What is 316 stainless steel? Its composition, properties, and applications

316 stainless steel is an austenitic nickel-chromium alloy that offers superior corrosion resistance compared to other nickel-chromium stainless steels. This grade is ideal for applications involving exposure to chemical corrosion and marine environments.

316 stainless steel is generally considered non-magnetic, although it may exhibit some magnetic properties after cold working.

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What is 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel containing approximately 17% chromium, 12.5% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum and a relatively high nickel content enhances its corrosion resistance in aggressive or chloride-rich environments, making it more durable than 304 stainless steel.

It is classified as a standard molybdenum-bearing stainless steel, offering strong resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media. Moreover, 316 stainless steel demonstrates excellent weldability and is easy to fabricate into components for architecture, industrial equipment, and transportation systems.

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How Many Types of 316 Stainless Steel Are There?

In addition to the standard 316 stainless steel, the family includes three common variants:

• 316L (Low Carbon)

• 316H (High Carbon)

• 316Ti (Titanium Stabilized)

All of these offer similar corrosion resistance but differ in their carbon content or alloying elements to suit specific applications.

• 316L has a lower carbon content, ideal for applications requiring superior weld corrosion resistance.

• 316H is used in high-temperature environments.

• 316L is currently the most widely used variant in the market due to its versatility and resistance at weld zones.

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Details of Each Grade

316 Stainless Steel

Contains 2–3% molybdenum, enhancing its ability to resist corrosion—especially in chloride or salt environments. It also withstands chlorite ion solutions and has improved heat resistance. Notably, 316 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion in environments with sulfuric acid, sulfates, formic acid, acetic acid, and alkaline chlorides.

316L Stainless Steel

This is a low-carbon version of standard 316. Although it has a lower carbon content, its mechanical and chemical properties remain nearly identical to 316. The low carbon helps prevent carbide precipitation at weld joints, making it a top choice for welding and cutting applications that demand long-lasting corrosion resistance.

316H Stainless Steel

316H stainless steel contains higher carbon content than standard 316, which improves high-temperature strength and creep resistance. It is ideal for structural components that require sustained performance under elevated temperatures.

316Ti Stainless Steel

Contains a small amount (around 0.5%) of titanium, which helps stabilize the microstructure at temperatures above 800°C. Titanium prevents carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, preserving the alloy’s resistance to intergranular corrosion. This grade also retains the mechanical properties of standard 316, while being suitable for high-temperature applications.

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Composition and Properties of 316 Stainless Steel

Due to its alloy composition, 316 stainless steel is a highly versatile material with excellent corrosion resistance. It performs well in harsh environments such as de-icing salt, saltwater, chemical solutions, and brine immersion. It also offers strong resistance against acids, bromides, and iodides at high temperatures.

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Chemical Composition of 316 Series Stainless Steels

Below is the chemical composition chart for 316, 316L, 316H, and 316Ti stainless steels:

Mechanical Properties of 316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is known for its mechanical hardness, which makes it more difficult to machine and requires specialized cutting tools. Sharp tools are essential and should be replaced as soon as signs of wear appear. Below are the key mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel:

• Yield Strength (0.2% offset): 515 MPa/min

• Tensile Strength: 205 MPa

• Elongation at 50 mm (A50): 40%

• Brinell Hardness (HB): 217

• Rockwell Hardness (HRB): 95

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Physical Properties of 316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel features excellent physical characteristics including high strength, resistance to both high and low temperatures, good weldability, low maintenance, attractive appearance, and environmental friendliness. It is fully recyclable and does not require surface treatments or coatings once in use.

• Density: 8.00 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 1400°C

• Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·℃): 500

• Electrical Resistivity (20℃): 0.074 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m

• Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa (10⁶ psi)

• Thermal Expansion Coefficient (10⁻⁶/K):

  • (0–100°C): 15.9

  • (0–315°C): 16.2

  • (0–538°C): 17.5

• Thermal Diffusivity: [data not provided]

• Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K): (0–100°C): 500

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Standards of 316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is widely used in industrial applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. The presence of chromium—at least 10.5%—makes it up to 200 times more resistant to corrosion than non-chromium steel. The manufacturing process of 316 stainless steel must comply with strict industry standards:

• AISI 316 Standard: Issued by the American Iron and Steel Institute

• SAE 316 Standard: Issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers

• ASTM 316 Standard: Issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials

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Formability and Processing

Forming & Fabrication
316 stainless steel offers good machinability compared to other steel grades and is commonly used for manufacturing large components rather than small precision parts. All forming and machining should be carried out using tools specifically designed for stainless steel to avoid cross-contamination. Tools should be clean and sharp before use.

Cold Working
316 stainless steel can be cut and formed into sheets or coils and is suitable for bending and deep drawing. After cold working, annealing is recommended to relieve stress in the crystal structure. Cold working also enhances the material’s strength and hardness.

Hot Working
Most hot working processes can be applied to 316 stainless steel. However, avoid working at temperatures below 927°C. The ideal forging range is between 1149°C and 1260°C. After hot working, annealing is recommended to restore optimal corrosion resistance.

