How to distinguish the Stainless Steel Material?
author: Kora R.
2026-03-18
Knowing how to distinguish the stainless steel material,there has 3steps.
1.Look at the sign
The formal factory always will mark the stainless steel material on the bottom of the inner,such as "SUS 316" "SUS 304",this is the most directly step.
2.Magnet test
316/304 Stainless Steel
Non-magnetic/weakly magnetic (slight attraction may occur after cold working, which is normal)
201 Stainless Steel
It has a strong magnetic property and the magnet holds firmly.
Operation method--Use an ordinary magnet (such as a fridge magnet) to attach to the surface, avoiding the welding points (as welding will be magnetic).
Below is the sample of 201 stainless steel with magnet.
3.Reagent testing
Use reagent to test,and then see the color change of the reagent to confirm the material.
Operation method--the original reagent color is blue.
1.Gently sand the test point with sandpaper (to remove the surface oxide layer)
2.Drop 1 drop of reagent, observe the color after 10-30 seconds.
316 Stainless steel--it shows yellow / blue
304 Stainless steel--it shows blue /light red
201 Stainless steel--it shows red / dark red
Below is the photo which the reagent on 304 stainless steel.
Now do you know how to distinguish the different stainless steel material?You can tell me if still have any problem,I will see how to tell you!
How to choose the Stainless Steel Material?
