"Stainless" is not a single material. It's a family of alloys. We ensure you aren't paying for Premium 304 Grade while receiving Cheap 202 Grade.
Visually, 202 Grade (High Manganese, Low Nickel) looks identical to 304
Grade (18% Chrome, 8% Nickel).
However, 202 Grade costs 30% less and will rust within months.
Without a chemical test, you cannot tell the difference.
We don't guess. Our inspectors carry portable chemical kits and, for larger orders, use XRF Spectrometers.
We apply a specialized reagent drop. If it turns pink/red, it indicates high Manganese (200 series). If it stays clear, it's likely 300 series.
Basic but effective. 400 series (Cutlery grade) is magnetic. 304/202 (Austenitic) is non-magnetic. *Note: Deep drawing can make 304 slightly magnetic, which we account for.*
For absolute certainty, we take a sample to an NABL accredited lab to get the exact % of Ni, Cr, and Mn.
Non-magnetic, High Corrosion Resistance. Expensive.
Non-magnetic, Low Nickel. Prone to rust over time.
Magnetic. Used for induction bottoms and cheap spoons.
Rough surface texture caused by incorrect grain size during the deep-drawing process.
Factories stretching steel too thin at the corners of square containers to save weight.
Micro-cracks at the rim caused by skipping the annealing (heating) process between presses.
Reddish iron oxide dust left on the surface due to poor cleaning after polishing.
