Austenitic · UNS S31600
316 Stainless Steel
316 is the molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade — 304 with 2–3% molybdenum added for chloride and pitting resistance. It is the standard answer for marine, coastal and chemical service that is not welded, and the base from which the low-carbon 316L was developed for welded duty.
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Austenitic · UNS S31600 · 8.00 g/cm³
At a glance
316 Stainless — The Short Version
| Alloy family | Austenitic (UNS S31600) |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Standards | ASTM A240 · EN 10088-2 · JIS G4305 |
| Forms supplied | Stainless Steel Coil · Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate · Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe · Stainless Steel Bar & Rod · Stainless Steel Fittings & Flanges |
Chemistry
316 Chemical Composition Limits
Percent by weight. These are the registered limits, not a typical analysis — a heat that sits anywhere inside them is still 316.
| Element | Limit (% wt) | Element | Limit (% wt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.08 max | Mn | 2.00 max |
| P | 0.045 max | S | 0.030 max |
| Si | 0.75 max | Cr | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Ni | 10.0 – 14.0 | Mo | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| N | 0.10 max |
Composition limits are the ASTM A240 registered ranges, which EN 10088-2 refers back to. Mechanical values are typical for the solution-annealed condition, not acceptance minima — the minima are set by the product standard, and the mill certificate reports the measured values for your heat.
Mechanicals
Typical Mechanical Properties (Solution Annealed)
Room temperature. Use these to compare grades — the acceptance figures for your order come from the product standard and are reported on the mill certificate for the actual heat.
| Condition | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed | 515 | 205 | 40 |
Cold-worked tempers are available to order — values are quoted with the offer rather than assumed from this table.
Forms
316 in the Forms We Supply
The same grade behaves differently as coil, plate and tube because the forming route sets the surface and the final mechanical condition. Pick the form first.
316 Stainless Steel Coil
Cold-rolled and hot-rolled coil in 200 / 300 / 400 series.
0.3 – 8.0 mm · 600 – 2,000 mm
316 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
Cold-rolled sheet and hot-rolled plate for structural and decorative use.
0.3 – 120 mm · 1,000 – 2,000 mm
316 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe
Seamless and welded round, square and rectangular tube.
Wall 0.5 – 40 mm · OD 6 – 630 mm
316 Stainless Steel Bar & Rod
Round, flat, square and hexagonal bar, cold drawn or hot rolled.
Ø 3 – 600 mm · —
316 Stainless Steel Fittings & Flanges
Elbows, tees, reducers, flanges, fasteners and custom fabricated parts.
DN 15 – DN 600 · —
Selection
Choose 316 When — and When Not To
Choose 316 when
Non-welded marine and coastal parts, chemical handling equipment, food and pharmaceutical process lines, and architectural hardware exposed to salt air. The molybdenum buys the pitting resistance that lets it survive where 304 would rust-stain.
Think again if
Welded assemblies — there specify 316L, because 316's higher carbon can sensitize at the weld. And indoor, dry, low-corrosion work where the molybdenum premium is wasted on 304.
Before you ask
316 — Questions Buyers Ask
What is the difference between 316 and 316L?
Only carbon: 316L is 316 with 0.030% carbon maximum instead of 0.08%. For anything welded, specify 316L so the weld does not sensitize.
Is 316 stronger than 304?
Not meaningfully — both are around 515 MPa tensile in the annealed condition. The reason to choose 316 is corrosion resistance, not strength.
Does 316 resist seawater?
It resists salt air and splash far better than 304, but continuous seawater immersion or crevices can still pit it. For full seawater duty a duplex like 2205 is the honest choice.
What is 316 PREN?
Around 24–26, the same as 316L. It is the figure behind choosing 316 over 304 for chloride exposure.
Also compare
Other Stainless Grades
- 304 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S30400
- 316L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31603
- 2205 Stainless SteelDuplex · UNS S32205
- 304L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S30403
- 201 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S20100
- 430 Stainless SteelFerritic · UNS S43000
- 321 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S32100
- 310S Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31008
- All stainless grades →The full stainless grade map
Quote on 316 Stainless Steel
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