Which is Better 18/8 or 18/10 Stainless Steel?

The numbers 18/8 and 18/10 refer to the composition of stainless steel, specifically the percentages of chromium and nickel. These two elements are crucial in determining corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and aesthetic quality. Both alloys contain 18% chromium, which gives stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties. The difference lies in their nickel content: 18/8 contains 8% nickel, while 18/10 contains 10%. That additional 2% nickel enhances shine, resistance to rust, and surface stability in harsh environments.

In CNC machining, selecting the right material is the foundation for consistent output and performance. Whether you’re producing high-volume medical housings or custom kitchen-grade fasteners, the material choice affects tool wear, machining speed, and post-processing.

Which Is Better: 18/8 or 18/10 Stainless Steel?

Choosing between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel isn’t just a matter of cost; it’s also about performance, appearance, and long-term durability. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right material for your CNC machining project or product line.

1. Composition Differences

• 18/8 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
  Chromium provides corrosion resistance, while nickel contributes to ductility and shine.

• 18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, giving it even better resistance to chemicals, salt, and humidity.

Note: Both are technically part of the 304 stainless steel family, but that extra 2% nickel in 18/10 makes a real difference in performance.

2. Corrosion Resistance

• 18/8: Ideal for general-use environments such as kitchens, appliances, and structural components. Performs well under typical humidity and heat.

• 18/10: Offers enhanced corrosion resistance, especially in high-salt, acidic, or commercial kitchen environments. Ideal for equipment exposed to steam, disinfectants, or saltwater.

If your product requires frequent washing, sterilization, or outdoor exposure, 18/10 is the more reliable long-term choice.

3. Shine and Surface Appearance

• 18/8: Has a brushed or semi-gloss finish after machining or light polishing. Suitable for industrial, utilitarian applications.

• 18/10: Offers a higher luster and polish potential. It can be finished to a near mirror-like shine, making it ideal for premium consumer products or aesthetic-focused parts.

In projects where visual appeal matters, 18/10 provides a superior appearance with less post-processing.

4. Material Cost

• 18/8: More affordable due to the lower nickel content. Well-suited for high-volume, cost-sensitive production runs.

• 18/10: Slightly more expensive due to its higher nickel content and superior performance. Considered an investment in durability and premium quality.

For CNC batches where appearance and performance matter more than budget, 18/10 delivers better long-term value.

5. CNC Machining Performance

• 18/8: Slightly harder than 18/10, which can increase tool wear during high-speed machining. Requires optimized feeds and speeds.

• 18/10: Softer and more ductile, resulting in better machinability, cleaner cuts, and easier polishing. Allows for fine-detail milling and smooth finishing in fewer passes.

For tight tolerance parts, mirror finishes, or complex geometries, 18/10 is often the preferred material in CNC shops.

6. Common Applications

• 18/8 Stainless Steel:

  • Kitchenware, cooking utensils

  • Structural brackets and housings

  • Fasteners, OEM parts

  • Appliance enclosures and frames

• 18/10 Stainless Steel:

  • Luxury flatware and kitchenware

  • Medical tools, trays, and surgical devices

  • Commercial kitchen equipment

  • Cosmetic and customer-facing CNC components

Use 18/10 for client-facing parts, and 18/8 for supporting or internal structures.

Summary Table: 18/8 vs 18/10 Stainless Steel

Why Material Selection Matters in CNC Machining?

In modern CNC milling, turning, or multi-axis machining, the wrong material choice can lead to:

• Shorter tool life due to hard spots or inconsistent hardness

• Surface burrs or post-machining oxidation

• Increased need for secondary polishing or finishing

• Difficulties during tapping or threading

The choice between 18/8 and 18/10 isn’t just about corrosion resistance . It impacts machining efficiency, tolerance stability, and even lead time. With automated systems and tight-tolerance requirements, choosing the optimal alloy means reduced downtime and higher throughput.

In Conclusion

If you need stainless steel parts with high precision and reliable quality, VMT is here to help with a complete CNC machining service built around your needs. Whether you’re working with 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel, our engineers will look at how the part functions, how strong it needs to be, the surface finish you want, and how to get the best results for your budget.

Even in large batches, we’re equipped with 5-axis CNC machines, Swiss turning, laser engraving, deburring, and anodizing, so we can handle everything from small custom runs to large-scale production.