Stainless Steel Standards

Are these same material?

No.

Just as an example for the differences:

304 Stainless is good for machining and forming. It is also FDA approved and has good resistance against corrosion.

316 has a higher resistance to corrosion.

I would be very careful about that FDA approval claim.

actually, FDA approves materials on a case by case per application basis. 316 316L has also been approved by FDA for certain applications such as sensors.

I and my professional colleagues have been unable to find an "FDA Approved materials Listing." If you find one, please let me know!

It really depends on the application.

Since we weren't given any real information about the application in the original query, I saw no need to speculate into application differences.

milo

I manufacture machinery used in processing produce. Any part of the machinery that comes in direct contact with the fruits and vegetables has to meet FDA approval and we are required to have all fruit contact surfaces be either stainless steel or FDA approved UHMW.

AL 201 HP Stainless Steel has a lower nickel content to it then 304 but has a higher tensil strength and has similar handling characteristics to 304 is also FDA approved and has similar resistance to corrosion. It is also cheaper then 304 but is harder to come by in the United States. Most of your pots and pans and Stainless Steel Kitchen appliances and counter tops like you see in cafeterias is 201 stainless steel.

Many of my Client members manufacture parts for medical or food and beverage applications.

"imagine a set of these holding the plates and rods in your back"

We/They are always looking for an easier way to find out what is approved. We are talking implantable orthopedics (bone screws), (above) Dental and surgical tools (and implants) as well as food slicer blades, nozzles components for testing and processing instruments, you name it.

I apologize for the slight softness of focus in the above. I took this in the shop, available light, Macro mode, one hand holding camera, one holding the screw. I am denying presbyopia, bifocals, or oil film on glasses as responsible!

So FDA approval in your case means food contact wettable, also us; also in our case, FDA may mean Human tissue implantable/wettable!

This screw is made out of titanium and the thread was "whirled."

milo

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