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Stainless Steel 316, also known as AISI 316 or UNS S31600, is a molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel that offers superior corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and fabrication versatility. Compared to the widely used 304 stainless steel, 316 provides better performance in chloride-rich environments, making it the preferred material for marine, medical, and chemical applications.
Often labeled as marine-grade stainless steel, 316 is engineered for durability in aggressive, high-moisture, and chemically reactive settings.
🔹 Common Product Forms: Sheet, bar, rod, tube, plate, wire
🔹 Key Standards: ASTM A240, A276, A479 | EN 1.4401 | ISO X5CrNiMo17-12-2
The high corrosion resistance of Stainless Steel 316 stems from its 2–3% molybdenum (Mo) content, which significantly improves performance over 304 in acidic and salty environments.
| Element | Typical Content (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0 | Forms protective oxide layer |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0–14.0 | Enhances ductility and toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–3.0 | Improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | Prevents sensitization in welding |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 | Aids strength and hot workability |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 | Increases oxidation resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | Strength enhancer (316L variant) |
| Phosphorus / Sulfur | ≤ 0.045 / ≤ 0.030 | Controlled for improved toughness |
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316 stainless steel is considered moderately difficult to machine due to its high work hardening rate. Success in machining depends on the right combination of cutting tools, coolants, and cutting parameters.
Machinability Rating: ~45% (vs. free-machining carbon steel)
Hardening: Rapid work hardening under shear
Tooling: Use carbide tools with TiAlN coating
Feeds/Speeds: Low cutting speeds + high feeds recommended
Coolant: Use high-pressure, high-flow coolant systems
🔩 Pro Tip: Pre-machining in the annealed state and peck drilling for deep holes enhance tool life and surface finish.
316 stainless steel offers a balanced profile of mechanical strength, ductility, and thermal stability, making it highly adaptable to a range of demanding industrial applications.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.99 g/cm³ | Slightly denser than 304 |
| Yield Strength | ~205 MPa (annealed) | Increases with cold work |
| Tensile Strength | ~515 MPa | High for austenitic grades |
| Elongation | ~40–50% | Excellent formability |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~193 GPa | Standard for stainless steels |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~16.3 W/m·K @100°C | Lower than carbon steel |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 16.0 µm/m·K | Consider for thermal cycling |
| Max Service Temp | ~870°C (oxidation) | ~925°C (scaling) |
🔍 SEO Keywords: 316 mechanical properties, thermal conductivity of stainless steel 316, stress resistance stainless steel
One of the biggest advantages of Stainless Steel 316 is its outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater, acidic, and chemical-processing environments.
Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
Withstands marine spray, immersion, and chemical exposure
Superior performance in chloride and acid-rich settings
Stress corrosion cracking resistance in warm chloride atmospheres
🔍 Related Terms: chloride-resistant stainless steel, marine-grade steel, acid-resistant alloys
Propeller shafts, bolts, and fasteners
Seawater piping and offshore structural parts
Surgical tools and orthopedic implants (316L variant)
Pharmaceutical mixing and storage vessels
Heat exchangers and processing tanks
Hygienic piping systems and valves
Reactors, acid tanks, and pumps
Valve bodies and chemical piping systems
Coastal handrails and balustrades
Cladding and decorative panels
🌱 Sustainability Note: Stainless Steel 316 is fully recyclable and contributes to green building standards such as LEED.
| Attribute | Rating (★ out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | ★★★★★ | Superior in aggressive environments |
| Strength | ★★★★☆ | Robust mechanical integrity |
| Weldability | ★★★★☆ | Excellent, especially in 316L |
| Fabrication | ★★★★☆ | Easy to form, bend, and deep-draw |
| Heat Resistance | ★★★★☆ | Withstands up to ~870°C |
| Cleanliness / Bio-compatibility | ★★★★★ | Ideal for food and medical applications |
| Cost Efficiency | ★★★☆☆ | Higher cost justified by lifecycle value |
⚠️ Limitations:
Lower wear resistance than martensitic steels
Not ideal for dry sliding or abrasive contact without coating or surface treatment
Avoid in environments with fluorides or strong alkalis unless compatibility is confirmed
Stainless Steel 316 delivers long-term durability, chemical resistance, and formability, making it a top-tier material for demanding applications in marine, medical, chemical, and food processing industries.
✅ Resists harsh environments and aggressive chemicals
✅ Welds cleanly with minimal post-processing (316L)
✅ Supports aesthetic and hygienic product design
✅ Enables long service life with low maintenance
🎯 Pro Design Tips:
Use 316L for weld-heavy applications or biomedical products
Apply passivation or electropolishing for enhanced corrosion performance
Match fasteners and components with the same grade to prevent galvanic corrosion
