances being processed. The choice between these grades often depends on the specific requirements of the application and the level of corrosion resistance needed.