Technical Information
Comprehensive stainless-steel material data to help you choose the right grade for your application. At S.A.M.S., we supply only premium stainless-steel fasteners, fixings, supports, and industrial hardware. Below is a clear comparison of the most commonly used stainless-steel grades.
1. Grade Comparison — SS 202 vs SS 304 vs SS 316
Compare main mechanical, financial and chemical resistance profiles at a glance.
| Stainless Grade | Corrosion Resistance | Mechanical Strength | Cost Efficiency | Chloride / Salt Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 202 | Moderate – indoor / low-exposure | High | Low (budget-friendly) | Low |
| SS 304 | Very good – most industrial & outdoor | Medium | Medium | Good |
| SS 316 | Excellent – coastal, marine, corrosive | Medium | High (premium) | Excellent |
2. Recommended Applications
Determine optimal alloy codes matching specific environments.
Indoor fasteners & hardware; furniture & architectural fittings; industrial assemblies in dry environments; brackets, tools, fixtures used indoors; cost-sensitive projects.
General-purpose fasteners; construction & infrastructure; food processing equipment; HVAC systems; outdoor industrial use.
Coastal & marine; chemical & pharmaceutical facilities; high-salinity/chloride areas; outdoor exposed to chemicals/salt spray.
SS 310 – high-temperature (furnaces, burners, heat-exposed assemblies); SS 410 – high hardness & wear resistance (tools, mechanical components).
3. Chemical Composition
Primary alloying elements as percentages.
- SS 202 metallurgical layout: 17–19% Chromium · 4–6% Nickel · 7.5–10% Manganese · 0.08–0.15% Carbon
- SS 304 metallurgical layout: 18–20% Chromium · 8–10.5% Nickel · <0.08% Carbon
- SS 316 metallurgical layout: 16–18% Chromium · 10–14% Nickel · 2–3% Molybdenum
4. Fastener Torque Recommendations
Tightening thresholds to prevent physical deformation.
| Fastener Metric Size | Recommended Max Torque |
|---|---|
| M6 | 9–10 Nm |
| M8 | 22–25 Nm |
| M10 | 44–50 Nm |
| M12 | 75–85 Nm |
| M16 | 185–210 Nm |
Values are general guidelines; always consider application-specific conditions.
5. Environmental Suitability
Atmospheric exposure durability matching frameworks.
Indoor Controlled
SS 202, 304, 316
Dry cabinets, structural furniture, clean brackets, internal custom assemblies.
Outdoor Industrial
SS 304 (good), SS 316 (excellent)
General civil structures, MEP piping support, HVAC outdoor units, non-saline exposure.
Coastal & Marine
SS 316 exclusively
Offshore rigging, dock anchors, naval assemblies, coastal facades exposed to salt mist.
Chemical & Pharmacy
SS 316 recommended
Pharmaceutical mixers, pipelines conveying light acids, chlorine treatment containers.
How to Choose the Right Grade
Cost vs Exposure Checks
Choose SS 202 when budget limits are tight and your application is sheltered entirely in a dry, indoor climate away from relative moisture.
Standard General Duty
Default to SS 304 for general structural duties, outdoor civil fasteners, machinery shields, and normal, non-coastal atmospheric states.
Corrosion Critical Zones
Enforce SS 316 wherever exposure targets include chemical assets, chlorine channels, desalination pipelines, dock facades, or coastal environments.