Built for 304L & 316L stainless from the start.
Most people assume that if a tank is made from 304L or 316L stainless steel, it won’t have corrosion issues.
But where and how it’s built matters just as much as the material itself.
A big part of that comes down to whether a shop is truly set up for stainless—or if it also runs carbon steel through the same space.
How embedded particles cause long-term problems.
Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, but it can still be contaminated.
If carbon steel particles (from cutting, grinding, or welding) come into contact with stainless, they can embed into the surface. Those particles will rust, even though the stainless itself is still good.
That usually shows up as surface rust, but depending on the situation, it can lead to more serious long-term issues.
Stainless steel showing contamination rust spots.
Why a stainless manufacturing facility design matters more than you think.
Not all shops are set up the same.
A lot of fabrication shops run both mild steel and stainless production through the same facility. That’s where contamination risk comes from.
At Novid, we don’t do production runs of mild steel products through our shop. The environment is dedicated to 304L and 316L stainless fabrication.
We do have limited mild steel used in jigging and tooling, but it’s controlled and not part of a mixed production process where contamination becomes a real risk.
Another factor is airflow. Contamination doesn’t just come from direct contact—it can travel.
We’ve heard of situations where welding fumes from mild steel were pulled through ducting into stainless areas, leading to corrosion issues that showed up later.
That’s why the overall setup of the stainless manufacturing facility matters—not just the material on the drawing.
Novid's 2025 wash bay expansion.
Novid's 100% stainless steel production line.
What this means for you over the long term.
For the customer, this comes down to risk.
- Lower chance of surface corrosion showing up later
- More consistent product quality
- Fewer long-term surprises
It’s not something you’ll see when the tank shows up—but it’s a big part of how it performs over time.
Novid 40' 304L stainless steel liquid fertilizer tanks in concrete containment.
Curious to know more? Drop me a line and let's chat.
