Stainless Steel is a corrosion resistant steel that typically contains at least 10% chromium. There are three main stainless steel alloys that are commercially available — 303 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel. They all have the same basic stainless steel properties of corrosion resistance and similar mechanical properties. The 303 stainless steel alloy is easier to machine than the others, but is not weldable. The 304 stainless steel alloy is the most commonly used.  304 stainless steel alloys is weldable and machinable.  It is not suitable for marine or salt water applications. The 316 stainless steel alloy is also known as marine grade stainless. It can be machined and welded like 304 but has much better corrosion resistance. Order Stainless Steel Alloys in 303 Stainless Steel, 304 Stainless Steel, and 316 Stainless Steel, and Stainless Steel Sheets in small quantities and no minimums of all Stainless Steel at The Metal Store.