Most of the panels, doors and transfer equipment that leave our floor are fabricated in SS304 grade stainless steel — it's the workhorse of cleanroom construction, and for good reason. It resists corrosion well, holds up to repeated cleaning and disinfection, and costs less than the alternative. For the large majority of pharma, hospital, hotel and industrial applications, SS304 is the right call.
Where SS316 earns its premium
SS316 adds molybdenum to the alloy, which meaningfully improves resistance to chlorides and other aggressive chemicals. If your facility deals with harsh cleaning agents, saline environments, or processes involving chemical exposure, SS316 is worth the extra cost — it simply lasts longer under that kind of stress.
A practical way to decide
- Standard pharma cleanroom, hospital ward, hotel back-of-house — SS304 is almost always sufficient for panels, doors and passboxes.
- Facilities using chlorine-based or aggressive disinfectants frequently, or with any saline/coastal exposure — consider SS316.
- Not sure? Tell us your cleaning protocol and environment when you enquire — we'll recommend a grade rather than default to the pricier option.
It's rarely an all-or-nothing choice
Many of our clients mix grades within a single project — SS316 for high-exposure components like passbox interiors and airshower chambers, SS304 for wall panels and ducting that see less direct chemical contact. That keeps cost sensible without compromising where it matters.
