Stainless Steel 316-316L
GENERAL PROPERTIES:
Stainless Steel 316, 316L, and 316LSi are austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steels known for their excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride and acidic environments. These grades are widely used in industries requiring high strength, durability, and superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
| Element | 316 | 316L | 316LSi |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 0.75 | 0.65 – 1.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0 | 16.0 – 18.0 | 18.0 – 20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 | 11.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 2.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance | Balance |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | SS 316 | SS 316L | SS 316LSi |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) | 485 MPa (70 ksi) | 550 MPa (80 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 380 MPa (55 ksi) |
| Elongation | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.39 |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB | ≤ 217 HB | ≤ 220 HB |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1370 – 1400°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.74 µΩ·m |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.0 µm/m·°C |
| Specific Heat | 500 J/kg·K |
EQUIVALENT GRADE
| Standard / Country | SS 316 | SS 316L | SS 316LSi |
| UNS | S31600 | S31603 | S31653 |
| ASTM / ASME | ASTM A240 / A182 / A276 / A312 | ASTM A240 / A182 / A276 / A312 | ASTM A240 |
| EN (Europe) | 1.4401 | 1.4404 | 1.4408 / 1.4436 |
| DIN (Germany) | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo18-14-3 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS 316 | SUS 316L | SUS 316L |
| AFNOR (France) | Z6CND17-11 | Z2CND17-11 | Z2CND18-14-3 |
| BS (UK) | 316S31 | 316S31 | 316S11 |
| ISO | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | X2CrNiMo18-14-3 |
| GOST (Russia) | 08Х17Н13М2 | 03Х17Н13М2 | 03Х17Н14М3 |
KEY PROPERTIES
- WELDING CHARACTERISTICS: This alloy is suitable for welding. All the standard fusion methods can be used, for its welding, and there is no heat treatment required later. However, the oxyacetylene process does not apply to this alloy.
The welding can be done, with filler metals with molybdenum content higher than the base metal or even without any filler metals. 316 L does not require post-weld annealing. However, some of the heavy weld sections of Grade 316 require post-weld annealing. It is, usually done to maximise corrosion resistance. - STAINLESS STEEL 316 HEAT TREATMENT: The internal stresses in the alloy are removed, in the process of annealing. Stainless steel 316 should be heated, at a temperature of 1900°F. It is then cooled rapidly with the water being, quenched. However, type 316/316L cannot be hardened through heat treatment.
- STAINLESS STEEL 316 PROCESSING – HOT FORMING: The hot working processes take place under the extreme temperatures of 1700- 2200°F. The forgings can be further, annealed at the required temperature of 1900°F. With this, the alloy can be, physically deformed, allowing it to recrystallise.
- STAINLESS STEEL 316 PROCESSING- COLD FORMING: In the cold working processes, the alloy can be completely fabricated and formed conveniently. The method includes various steps like squeezing, bending, shearing, drawing, upsetting and heading. All these steps ensure that the material has increased strength and hardness. However, in this process, the material can gain some magnetic properties, although originally it is non-magnetic.
- STAINLESS STEEL 316 MACHINABILITY: This alloy is put, under work hardening during the deformation, for efficient operation, slow speed, outstanding lubrication, heavier feeds, acute tooling and robust and firm equipment.
STAINLESS STEEL 316 CORROSION RESISTANCE:
Stainless steel 316 shows resistance to corrosion in many corrosive media and atmospheric environments. For mediums containing halides and chlorides, the constituent molybdenum ensures resistance to corrosion. The addition of molybdenum provides improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in environments containing chlorides and other halides.
However, it sometimes shows surface corrosion. It can be seen in the faint brown stains and is usually, caused because of cracks and rough surface finishing. At ambient temperatures, it is also resistant to drinking water with up to about 1000 mg/L chlorides.
It is commonly used by many process industries to handle many chemicals. Even though it is referred, to as “marine grade stainless steel”, it is not resistant to warm seawater. In the as-welded condition, it also shows resistance to intergranular corrosion.
STAINLESS STEEL 316 HEAT RESISTANCE:
Stainless steel 316 has good creep resistance and has high strength at increased temperatures which makes it suitable for using it for structural and pressure-containing applications. The creation of an oxide layer usually provides the scaling resistance.
The other two features that provide the alloy with good heat resistance are its stable microstructure and its high mechanical load. If the alloy is subjugated to 870°C intermittently and 925 °C continuously, the alloy will show good oxidation resistance. For water corrosion resistance, it is, advised that the continuous application of the temperature range 425-860 °C is avoided. It also shows resistance to carbide precipitation.
DUAL CERTIFICATION:
The Grade Stainless steel 316 is classified under the “Dual Certified type” as it is stocked and found mainly in the form of plate and pipe. The items under this certification have specifications that consist of the mechanical and chemical properties of both 316 and 316L types.
With this certification, both the lower carbon limit of 316L and the upper limit of 316 are, met. However, due to discrepancy within the high-temperature application, the certification is not extended to type 31. It also meets all the AMS, ASTM, ASME, QQS, and MIL-S specifications.
STAINLESS STEEL 316 APPLICATIONS:
Benches and equipment for the laboratories: Being very easy to clean and multipurpose, this alloy is very suitable for the laboratory equipment and benches.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing Equipment
- Heat Exchangers and Condensers
- Marine & Offshore Structures
- Pharmaceutical & Food Processing Equipment
- Pressure Vessels and Piping Systems
- Welded Fabrications and Structural Components
This alloy is very resistant to corrosion, can handle extreme temperatures, is durable and holds immense strength, making it a safe choice for nuclear reactors. The high mechanical formability is very advantageous to nuclear power plants.
To know more about our Stainless Steel Bright Round Bars product and other stainless steel products, please enquire now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel? 316L has a lower maximum carbon content (0.03% vs. 0.08%), which reduces carbide precipitation during welding and improves corrosion resistance in heavy weld sections and as-welded applications.
Is 316 stainless steel marine grade? 316 is often called "marine grade" due to its molybdenum-enhanced resistance to chlorides and pitting, but it is not fully resistant to warm seawater. Higher-alloy or duplex grades are typically used for demanding seawater applications.
Can 316/316L be hardened by heat treatment? No. 316 and 316L cannot be hardened through heat treatment — they gain strength only through cold working.
Does 316L require post-weld annealing? No, 316L generally does not require post-weld annealing. Heavy weld sections of standard 316 are sometimes annealed afterward to maximize corrosion resistance.
Products Available in SS 316/316L
Bar Products: Round Bars · Hex Bars · Flat Bars · Square Bars · Angle Bars
Wire Products: Fine Wire · Core Wire · Cold Heading Wire · General Purpose Wire · TIG Wire · MIG Wire
Your perfect stainless steel solution is here—choose how you want to continue.