| 316 / 316L stainless steel | Clean, passivated surface; electropolishing may be specified for smoother surfaces | Strong resistance to many atmospheric and chloride-related corrosion conditions. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting compared with 304 stainless steel. | Marine-adjacent installations, coastal facilities, chemical-processing areas, and demanding outdoor environments | Not immune to corrosion, especially in stagnant seawater, crevices, or deposits. Confirm compatibility with the specific chemicals, temperature, and cleaning conditions. |
| 304 stainless steel | Clean, passivated surface | Good general atmospheric corrosion resistance in many indoor and outdoor settings | General industrial equipment and environments with limited chloride exposure | More susceptible to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion than 316 stainless steel. Consider 316 for coastal or salt-exposed locations. |
| Nickel-plated brass | Electroplated nickel layer over brass | Offers a protective barrier and a durable, corrosion-resistant surface in many industrial environments | General-purpose cable entries, machinery, and enclosures where a plated brass fitting is appropriate | Plating damage or wear can expose the brass underneath. Performance depends on plating quality and environment; it should not be assumed to be suitable for every marine or chemical application. |
| Brass, including dezincification-resistant grades | Unplated or supplied with a specified protective finish; select DZR brass where relevant | Brass generally resists atmospheric corrosion better than ordinary carbon steel. DZR grades are designed to reduce dezincification in susceptible water conditions. | Indoor and general industrial installations; DZR grades may be considered for compatible water-exposed applications | Brass can tarnish and may be affected by specific chemicals or water conditions. Standard brass is not automatically dezincification-resistant. |
| Aluminum alloy | Anodizing or a compatible conversion coating | Anodizing thickens the natural oxide layer and can improve resistance to atmospheric corrosion and surface wear. | Weight-sensitive equipment and many outdoor applications where the alloy and environment are suitable | Chloride exposure can cause pitting. Avoid unsuitable galvanic contact with dissimilar metals, particularly in the presence of moisture; verify the alloy and coating specification. |
| Carbon steel | Zinc plating or hot-dip galvanizing, depending on the product and required coating | Zinc provides sacrificial protection to steel while the coating remains effective | Cost-sensitive applications in dry or moderately corrosive environments with a suitable coating | Protection decreases if the zinc layer is damaged, consumed, or poorly maintained. Typically a less suitable choice than 316 stainless steel for persistent salt exposure. |