Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel 316 (UNS S31600) — Composition, Properties & Supply
Stainless 316 (UNS S31600) adds 2–3% molybdenum to 304, giving notably better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride, halide salt and seawater service. It is the workhorse austenitic grade for chemical, marine, pharmaceutical and pulp-and-paper industries.
What is the chemical composition of Stainless Steel 316?
| Element | Symbol | Content (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Fe | Fe | Balance |
| Cr | Cr | 16.0–18.0 |
| Ni | Ni | 10.0–14.0 |
| Mo | Mo | 2.00–3.00 |
| Mn | Mn | ≤ 2.00 |
| Si | Si | ≤ 1.00 |
| C | C | ≤ 0.080 |
| P | P | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | S | ≤ 0.030 |
Values are typical specification limits. Actual heat analysis is reported on the EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate supplied with each shipment.
What are the mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 316?
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥ 515 MPa | Room temperature |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 205 MPa | Room temperature |
| Elongation | ≥ 40 % | Gauge length 50 mm / 4D |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB | Brinell / Rockwell |
What are the physical properties of Stainless Steel 316?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 1375–1400 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.3 W/m·K |
| Elastic modulus | 193 GPa |
| Maximum service temperature | 800 °C |
What are the key characteristics of Stainless Steel 316?
- 2–3% molybdenum — about 1.5× the pitting resistance of 304
- Significantly longer service life than 304 in chloride and seawater media
- Good weldability and formability
- Slightly stronger than 316L but inferior intergranular corrosion resistance
Where is Stainless Steel 316 used?
- Chemical piping and reaction vessels
- Marine engineering and coastal structures
- Pharmaceutical and biotech equipment
- Pulp and paper bleaching equipment
- Coastal buildings and bridges
Which standards and specifications cover Stainless Steel 316?
What product forms are available?
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between 316 and 316L?
Choose 316L (carbon ≤0.03%) for welded structures, long-term service in the 450–850 °C range, or where intergranular corrosion is a concern. Choose 316 for room-temperature load-bearing parts that are not heavily welded, where its slightly higher strength helps. In short: heavy welding → 316L; little welding → 316.
Need Stainless Steel 316 bar, tube, plate or forgings?
Send the grade, dimensions, standard and quantity. We answer within 10 minutes on working days and quote within 24 hours, with EN 10204 3.1 certification.
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