Most shaped wire we make is stainless, and most of that is one of three grades. They are not interchangeable, so here is the plain version we give customers.
304 — the default
304 covers the bulk of jobs: indoor parts, mild atmospheres, general springs and trim. It is the cheapest of the three and welds cleanly. If you do not have a reason to go elsewhere, this is it.
316L — when there is water or chlorine
316L carries molybdenum, which is what resists pitting in water, seawater and process fluids. Screen wire that lives in a well or a tank should be 316L, not 304. The "L" means low carbon, so it welds without sensitising.
430 — when cost wins and magnetism helps
430 is ferritic, magnetic, and cheaper than 304. It gives up some corrosion resistance and does not weld as kindly, but for dry indoor parts or where a magnet needs to grab the part, it earns its place.
Still choosing? Browse our shaped wire or tell us where the part lives — environment decides the grade more than anything else.
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