304 vs 316: the $1,200/tonne mistake we see weekly

Three visual tells that get loads mis-graded – and the magnet test that misses two of the most common ones.

Why the grade call is worth $1,200 a tonne

304 and 316 stainless look the same across a weighbridge. Called wrong, the difference on a full load runs to about $1,200 a tonne. We see it happen weekly.

What this piece covers

• The three visual tells that most often get a 304 or 316 load mis-graded.
• Why the magnet test misses two of the most common ones.

If a grade call is worth that much, it is worth confirming rather than eyeballing. Ask your buyer how the grade on your load was established before you sign it off.