How to check the grade 202 and 304 ? and Difference between grade 202 and 304.

Stainless Steel, How to check grade 202 and 304 ?

Stainless steel is a popular material. It is used in many industries, like building construction, automotive, and food processing. SS has very strong corrosion resistance, and very low maintenance. Generally, we use it in railings, windowsstairs, etc. of our houses, SS grade varies based on grade and its uses . There are many types of grades available in the market, but here we will talk about only on Stainless steel grade 202 vs 304, How to check grade 202 and 304 ?. Normally its very difficult to identify the grade physically, but there are few simple methods by which we can identify easily.

how to check grade 202 and 304
how to check grade 202 and 304

Grade 202 Stainless Steel:

  • Grade 202 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel that contains high amounts of chromium (17-19%), manganese (7.5-10%), and nickel (4-6%). It also has small amounts of nitrogen and carbon. 
  • Grade 202 stainless steel offers good resistance to corrosion, but it is not as resistant as   grade 304 stainless steel. Grade 202 stainless steel has a slightly higher density compared to grade 304 stainless steel.

  • Grade 202 stainless steel is typically less expensive than grade 304 stainless steel.

  • Grade 202 stainless steel is commonly used in applications where high corrosion resistance is not required, such as kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, and interior stairs railing etc.

Composition Stainless steel 202 Grade

Element Weight
Iron , Fe
68 %
Chromium, Cr
17 – 19 %
Manganese, Mn
7 .5 – 10 %
Silicon, Si
0.75 %
Carbon , C
0.15 %
Nitrogen, N
0.25 %
Phosphorous, P
0.060 %
Sulfur, S
0.030 %
Nickel , Ni
2 – 4 %

Grade 304 Stainless Steel:

  • Grade 304 stainless steel is also an austenitic stainless steel that contains chromium (18-20%), nickel (8-10.5%), manganese (2%), and small amounts of carbon and nitrogen.
  • Grade 304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. 

  • Grade 304 stainless steel has a slightly lower density compared to grade 202 stainless steel.

  •  Grade 304 stainless steel is generally more expensive than grade 202 stainless steel.

  • Grade 304 stainless steel is commonly used in applications where superior corrosion resistance is required, such as in food processing equipment, chemical processing plants, exterior  for gate or outside railing.

Composition Stainless steel 304 Grade

Element Weight
Iron , Fe
64 %
Chromium, Cr
17.5 – 19.5 %
Manganese, Mn
2 %
Silicon, Si
1 %
Carbon , C
0.7 %
Nitrogen, N
0.15 %
Phosphorous, P
0.050 %
Sulfur, S
0.030 %
Nickel , Ni
8 – 10.5

How to check Grade 202 and 304 ?

  • Look for the marking and Check stamp or logo: Every company uses its own stamp and logo,

    which contain all the details of the materials. By looking at the logo and stamp, it can be easily

    recognised the grade of steel is 202 or 304.

how to check grade 202 and 304
  • Use steel quality check chemical:  Always we thought that to How to check grade 202 and 304 ? in simple way then we Go to any hardware store, take a chemical called a grade tester, and drop a few drops on the stainless steel material. If the color of the material turns pink, then this steel material  grade is 202, if the color of the drop is not changing, this steel grade is 304.

how to check grade 202 and 304
  • Spark testing can help identify the type of steel: If you take a steel rod or pipe and cut it with a grinder, if the spark is long and the colour is red, then the steel is of 202 grade. If the spark is short in length and light in color, then the steel is 304 grade.

how to check grade 202 and 304
how to check grade 202 and 304
  • Use a handheld analyzer: Handheld analyzers are portable devices that use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to determine the composition of a material. You can use a handheld analyzer to analyze the composition of the steel and identify the stainless steel  grade 202 vs 304.

  • Consult a metallurgist: If you are unable to determine the grade of the steel using the above methods, consider consulting a metallurgist or material testing laboratory for further analysis stainless steel  grade 202 vs 304 and identification.

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