Technical Guide: Understanding the Differences Between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 Stainless Steel Grades
Target Audience: Engineers, Industrial Designers, Procurement Specialists
Author:Ekinsun – CNC Material Knowledge Center
Target Audience: Engineers, Industrial Designers, Procurement Specialists
Author:Ekinsun – CNC Material Knowledge Center
Stainless steel is a core material in CNC machining due to its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and surface quality. Among the most frequently used are the 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0 grades.
These designations refer to chromium and nickel content and have significant differences in corrosion behavior, magnetism, and cost. This guide helps you decide which grade fits your technical requirements.
18/10 → ~18% Chromium, ~10% Nickel
18/8 → ~18% Chromium, ~8% Nickel
18/0 → ~18% Chromium, 0% Nickel
🧪 Steel Types:
18/10 and 18/8 → Austenitic (non-magnetic, Type 304 family)
18/0 → Ferritic (magnetic, Type 430 family)
Grade | Magnetic | Corrosion Resistance | Yield Strength | Ductility
----------|----------|----------------------|----------------|----------
18/10 | ❌ No | ✅✅✅ Excellent | ~205 MPa | ~40%
18/8 | ❌ No | ✅✅ Good | ~200 MPa | ~38–40%
18/0 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Moderate | ~300–350 MPa | ~20–25%
💡 Note: 18/0 offers higher yield strength but less ductility. 18/10 provides superior corrosion protection.
18/10 (Premium 304): Strong resistance in moist, food-safe, or mildly corrosive environments
18/8 (Standard 304): Adequate for general CNC parts not exposed to harsh chemicals
18/0 (430 type): Suitable for dry environments; avoid saltwater or acidic contact
🔩 18/10 Stainless Steel
Medical housings
Food processing equipment
Marine accessories
High-precision CNC parts
🔧 18/8 Stainless Steel
Fasteners, brackets
Electronics housings
General hardware components
🧲 18/0 Stainless Steel
Magnetic appliance parts
Cost-sensitive enclosures
Oven liners and backplates
🟪 Material Selection Guide
If your part needs... → Choose:
-----------------------------------------------
High corrosion resistance → 18/10
Food-safe & moderate cost → 18/8
Magnetic or low-cost solution → 18/0
Deep forming or welding flexibility→ 18/8 / 18/10
📌 For extremely corrosive environments, consider using 316L instead.
🟫 Summary at a Glance
Grade: 18/10 18/8 18/0
Type: Austenitic Austenitic Ferritic
Nickel: 10% 8% 0%
Magnetic: No No Yes
Corrosion: Excellent Good Moderate
Cost: $$$ $$ $
Use Case: Medical General Budget
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