# Keeping up with HMC Clinic project

**URL:** <https://forum.amybo.org/t/keeping-up-with-hmc-clinic-project/126>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [24 January 2025 19:08 UTC](https://forum.amybo.org/t/keeping-up-with-hmc-clinic-project/126 "2025-01-24T19:08:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 12

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**Author:** ![Martin](https://forum.amybo.org/user_avatar/forum.amybo.org/martin/32/19_2.png) [@Martin](https://forum.amybo.org/u/Martin)\
**Post date:** [7 February 2025 11:01 UTC](https://forum.amybo.org/t/keeping-up-with-hmc-clinic-project/126/12 "2025-02-07T11:01:02Z")

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Yes, I would say that 316L is the preferred grade (see [this post](https://forum.amybo.org/t/attempts-at-growing-hydrogen-oxidizing-bacteria/111/5)), but I found it difficult to source suitable 316L bolts in the UK as they tend to be sold as ‘A4’ which is defined by Westfield Fasteners as:

> “[A4 Stainless Steel](https://www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk/A4-Stainless-Steel-Bolts.html) - Also known as grade 316 or 18/8/3. A higher corrosion resistant, marine grade of stainless steel.”

I believe A4 may be 316 or 316L (low carbon). My plan, if A4 was insufficient, was to move to Duplex which is most likely overkill, but it is at least a grade that bolts are sold in. Given that Gerrit has been using 304 (aka A2) without issues, the assumption is that A4 should be more than sufficient.

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