Depending on where a metal is from, it can be denoted by very different names. Does it matter? Yes, it does! While being essentially trade names, metal produced in different countries may have different chemical compositions, thus contributing to different levels of workability. This is essential if you specifically require 17% Nickel in your metal sheet. If so, please research well before you buy!

If however, you are not particular with what makes up a particular metal, then, yes, an 304 stainless steel will perform in the same manner no matter which country you buy from.

This is not to say that quality will remain the same across every country and manufacturer. This is a topic for another discussion though.

In the table below, we have compiled a list of commonly used stainless steel material grades across different countries. Each line denotes a particular material grade with its alternative names listed across the other columns.