316 Stainless Steel (UNS S31600)
Austenitic (Mo-bearing) · ASTM A240/A240M · Density 7.98 g/cm³
Type 316 (UNS S31600) is an austenitic stainless steel alloyed with 2–3% molybdenum for improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It is the second most common stainless grade after 304, used in marine, chemical processing and medical applications.
Quotation brief
Quote 316 When
Quote 316 when molybdenum-enhanced resistance to chloride pitting is required and the specified carbon and strength requirements favor S31600 rather than the low-carbon S31603 grade. It is not a blanket seawater solution: chloride concentration, temperature, deposits, crevices, surface condition and cleaning practice must be reviewed together.
Best fit
- Coastal hardware, chemical equipment and process parts where 304 lacks sufficient pitting resistance but duplex strength is unnecessary.
- Annealed components needing the standard-carbon 316 strength requirements and no unresolved as-welded sensitization exposure.
- Equipment exposed to moderately aggressive cleaning or process chemistry after a qualified corrosion and fabrication review.
Limits to check
- Stagnant seawater, hot brine and tight chloride crevices can still pit 316, so service approval must not rely on the marine label.
- Welded construction may be better specified as 316L unless the material certificate and fabrication route control sensitization risk.
- Molybdenum improves localized-corrosion resistance but does not establish compatibility with every acid, disinfectant or process mixture.
Quoted product forms
Quoted product forms for 316 Stainless Steel (UNS S31600)
We quote 316 Stainless Steel as sheet / plate, coil / strip, pipe / tube, bar against the named product standard.
- Traceability: heat or lot identity plus the inspection document named in the RFQ (EN 10204 3.1 when that route supports it).
- Processing: decoiling, cutting, polishing, shearing and beveling as ordered.
- Next step: send product form, size and quantity; we quote the supply route.
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | 2.00–3.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 |
Single values are maximums unless a range is shown. Balance: Fe. Per ASTM A240/A240M.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile strength | ≥515 MPa (75 ksi) |
|---|---|
| Yield strength (0.2%) | ≥205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (50 mm) | ≥40% |
| Hardness | ≤217 HBW |
Room-temperature minimum values are summarized for annealed flat product under ASTM A240/A240M unless a condition is named in the property label; product form and thickness can change the requirement.
Physical Properties & Structure
| Density | 7.98 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic after solution annealing; cold work can introduce a measurable magnetic response. |
| Microstructure | Austenitic (Mo-bearing) |
Corrosion Resistance & Limits
- The specified molybdenum range gives 316 a higher localized-corrosion margin than 304 in many chloride exposures, but it does not make 316 a universal seawater or chemical-service grade.
- Assess chloride concentration, temperature, pH, deposits, crevices, wet-dry cycling, weld condition, finish and cleaning practice for the actual equipment.
Fabrication & Heat Treatment
| Welding | Use a qualified austenitic procedure that controls filler, purge, heat input, distortion and heat-tint removal; standard-carbon 316 also requires review of section and sensitization exposure. |
|---|---|
| Forming | 316 is formable in the annealed condition and work-hardens during reduction, so tooling load, springback, bend direction, draw severity and any intermediate anneal must suit the actual gauge. |
| Machining | Rigid tooling, positive feed and controlled heat help avoid rubbing into a work-hardened surface; qualify speed, tool geometry, coolant and allowance on the delivered section. |
| Heat treatment | Solution annealing with rapid cooling establishes the intended austenitic condition where applicable. 316 is not hardened by conventional quench-and-temper treatment. |
Equivalent Grades
The closest international equivalents of 316 Stainless Steel are 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) in the EN system, SUS316 in the JIS system, 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 in the GB system.
These are common corresponding designations, not unconditional substitutes. Verify chemistry, mechanical properties, product standard, delivery condition, dimensions and project approval before changing designation.
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | S31600 |
| EN | 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) |
| JIS | SUS316 |
| GB | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
Ordering Checks for 316
- State S31600 and the governing product standard, because a generic 316 request does not define plate, pipe, bar or fitting requirements.
- Provide chloride level, operating and cleaning temperatures, pH, deposits, crevices and wet-dry cycling for material review.
- Specify solution-annealed or cold-worked condition, dimensions, tolerances, surface finish and any critical-face acceptance sample.
- Require the MTC, ordered tests and any 316/316L dual certification to be traceable to the supplied heat and product form.
Reference Product Forms & Dimensional Ranges
Common reference product forms for 316 stainless steel: Sheet / Plate, Coil / Strip, Pipe / Tube, Bar.
| Finishes | No.1, 2B, BA, No.4, hairline |
|---|---|
| Sheet / coil thickness | 0.3–6.0 mm |
| Plate thickness | 6–80 mm |
Common surface and delivery options
- No.1, 2B, BA or mechanically polished finish when supported by the product route
- Annealed and pickled, descaled or polished tube finish as specified
- Hot rolled, peeled, bright drawn, ground or polished bar condition according to tolerance
These published ranges are engineering references, not a live-stock or production-capability promise. Send the required product form, dimensions, condition and finish; we quote the matching supply route.
Browse related product hubs:Sheet & plate,Coil & strip,Pipe & tube,Bar & rod.
Typical Applications
- Marine hardware and coastal architecture
- Chemical processing equipment
- Pharmaceutical and medical devices
- Desalination and water treatment
316 Products We Export
316 Compared With Other Grades
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 316 better than 304 for marine use?
The 2–3% molybdenum addition. Molybdenum raises resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides — salt air, seawater, de-icing salt and many process chemicals — where 304 would show rust staining or pitting.
Is 316 stainless steel magnetic?
No, in the annealed condition 316 is austenitic and essentially non-magnetic, and it stays less magnetic than 304 after cold working because its austenite is more stable.
316 or 316L — which should I buy?
For welded construction, 316L's carbon limit reduces sensitization risk. Material may be dual-certified 316/316L when it meets both chemistry and strength requirements, but the MTC and ordered product standard must confirm both designations.
Published by Tsingshan (Shandong) Iron & Steel Co., Ltd..Sources, update policy and technical limitations.
Quote request
Get a 316 Stainless Steel Quotation
Send the product, grade and quantity you already have. We will complete the specification and quote the supply route.