Glossary

18/8 stainless steel is a common grade of stainless steel that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel in its composition. These two alloying elements are what give stainless steel its corrosion resistance and strength. Chromium forms a thin, invisible oxide layer on the surface that protects the metal from rust and staining, while nickel improves toughness, ductility, and resistance to acids and other corrosive environments.

This grade falls into the austenitic stainless steel family, which is known for its non-magnetic properties (in the annealed state), excellent formability, and high resistance to oxidation. It’s often identified by the designation Type 304 stainless steel, which is the most widely used stainless steel around the world.

18/8 stainless steel is valued for being durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for applications in food processing, kitchenware, fasteners, chemical equipment, medical instruments, and architectural uses. In fasteners, 18/8 stainless bolts, nuts, and washers are popular because they maintain their strength while resisting rust in outdoor or humid conditions.

AKA: Type 304