What is SAE 316 Stainless Steel?
SAE 316 Stainless Steel, or simply 316 stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel known for its high corrosion resistance, especially to chlorides and various chemicals, due to the addition of molybdenum to its iron, chromium, and nickel composition. This makes it a highly versatile and durable alloy, often referred to as "marine grade," used in chemical processing, food handling, medical devices, and architectural applications in corrosive environments.
Chemical Composition of 316 Stainless Steel
| Chromium, Cr | Nickel, Ni | Molybdenum, Mo | Manganese, Mn | Silicon, Si | Carbon, C | Phosphorus, P | Sulfur, S | Nitrogen, N | Iron, Fe |
| 16-18% | 10-14% | 2-3% | ≤ 2.00% | ≤ 0.75% | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.10% | Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value (Metric/Imperial) |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 1370 – 1400 °C (2500-2550°F) |
| CTE, Linear (20℃) | 16.0 µm/m°C (8.89 µin/in°F) |
| Specific Heat Capacity (0-100°C/32-212°F) | 500 J/kg·K (0.12 BTU/lb·°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity (100°C) | 16.3 W/m·K (9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.45% IACS (0.84 MS/m) |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic (in the annealed condition) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value (Metric/Imperial) |
| Tensile Strength | 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) |
| Rockwell Hardness | 79 HRB |
| Elongation at Break (in 50 mm) | 50% |
| Young's Modulus (in tension) | 193 GPa (28 msi) |
Corrosion Resistance
316 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly against chloride-induced pitting corrosion.
However, it is not immune to all types of corrosion and can still suffer from pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking in warm seawater above 60°C or in chloride-rich environments. Despite this, it outperforms 304 stainless steel in most corrosive environments and is commonly used in chemical plants, food processing, and marine environments.
Heat Resistance
316 stainless steel has good heat resistance. In non-corrosive environments, it can be used intermittently up to 870°C and continuously up to 925°C. When used in temperatures between 425°C and 860°C, 316 stainless steel is susceptible to carbide precipitation, which reduces its corrosion resistance.
Is 316 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
316 stainless steel is non-magnetic because its austenitic structure is stabilized by nickel. However, cold working can slightly increase its magnetism by distorting the structure.
Which Is Better, 316 or 316L?
316L is better for corrosion resistance due to its lower carbon content, making it more suitable for welding and high-temperature applications than 316.
Is 316L More Expensive Than 316?
Yes, 316L is slightly more expensive than 316, but the price difference is minimal due to their similar composition. The higher cost is mainly due to 316L's lower carbon content, which improves corrosion resistance and weldability.
Which is Better, 304 or 316 Stainless Steel?
It depends on the specific requirements of the application. 316 stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant, especially in harsh environments, while 304 is more cost-effective and suitable for general purposes.
who choose us?
If you have a project need for 316 stainless steel, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. We process these products into a variety of practical product forms, including sheet, coil, tube, bar, and wire. For detailed chemical composition and free samples, please contact our factory today. We offer competitive pricing and excellent service. Mail:es@gescosteel.com