316 / 316L

UNS S31600 / S31603

Tensile Strength
≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2%)
≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi)
Elongation
≥ 40%
Hardness
≤ 90 HRB / ≤ 217 HB

Overview

The marine-grade stainless steel. Addition of molybdenum (2-3%) significantly improves resistance to chlorides, acids, and pitting corrosion. 316L (low carbon) is the preferred choice for all welded applications. The standard material for offshore, desalination, and chemical processing industries.

Chemical Composition (wt%)

ElementMinMax
C (Carbon)0.08
Mn (Manganese)2
Si (Silicon)0.75
P (Phosphorus)0.045
S (Sulfur)0.03
Cr (Chromium)1618
Ni (Nickel)1014
Mo (Molybdenum)23
N (Nitrogen)0.1

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValueCondition
Tensile Strength≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2%)≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi)
Elongation≥ 40%
Hardness≤ 90 HRB / ≤ 217 HBannealed
Density8.0 g/cm³

Physical Properties

PropertyValue
Melting Range1375 – 1400 °C
Thermal Conductivity15.9 W/m·K (at 100°C)
Electrical Resistivity0.74 µΩ·m (at 20°C)

Corrosion Resistance

Superior to 304 in chloride and acidic environments. Excellent resistance to sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and many organic chemicals. Good performance in marine atmospheres and mildly saline waters. PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) typically 24-27. Preferred grade for chemical tankers, offshore platforms, and pulp & paper facilities.

Typical Applications

Offshore oil & gas platformsDesalination plantsChemical tankers and storagePharmaceutical processingPulp & paper equipmentFood processing (acidic foods)

Related Standards

ASTM A312ASTM A240ASTM A276ASTM A269ASME SA-312EN 1.4401 / 1.4404