– 304/L Stainless Steel
304/L grade of stainless steel is one of the more popular grades for making components that will hold up well when exposed to salt water but not submerged in it. It is an austenitic alloy that includes chromium and nickel and is lower in carbon than the standard 304 grade of stainless. Laser fused, wide flange, 304L stainless steel beams have been used as a corrosion resistant building material in theme parks where marine animals are the center attraction, requiring salt water tanks and pools.

– 316/L Stainless Steel
Another popular material for marine environments is grade 316/L stainless steel. This is also a lower carbon, austenitic alloy containing chromium and nickel. The addition of molybdenum provides an increased level of corrosion resistance than 304/L. Laser fused c-channels, made from 316/L stainless steel, were used to make the manatee gates that protect this endangered species in Florida’s waterways where salt water meets fresh water. This alloy was also the best choice laser fused beams used for Epcot’s Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium.