Sheet applications
Process equipment, marine-adjacent parts and formed panels where chloride exposure or cleaning justifies evaluating molybdenum-bearing 316.
Sheet · Grade 316 / S31600
316 Stainless Steel Sheet
316 stainless steel sheet is a molybdenum-alloyed austenitic flat product considered where service may justify more localized-corrosion resistance than 304. This guide reviews published sheet data, finish and thickness requirements, welding, cleaning and order evidence.
Grade: 316 / 1.4401
Product form: Sheet
Order-specific data and limits stated
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Selecting 316 sheet for the application
Share service conditions and the sheet callout for review.
Molybdenum can improve pitting and crevice resistance versus 304 in many chloride settings, but 316 is not immune to seawater or every chemical. Evaluate concentration, temperature, deposits and cleaning.
Conditions that can exceed the grade margin
Do not treat 316 as blanket approval for seawater, hot concentrated chlorides, crevices or every acid. For welded low-carbon needs, compare 316L and confirm specification.
Grade 316
UNS S31600; EN 1.4401. Verify the ordered product standard and certificate.
316 sheet chemistry and property reference
Published grade or form references are not guarantees for every size, condition or heat. The governing specification and certificate control acceptance.
Confirm chemistry to selected product specification and heat certificate. Published values are reference limits, not a heat analysis. Manufacturer values are a screening reference; verify order condition, thickness and test basis.
Chemical composition by mass
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | 16.0 | 18.0 | wt % |
| Ni | 10.0 | 14.0 | wt % |
| Mo | 2.00 | 3.00 | wt % |
| Mn | N/A | 2.00 | wt % |
| Si | N/A | 0.75 | wt % |
| N | N/A | 0.10 | wt % |
| C | N/A | 0.08 | wt % |
| P | N/A | 0.045 | wt % |
| S | N/A | 0.030 | wt % |
| Fe | Balance | N/A | wt % |
Mechanical properties
| Property | Minimum | Maximum / range | Unit | Condition / reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 515 | N/A | MPa | Published annealed flat minimum |
| 0.2% proof / yield | 205 | N/A | MPa | Published annealed flat minimum |
| Elongation | 40 | N/A | % | Published minimum; specimen basis applies |
| Hardness | N/A | 95 | HRB | Published maximum |
Typical physical properties at 20°C
| Property | Published value | Basis / note |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.03 g/cm³ | Typical 316 at 20°C |
| Elastic modulus | 193 GPa | Typical published reference |
| Thermal expansion (20–100°C) | 16.0 × 10⁻⁶/K | Typical 316 reference |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.3 W/(m·K) | Typical at 20°C |
| Specific heat capacity | 500 J/(kg·K) | Typical at 20°C |
Data note: These values are material-screening references. The governing product specification, ordered condition, dimensions and heat-specific certificate determine acceptance. Review the technical resources for the applicable purchasing basis.
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How to specify 316 sheet
State thickness × width × length, quantity, units, edge, flatness and tolerance. Identify sheet vs plate, finish/side, film, condition, marking and packaging. Do not infer availability.
| Duty / item | Starting option | Advantage | Limitation | Alternative / action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General formed panel | Compare 304/316 against exposure | Avoid unnecessary upgrade | Cleaning/deposits change decision | Document chemistry and rinse |
| Chloride washdown | Evaluate 316 with service review | May add pitting margin | Not immune to seawater/hot chloride | Assess alternatives if severe |
| Welded assembly | 316 or 316L per code/weld | Low-carbon may address weld concern | Substitution needs review | Confirm procedure and acceptance |
Product standard: ASTM A240/A240M covers stainless flat products for pressure-vessel and general use; A480/A480M gives general requirements. Name edition and supplementary tests.
Finish and condition: Specify finish and appearance role; define protection, permissible marks, edge and any post-forming pickling, passivation or cleaning.
Order checks: confirm exact dimensional basis, tolerance, finish, edge/end preparation, quantity and delivery requirements before quotation.
316 sheet applications and limits
Send drawing, environment and fabrication route for review.
316 selection depends on chemistry, temperature, geometry, weld and cleaning. For welded assemblies consider carbon level and whether 316L is required; verify code and documentation.
Washdown cover
ServiceDefined cleaner/intermittent chloride
Starting grade316 after chemistry review
Why it worksMolybdenum may add corrosion margin
LimitsCrevices and incomplete rinse remain risks
MaintenanceRinse residue; inspect joints
Marine-adjacent enclosure
ServiceSalt air, no immersion
Starting grade316 after exposure review
Why it worksOften improves pitting margin vs 304
LimitsDeposits and gaps remain aggressive
MaintenanceWash down; inspect seams
Chemical panel
ServiceKnown chemical and temperature
Starting grade316 after corrosion review
Why it worksFormable/weldable flat product
LimitsSome acids/chlorides exceed capability
MaintenanceRecord excursions; inspect low points
Sheet risks to control
| Failure mode | Typical trigger | Control / verification |
|---|---|---|
| Pitting / crevice attack | Warm chloride or deposits | Evaluate chemistry/geometry; improve drainage |
| Weld corrosion | Heat tint or contamination | Set cleaning procedure and inspect |
| Iron contamination | Poor tool segregation | Use dedicated tools and visual criteria |
Inspection and acceptance: At receipt, match grade, heat/lot and certificate to the order. Inspect sheet dimensions, finish, edges and markings under agreed sampling. Define measurement method, tolerance, certificate and supplementary tests.
Sheet standards and designation
Use the specification matching ordered form and service. State edition, delivery condition and supplements; grade alone does not establish finished-part suitability.
| Standard / designation | Grade designation | Product scope | Procurement caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A240/A240M | UNS S31600 / 316 | Plate, sheet and strip | Confirm edition, thickness and code |
| ASTM A480/A480M | Flat-rolled requirements | General flat-product requirements | Specify finish, tolerance and edge |
316 sheet buyer questions
Is 316 the same as 316L?
No. 316L has a lower carbon limit. Check welding and the governing specification before substituting.
Does 316 resist every chloride environment?
No. Concentration, temperature, deposits, crevices and cleaning affect localized corrosion. Assess actual service.
Does this page confirm stock or lead time?
No. Availability, dimensions, finish, minimum order and delivery are confirmed by current quotation.
What proves delivered material?
The purchase specification and order-specific inspection records, including the certificate when required. Match heat/lot identity to the item.
What belongs in a sheet RFQ?
State grade, dimensions, quantity, standard/edition, condition, tolerance, certificate, inspection, destination and due date.
Example: preparing a 316 sheet enquiry
Have a drawing or value to confirm? Send the exact callout.
Illustrative review, not a customer case: 316 sheet; edition; thickness/dimensions; chloride and temperature; cleaners; finish; weld route; flatness; certificate, inspection and delivery.
Document cleaning duty
List chemistry, concentration, temperature, dwell and rinse.
Check grade and geometry
Review grades, welds, gaps, drainage, finish and crevices.
Tie evidence to design
State edition, sheet callout, certificate and acceptance.
Acceptance: At receipt, match grade, heat/lot and certificate to the order. Inspect sheet dimensions, finish, edges and markings under agreed sampling. Define measurement method, tolerance, certificate and supplementary tests.
Technical basis for this sheet guide
Manufacturer data and relevant standards frame these references. Actual acceptance depends on purchase specification, condition, dimensions and heat certificate.
ATI 316 product specifications
Published composition and sheet reference; order evidence governs.
ASTM A240/A240M and A480/A480M
Confirm edition, product form and purchase requirements.
Outokumpu product data
Typical physical properties and fabrication context; not design allowables.
Prepare a sheet-ready quote request
A complete enquiry connects grade and product form to dimensions, finish, service, inspection and delivery evidence.
- MaterialGrade 316; UNS S31600; EN 1.4401
- Product formSheet
- DimensionsState thickness × width × length, quantity, units, edge, flatness and tolerance. Identify sheet vs plate, finish/side, film, condition, marking and packaging. Do not infer availability.
- Standard and conditionASTM A240/A240M covers stainless flat products for pressure-vessel and general use; A480/A480M gives general requirements. Name edition and supplementary tests.
- Service / fabrication316 selection depends on chemistry, temperature, geometry, weld and cleaning. For welded assemblies consider carbon level and whether 316L is required; verify code and documentation.
- Inspection requirementsAt receipt, match grade, heat/lot and certificate to the order. Inspect sheet dimensions, finish, edges and markings under agreed sampling. Define measurement method, tolerance, certificate and supplementary tests.
Product-specific review: Attach the drawing and state tolerances, surface, quantity, destination, certificate and required delivery window.