How to verify the steel grade authenticity (AISI 304 vs 316)?

Check a 3.1 material certificate. Itʼs compliant with the EN 10204 standard. In the case of a product such as welded stainless steel mesh, the certificate makes it possible to confirm which steel grade it was manufactured from.

PMI/XRF analyzers are also used in industry. They help quickly identify the metal alloy. The appearance of the surface usually does not allow AISI 304 steel to be distinguished from 316.