Grade dossier
316 Stainless Steel Properties and Selection
A molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade used when the exposure needs more pitting and crevice-corrosion resistance than 304 can normally provide.
Identity before substitution
Define the grade, product and condition together
A familiar grade name is not a complete purchase specification. Product form, controlling standard, dimensions, condition, finish, certification and service environment determine whether the delivered material is suitable.
Composition control
ASTM A240/A240M flat-product chemistry
Limits are not heat analysis targets
The table summarizes grade limits commonly used for plate, sheet and strip. Pipe, tube, bar, forgings and cast products can be governed by different specifications. Always place the product standard and edition on the purchase order.
| C | 0.08 max |
|---|---|
| Mn | 2.00 max |
| Si | 0.75 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 16.00-18.00 |
| Ni | 10.00-14.00 |
| Mo | 2.00-3.00 |
| N | 0.10 max |
Properties with context
Minimums, typical indicators and delivered condition
Specified annealed flat-product values
| Tensile strength | 515 MPa min |
|---|---|
| 0.2% yield strength | 205 MPa min |
| Elongation | 40% min |
| Hardness | 95 HRB max |
Selection indicators
| Density | about 8.0 g/cm3 |
|---|---|
| PRE indicator | about 24-26; not a service limit |
| Magnetic response | Normally low when annealed |
| Heat treatment | Not hardened by thermal treatment |
Values depend on product form, thickness, test orientation, condition and governing edition. Use the mill test certificate and the purchase specification for acceptance, not a web table alone.
Selection boundary
Where 316 belongs and where to escalate
Grade selection is an environmental decision, not a popularity contest. Review the complete medium, temperature, geometry, fabrication, cleaning and inspection requirements.
Good reasons to evaluate it
Chemical and process equipment after media review
Food and laboratory equipment
Architectural and marine-adjacent hardware after exposure review
Heat exchangers and filtration components
Reasons to stop and review
Treating the name marine grade as a seawater guarantee
Warm stagnant chlorides without testing
Reducing acids outside verified corrosion data
Welded service that specifically requires low carbon 316L
Fabrication route
Protect properties through cutting, forming and welding
Good formability with strong work hardening.
Use a qualified procedure and a filler selected for the joint and service.
Heat tint and embedded iron can reduce local corrosion performance.
Specify surface condition and acceptance after fabrication.
Supply definition
Product form changes the applicable requirements
Do not send an RFQ that names only the grade. State form, governing standard, dimensions, tolerances, finish, edge or end condition, quantity, certification and inspection.
Sheet, coil and plate
Bar and wire
Pipe and tube to product-specific standards
Fittings and fabricated components
Certificate checkpoint
Request heat identity, chemical analysis, mechanical results and compliance to the exact product specification. Add PMI, corrosion testing or supplementary examination only when the application requires it.
Interactive selection check
Test 316 against the controlling question
Procurement FAQ
Questions to close before placing the order
Is 316 stainless steel magnetic?
Magnetic response depends on microstructure and delivered condition.
Can 316 replace another grade?
Only after checking the governing standard, composition, mechanical properties, corrosion exposure, fabrication route and certification. A commercial name is not a substitution approval.
Does the table apply to pipe, tube and bar?
Not automatically. The values shown use flat-product requirements as a reference. Other forms can use different product standards, dimensions and tests.
What should a 316 RFQ include?
Product form, standard and edition, UNS or EN designation, dimensions, tolerances, finish, quantity, service, fabrication, certificate and inspection requirements.
Sources, scope and RFQ
Use traceable grade data, then specify the actual product
ASTM A240/A240M flat-rolled composition and mechanical requirements
Atlas Grade Datasheets: 316, 316L and 316H
Outokumpu Supra 316 range data
worldstainless design and corrosion guidance