There are some methods that you can use to identify the grade of stainless steel, such as visual inspection, magnet testing, spark testing, hardness testing, and acid testing. However, these methods may not be very accurate or reliable, especially for distinguishing between similar grades like 304 and 202. Therefore, the best way to tell if your stainless steel is 304 or 202 is to use a laboratory test that can measure the chemical composition of the material. Some common tests are X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical emission spectrometry (OES), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP).
The main difference between 304 and 202 stainless steel is the amount of nickel and manganese in their composition. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, while 202 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 4% nickel. Manganese is added to 202 stainless steel to improve its corrosion resistance, but it also reduces its nickel content. Nickel is more expensive than manganese, so 202 stainless steel is cheaper than 304 stainless steel.
If you want to know the exact grade of your stainless steel, you should contact a reputable metal testing service that can perform the necessary tests for you. Alternatively, you can also check the markings or labels on your stainless steel product, if they are available. Sometimes, manufacturers will indicate the grade of stainless steel on their products for quality assurance purposes.
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