Type 316 is:
- Austenitic: a chromium nickel stainless steel that also contains molybdenum. Molybdenum and a higher nickel content than type 304 increase corrosion and oxidation resistance, reduce pitting particularly when exposed to various acids or other harsh environments and increase performance of the metal at elevated temperatures. Like Type 304, this material has exceptional fabrication and formability characteristics, is easy to clean and offers an excellent combination of high strength and light weight.
- Used in a variety of applications: Some of the typical uses of grade 316 include chemical equipment, consumer and industrial products, exhausts, flanges and valves, hardware and fasteners, heat exchangers, HVAC, pipes and tubes, pharmaceutical equipment, photographic equipment, pulp paper and textile processing equipment and tanks. It is most often used where parts are exposed to severe environments.
- Able to be processed in many ways: Metal processors and fabricators stamp, form, draw, bend, cut and weld alloy 316 to produce various parts. Cold working will increase strength and hardness.
- Available in many variants: Different levels of carbon primarily define the different variants of this alloy. Type 316L is the low carbon variant of type 316. The low carbon allows for excellent welding characteristics and is the most common variant in the United States.
The Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of Type of 316 and Type 316L are as follows:
| Type 316 | Type 316L | |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A240/A240M (UNS Designation) | S31600 | S31603 |
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Chromium | 16-18% | 16-18% |
| Nickel | 10-14% | 10-14% |
| Carbon (max.) | 0.080% | 0.030% |
| Manganese (max.) | 2.000% | 2.000% |
| Silicon (max.) | 0.750% | 0.750% |
| Sulfur (max.) | 0.030% | 0.030% |
| Phosphorus (max.) | 0.045% | 0.045% |
| Molybdenum | 2-3% | 2-3% |
| Nitrogen(max.) | 0.100% | 0.100% |
| Mechanical Properties (annealed) | ||
| Tensile (min. psi) | 75,000 | 70,000 |
| Yield (min. psi) | 30,000 | 25,000 |
| Elongation (in 2″, min %) | 40 | 40 |
| Hardness (max Rb) | 95 | 95 |
T316, type 316 and grade 316 are interchangeable terms for 316 stainless steel.
T316L, type 316L and grade 316L are interchangeable terms for 316L stainless steel.
