Stainless steels
Stainless steel is an everyday hero – it makes no fuss, yet withstands everything.
Strengths of stainless steel
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Stainless steels (304, 316L, 904L, etc.) are the industry standard solution when an easily fabricable and reliable material is needed. They are suitable for piping, structures, and process equipment where temperature and chemical stress remain at moderate levels.
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PreOne stocks several stainless steel grades for immediate delivery. This accelerates project start-up, shortens lead times, and enables the manufacturing of cost-effective piping and components without long waits for materials.
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A smooth surface and excellent cleanability make stainless steel an ideal material for hygiene-critical environments. It withstands various acidic and alkaline processes, which is why it is widely used in the food, laboratory, and process industries.
304, 304L, 316L, 904L, 254 / 654 SMO, Sanicro 28
Stainless steels vs. other materials
Stainless steels vs. other materials
Stainless steels vs. others
- Stainless steels
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Zirconium
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Aluminium
- Stainless steels
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Zirconium
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Aluminium
- Stainless steels
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Zirconium
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Aluminium
- Stainless steels
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Zirconium
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Aluminium
- Stainless steels
- Titanium
- Tantalum
- Zirconium
- Hastelloy
- Nickel alloys
- Duplex & SDX
- Aluminium
Typical applications for stainless steel
Processes where the reliability and cleanability of stainless steel are the primary requirements.
FAQ about stainless steel materials
When is stainless steel the best choice of material?
Stainless steel (and acid-proof steel) is the industry’s most cost-effective “workhorse”. It is the best choice for applications requiring high cleanliness, a long lifecycle, and basic-level corrosion resistance, but where conditions are not so extreme that expensive specialty metals are needed. It is the standard solution for process piping in the food, water, pharmaceutical, and energy industries.
Which stainless steel grades does PreOne use?
We use the industry’s most common standard grades according to the application:
- AISI 304L (EN 1.4307): Basic “stainless”. Well-suited for indoor use, food processes, and non-aggressive environments.
- AISI 316L (EN 1.4404): “Acid-proof”. This is the process industry standard. Molybdenum alloying gives it better resistance against chlorides and dilute acids.
- 904L: A higher-alloyed steel for more demanding conditions.
Can stainless steel replace specialty metals like Hastelloy?
Rarely without risk. If process engineering requires Hastelloy or Titanium, the reason is usually the aggressiveness of the fluid or high temperature, which would quickly corrode through a stainless steel pipe due to pitting. Cost-cutting in the wrong place becomes expensive due to production downtime. We help evaluate whether high-quality 316L is sufficient or if more robust alloys are required.
A reliable choice for standard industrial processes
Stainless steel materials perform in applications where cleanability, chemical resistance, and supply reliability are key.
Stainless and acid-proof steels form the most widely used material group in the industry — for a reason. They offer a good balance of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and fabricability, making them suitable for environments where chemical stress remains moderate.
At PreOne, stainless steel materials are part of daily manufacturing, and we work with grades ranging from 304 up to 654 SMO. Our extensive material stock enables fast deliveries and cost-effective implementation without long waiting times.
Stainless steel is the material that works when requirements are clear, the process is stable, and cost-efficiency is important — and when specialty metals are not needed to address extreme chemical aggressiveness. Stainless steel is not a compromise, but a standard solution that performs reliably year after year.
