Manufacturing Knowledge Hub

Expertise in stainless steel OEM manufacturing: materials, processes, standards, and industry knowledge.

Materials Stainless Steel Comparison

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel — Which Should You Choose?

Updated: May 2026 | 8 min read

304 Stainless Steel (18% chromium, 8% nickel) is the most common grade for food-grade equipment. It offers excellent corrosion resistance for most applications, including coffee brewing, commercial kitchens, and food processing.

316 Stainless Steel adds 2-3% molybdenum, providing superior resistance to chlorides, seawater, and chemicals. It is essential for marine environments, coastal locations, and applications involving salt or aggressive cleaning agents.

Comparison Table

Property 304 SS 316 SS
Chromium 18% 16-18%
Nickel 8-10.5% 10-14%
Molybdenum None 2-3%
Corrosion Resistance Excellent (general) Superior (chlorides)
Cost Lower Higher (~20-30%)
Typical Applications Coffee, kitchen, food prep Marine, coastal, chemical

BONRAY Recommendation: For coffee brewing equipment and commercial kitchens, 304 SS is sufficient. For coastal locations or applications involving salt (e.g., seafood processing), upgrade to 316 SS.

Read Full Comparison →
Manufacturing Process Laser Welding Precision

Laser Welding in Stainless Steel Manufacturing — A Complete Guide

Updated: May 2026 | 10 min read

Laser welding uses a focused, high-energy laser beam to join stainless steel components. It creates a narrow, deep weld seam with minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ), making it ideal for thin-walled, precision components like brewing kettles and espresso machines.

Advantages of Laser Welding

  • Precision: ±0.1mm accuracy, ideal for complex geometries
  • Leak-proof: Full-penetration welds for pressure-bearing equipment
  • Minimal distortion: Low heat input reduces warping
  • Speed: 2-5x faster than TIG welding for thin materials
  • Aesthetics: Smooth, uniform seams requiring minimal post-processing

BONRAY's Laser Welding Capabilities

BONRAY operates 10+ laser welding stations in our Jiangmen factory. We use fiber laser welders (1000W-3000W) for stainless steel thicknesses from 0.8mm to 6mm. All welding parameters are recorded for traceability.

View Our Welding Process →
Business Model OEM ODM

OEM vs ODM — What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Updated: May 2026 | 6 min read

Understanding the difference between OEM and ODM is critical when sourcing stainless steel products from China.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

You provide: Designs, drawings, specifications, prototypes

Factory provides: Manufacturing, QC, packaging, logistics

Best for: Brands with in-house R&D, unique designs, patent protection

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)

You provide: Minimal requirements, branding

Factory provides: Existing designs, tooling, manufacturing, QC

Best for: Fast market entry, lower MOQ, cost-sensitive projects

Learn About Our OEM/ODM Services →
Certification Food Safety Compliance

FDA vs LFGB — Food Contact Materials Certification Guide

Updated: May 2026 | 7 min read

When exporting stainless steel equipment to the U.S. or Europe, understanding FDA and LFGB certifications is essential.

FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

FDA regulates food contact materials under 21 CFR 175-189. For stainless steel, the key requirement is that the material must be "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). FDA does not "certify" materials—instead, manufacturers provide a FDA Compliance Statement.

LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände und Futtermittelgesetzbuch)

LFGB is the German food contact materials regulation (replaces LMBG). It is stricter than FDA, requiring:

  • Sensory testing (no metallic taste/smell)
  • Migration testing (heavy metals, chemicals)
  • Full material traceability

BONRAY's Certification: All our food-grade products comply with FDA 21 CFR and LFGB standards. We provide compliance statements and test reports (SGS/TÜV) upon request.

Manufacturing Process Step-by-Step Factory Tour

How Stainless Steel Products Are Made — Step by Step

Updated: May 2026 | 12 min read

Ever wondered how your stainless steel brewing kettle or espresso accessory is made? Here's the complete manufacturing process at BONRAY's Jiangmen factory.

1

Material Selection

Choose 304 or 316 stainless steel coils/sheets. Verify mill test reports (MTR) for chemical composition.

2

Laser Cutting & CNC Forming

Fiber laser cutter (±0.1mm accuracy) cuts flat patterns. CNC press brake forms 3D shapes. Deburr edges.

3

Laser Welding

Fiber laser welder joins components. Inert gas (argon) shielding prevents oxidation. Full-penetration welds for leak-proof performance.

4

Surface Treatment & Polishing

Automated polishing (mirror / brushed finish). Passivation (nitric acid) removes free iron particles, enhancing corrosion resistance.

5

QC Inspection

Dimensional check, leak test (air pressure), surface inspection, functionality test. ISO 9001 certified process.

6

Packaging & Shipping

Protective film, bubble wrap, export carton. Optional: custom branding, user manual, spare parts kit.

View Our Factory →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the MOQ for custom stainless steel OEM orders?
A: BONRAY's MOQ is 100 pcs for most products. Lower MOQ may be available for existing tooling (ODM model).
Q: What is the typical lead time for OEM/ODM orders?
A: 15-20 days for existing tooling; 30-45 days for new tooling (including sampling and approval).
Q: Can BONRAY provide material test reports and certifications?
A: Yes. We provide mill test reports (MTR), FDA compliance statements, and third-party test reports (SGS/TÜV) upon request.
Q: Does BONRAY offer design assistance for custom OEM projects?
A: Yes. Our in-house R&D team can assist with design optimization, material selection, and prototyping. We also offer ODM services with existing tooling.