Stainless steel 1.4401 is also known as grade 316 and is superior to 1.4301 (grade 304) due to its addition of molybdenum, which significantly enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments like those with seawater or chemicals.

The price per kg of stainless steel 316L sheets depends on factors such as material thickness, surface finish, market nickel and molybdenum prices, and order quantity.

ASTM A511/A511M is a standard specification from ASTM International that covers seamless stainless steel mechanical tubing. This specification applies to tubing used in mechanical applications where corrosion resistance or high-temperature strength is needed. It includes both cold-finished and hot-finished tubes, with sizes up to 12 3/4 inches (313.8 mm) in outside diameter and various wall thicknesses.

304 stainless steel square pipes are ideal for photovoltaic (PV) mounting structures, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and structural stability in outdoor solar installations.

304 stainless steel (EN 1.4301) typically contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and a maximum of 0.07% carbon, offering a balanced combination of corrosion resistance and formability.

The main difference between 1.4301 and 1.4306 is the carbon content, 1.4306 has a lower carbon content (0.03% max) than 1.4301 (0.07% max), which improves its weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.