Have you ever wondered why so many products that come into contact with food are made from 316 grade stainless steel?
It’s simple reason is that this grade of stainless steel is incredibly durable and hygienic, making it the perfect choice for food-grade uses.
Let’s take a closer look…
Why 316 Grade
316 grade stainless steel is commonly used as a food grade material primarily because it is highly resistant to corrosion. It is also non-reactive with acidic or alkaline substances commonly found in food and beverages.
This makes it the perfect material for food processing and storage equipment, such as tanks, piping, and utensils.
Additionally, 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance and makes it particularly effective in harsh environments where it may be exposed to chemicals or saltwater. This means that it is the go-to grade for applications in marine locations.
The composition of 316 stainless steel also makes it easy to clean and sanitize, which is important in food processing facilities to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
304 is the industry standard grade of stainless steel, but we would always advise using 316 or 316L for anything in the water or the kitchen.
- Corrosion Resistance – Excellent. 316 grade stainless steel is ideal for marine and aquatic applications
- Heat Resistance – Good. 316 grade stainless steel offers a good level of resistance to heat
- Machinability – Good. Mild steel is the metal choice for many forms of machining and grinding, but stainless steel can also offer good results
- Welding – Very good. You could easily weld with this mesh to suit your requirements
- Painting – Poor. We suggest that a mild steel product is used when a layer of paint needs to be applied. Galvanised and stainless steel will not take paint. Please note that lots of mesh apertures are too small to be painted in any event.
Another major benefit of using 316 grade stainless steel for food-grade materials is its superior hygiene level.
This type of stainless steel does not harbour bacteria or other contaminants, which makes it the safest choice for products that will come into contact with food or beverages.
The Cost Effective Solution
Most importantly for our customers, the biggest advantages of using 316 grade stainless steel is its cost effectiveness.
In general 316 stainless steel mesh is known for its excellent durability and long lifespan. With proper maintenance and care, it can last for many years without experiencing significant wear or corrosion. Some estimates suggest that 316 stainless steel mesh can last up to 20 years or more, depending on the application and conditions.
Also, since it is so easy to clean and maintain, you won’t need to invest in additional cleaning supplies or equipment in order to keep your items safe and sanitary over time.
What Options Do You Have In This Grade?
We do not stock as many options as we do in 304, but we are proud to offer over 25 sizes of 316 grade stainless woven mesh wire.
Those below represent the largest hole size option and the finest. We have many options in between.
The image demonstrates that this is a heavy woven mesh specification. 11.1mm aperture is very large to be woven mesh, as a consequence it requires a very thick wire to produce.
This is one of our most popular wire mesh materials.
As you can see from the image this is a super-fine mesh specification. The holes are very small and not especially visible by naked eye. It is of interest to those who needs a fine mesh for filtration on a microscopic level.
This mesh has the feel of a fine silk.
In conclusion, there are many benefits associated with using 316 grade stainless steel as a food grade material.
Its durability and strength make it an ideal choice for items that will be frequently exposed to water or other liquids; its superior hygiene level ensures that all surfaces remain free from bacteria; and its cost effectiveness helps reduce long-term costs associated with repairs or replacements—making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable materials at an affordable price point.
The go-to choice for many applications.
As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. We try to launch a couple of new guides every week. Eventually we will have covered everything there is to cover about mesh.
You may be interested in our blog that explores the term ‘hardware cloth’.
Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.