Welding (AISI 316)
316 stainless steel has excellent weldability, both with and without filler materials. Welding tools should be compatible with 316 or 316L grades. For heavy-duty industrial welds, post-weld annealing is recommended to prevent corrosion. 316Ti stainless steel is often used as an alternative for welding thick sections.

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Heat Resistance

316 stainless steel resists oxidation at intermittent temperatures up to 870°C and continuous service up to 925°C. It is considered safe for continuous use between 425°C and 860°C. However, in dry high-temperature environments, it is not recommended. 316H stainless steel performs better under prolonged high heat and is used in high-pressure or structural applications above 500°C.

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Corrosion Resistance

316 stainless steel provides outstanding corrosion resistance in both atmospheric and highly corrosive environments. At 60°C in chloride environments, it can resist pitting and crevice corrosion up to 1000 mg/L chloride concentration. Below 60°C, resistance increases to around 500 mg/L.

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Applications of 316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in medical, food processing, and construction applications. Its angles, pipes, and square tubes are widely used in structural projects. It is also applied in industrial and automotive bearings as rollers or balls.

Additionally, 316 stainless steel is popular in marine and petrochemical industries due to constant exposure to moisture and salt. It is also utilized in food and beverage processing, distillation equipment, chemical storage tanks, and welding wire production.

Common Applications Include:

• Chemical Industry

• Food Processing Industry

• Medical Equipment Manufacturing

• Oil & Gas Industry

• Shipbuilding Industry

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316 Stainless Steel Products Available on the Market

316 stainless steel is manufactured in various forms such as sheets, coils, bars, and pipes, making it compatible with a wide range of machinery and reducing setup time in part fabrication. 316 stainless steel coils can be formed and cut to size for use in moisture barriers, chemical tank linings, and stainless steel strapping. 316 stainless steel mesh is used in commercial and industrial flooring, allowing light, air, heat, and sound to pass between levels. Below are common 316 stainless steel products supplied in the market:

• 316 Stainless Steel Sheets

• 316 Stainless Steel Coils

• 316 Stainless Steel Pipes

• 316 Stainless Steel Straps

• 316 Stainless Steel Ties

• 316 Stainless Steel Mesh

• 316 Stainless Steel Flat Bars

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How to Identify 316 Stainless Steel

Among over 60 types of stainless steel, the most widely used are grades 304 and 316. In terms of appearance, these grades are virtually identical. The only way to distinguish them is by analyzing their chemical composition. The different alloying elements influence how each grade behaves in specific environments. Choosing the right grade depends on the application or operating conditions. Below are common methods for identifying 316 stainless steel:

1. Magnet Test

This method is not very accurate. 316 stainless steel has very low magnetism and does not strongly attract a magnet. However, grades like 304 and 430 may also show similarly weak magnetism, which makes this test insufficient on its own.

2. Spark Test During Grinding

When cut with a grinding wheel, 316 stainless steel produces yellow-orange sparks with relatively few “flower-like” bursts. Other stainless steels usually emit a denser spark pattern with more bursts, making this a potential clue in identification.

3. Acid Test

Clean the surface, apply a drop of acid, and wait 3–5 minutes. Since 316 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosive substances, there will be no reaction. If the surface turns green, it’s likely 201 stainless steel. If it darkens, it may be 304 stainless steel.

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Frequently Asked Questions About 316 Stainless Steel

Which is better, 316 or 304 stainless steel?
It depends on your needs. However, 316 generally offers better corrosion resistance and welding performance due to the presence of molybdenum, especially in salty or chemical-rich environments.

What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel?
The main difference is carbon content—316L contains less carbon, which improves weldability and reduces the risk of carbide precipitation at weld joints.

Is 316 stainless steel a good material?
Yes, 316 stainless steel is highly resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride environments and chemical exposure.

Does 316 stainless steel rust?
316 stainless steel is a high-grade, corrosion-resistant alloy. Under normal and even chemically aggressive environments, it does not rust.

How does 316 compare to 304 stainless steel?
304 has excellent formability (hot and cold), making it suitable for a wide range of products including sheets, coils, pipes, and accessories. 316 offers superior corrosion resistance and weldability but is slightly less easy to machine.

Can 316Ti stainless steel rust?
316Ti contains about 0.5% titanium, which stabilizes the steel at high temperatures (above 800°C), preventing carbide precipitation and maintaining corrosion resistance.

Is a 316 stainless steel thermal food flask safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. Most modern baby food thermoses and containers are made from 316 or 304 stainless steel, certified free of toxic substances and safe for food contact.

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Request a Quote for 316 Stainless Steel

Where to buy 316 stainless steel? What’s the price and quality? These are common questions we receive from customers. With many suppliers in the market, it’s important to choose a trusted and experienced provider. At OrinoxSteel, we guarantee high-quality 316 stainless steel at competitive prices. All products come with full quality certificates to protect your interests.

Please contact OrinoxSteel. Our technical team will offer detailed consultation on quality, quantity, and sizes to meet your exact needs. To get the most accurate quote for 316 stainless steel or any other grade, feel free to send us your request.