Stainless steel is one of the most-requested materials for laser cutting in Sydney — but choosing the wrong grade can cost you in corrosion failures down the track, or in money spent on an alloy you didn’t need. The two most common grades are 304 and 316. Here’s how to choose, from the team at Laser Wizard in St Marys, Western Sydney.
The Core Difference
Both grades are austenitic stainless steels with excellent strength and formability. The key difference is molybdenum:
- 304 stainless (also called 18/8 — 18% chromium, 8% nickel) offers great all-round corrosion resistance for indoor and general outdoor use.
- 316 stainless adds roughly 2% molybdenum, which dramatically improves resistance to salt, chlorides, and acidic environments.
That single addition is why 316 is known as "marine grade" stainless.
When to Choose 304
304 is the workhorse grade and the right choice for the majority of projects:
- Indoor fixtures, brackets, and enclosures
- Architectural and decorative work away from the coast
- Food-processing equipment (non-saline)
- General fabrication and hardware
It delivers excellent corrosion resistance at a lower cost than 316 — typically 20–30% cheaper.
When to Choose 316
Specify 316 when the part will face salt or harsh chemicals:
- Coastal and marine installations (anything within a few kilometres of the ocean)
- Pool and spa surrounds where chlorides are present
- Chemical and pharmaceutical equipment
- Permanent outdoor structures exposed to constant salt-laden air
In these environments, the higher upfront cost of 316 is cheap insurance against premature corrosion, replacement, and downtime.
How Laser Wizard Cuts Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cuts cleanly and accurately on a laser, holding tight tolerances with excellent edge quality — ideal for both precision components and decorative work. At Laser Wizard, we cut both 304 and 316 in a range of thicknesses, and we can take your project beyond cutting to folding, welding, and finishing in the same facility.
Not sure which grade your job needs? Tell us where the part will live and what it has to withstand — our team will recommend the right grade so you don’t over-spec (and overspend) or under-spec and risk corrosion. We’ve been advising Sydney manufacturers, builders, and designers since 1999, and we hold ISO 9001:2016 certification across all operations.
Send your drawing for a free quote — call (02) 9623 2335, email [email protected], or visit laserwizard.com.au.