Type AISI304 is the most common stainless steel produced, and satisfies a broad demand for adequate performance at an affordable price. Grade 304 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide variety of environments and when in contact with different corrosive media. Type AISI304 is inadequate for many marine applications.

Type AISI316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade and offers the best corrosion resistance among standard stainless steels. The molybdenum gives AISI316 better overall corrision resistant properties than Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It resists pitting and corrosion by most chemicals, and is particulary resistant to salt water corrosion, making it ideal for most marine applications.