IS 6911 defines stainless steel plate, sheet and strip by grade, with chemical composition, mechanical properties and dimensional tolerances. Many buyers and drawings refer to grades by their common numbers — 304 and 316 — which correspond to designations in IS 6911 and in ASTM A240.
What the grade number tells you
| Grade | Key alloying | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | ~18% Cr, ~8% Ni | General-purpose austenitic stainless |
| 316 | ~17% Cr, ~10% Ni, ~2% Mo | Better chloride and pitting resistance |
| 202 | Cr, Mn, reduced Ni | 200-series; lower cost, lower corrosion resistance |
The 200-series grades such as 202 are covered by separate specifications; state the grade explicitly on the purchase order.
What to specify
- Grade and the standard it is ordered to (IS 6911 or ASTM A240)
- Thickness, width and length, or sheet size
- Surface finish (2B, BA, No. 1, No. 4)
- Mill test certificate requirement