Type 304 is often referred to as "18-8" ( 18% chromium, 8% nickel ) with the basic stainless alloy most commonly utilized for wire cloth weaving. It withstands outdoor exposure without rusting and resists oxidation at an elevated temperature up to 1400 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Type 304 L is very similar to T-304, the difference being the reduced carbon content for better weaving and secondary welding characteristics.

Type 316 Stabilized by the addition of 2% molydbenum, T-316 is an "18-8" alloy. It has better resistance to pitting corrosion than the other chromium-nickel stainless steels where brines, sulphur-bearing water or halogen salts, such as chlorides are present. A valuable property of T-316 is high creep strength at elevated temperatures. Other mechanical properties and  fabricating characteristics are similar to T-304.

Type 316 L is very similar to T-316, the difference being the reduced carbon content for wire cloth weaving and secondary welding characteristics.