Overview
316 adds molybdenum to the austenitic stainless chemistry, greatly improving resistance to chlorides, seawater and many acids compared with 304.
It keeps 304's toughness and non-magnetic behavior and is rated for high-temperature service in air.
Key Properties
Typical values from the MatWeb datasheet for 316 Stainless Steel, annealed plate. Machined parts take the properties of the stock they are cut from.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 565 MPa |
| Yield strength | 250 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 55 % |
| Hardness | HB 149 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.3 W/m-K |
| Max service temp. (continuous, air) | 925 °C |
| Max service temp. (intermittent, air) | 870 °C |
| Melting range | 1370–1400 °C |
| Magnetic permeability | 1.008 |
Typical Applications
- Marine hardware
- Chemical and pharmaceutical equipment
- Medical devices
- Pumps and valves for corrosive media
Machining Notes
Machines similarly to 304 (slightly gummier). Specify 316L if the part will be welded.
