Introduction
316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel known for its superior corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich, marine, and chemical processing environments. It offers excellent strength, formability, weldability, and long-term durability, making it one of the most widely specified stainless steel grades for demanding industrial applications.
StainlessSteelTrading.com supplies and sources 316 stainless steel products in various forms, dimensions, and international specifications. Through our global sourcing network, we provide dependable material solutions for industrial, commercial, and engineering projects worldwide.
Overview
316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly improves its resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chloride attack compared to 304 stainless steel. This enhanced corrosion resistance makes it the preferred material for marine environments, chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and coastal installations.
Its combination of excellent mechanical properties, outstanding corrosion resistance, and reliable fabrication characteristics makes 316 stainless steel suitable for applications requiring long-term performance in aggressive service conditions.
Key Features
| Excellent Corrosion Resistance | Molybdenum Alloyedy | Excellent Chloride Resistance | Superior Pitting Resistance |
| Excellent Weldability | Good Formability | Long Service Life | Excellent Value |
Available Products
| Stainless Steel Pipes | Stainless Steel Tubes | Stainless Steel Sheets | Stainless Steel Plates | Stainless Steel Coils |
| Stainless Steel Flanges | Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings | Stainless Steel Forged Fittings | Stainless Steel Bars & Rods | Stainless Steel Fasteners |
Applications & Industries Served
316 stainless steel is widely used in environments exposed to chlorides, seawater, and corrosive chemicals where enhanced corrosion resistance and long-term reliability are essential.
Applications
- Marine Equipment
- Chemical Processing Equipment
- Heat Exchangers
- Pressure Vessels
- Pharmaceutical Equipment
- Coastal Structures
Industries Served
- Marine & Offshore
- Chemical Processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Food & Beverage
- Oil & Gas
- Water Treatment
Material Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Chromium | 16.0–18.0% |
| Nickel | 10.0–14.0% |
| Molybdenum | 2.0–3.0% |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1370–1400°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent |
Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM | 316 |
| UNS | S31600 |
| EN | 1.4401 |
| DIN | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| JIS | SUS316 |
Applicable Product Standards
| Product | Standard |
|---|---|
| Plates, Sheets & Coils | ASTM A240 |
| Pipes | ASTM A312 |
| Tubes | ASTM A213 / ASTM A269 |
| Bars & Rods | ASTM A276 |
| Pipe Fittings | ASTM A403 |
| Flanges | ASTM A182 |
| Fasteners | ASTM A193 / ASTM A194 |
Why Choose 316 Stainless Steel?
316 stainless steel is the preferred choice for applications exposed to chlorides, seawater, and aggressive chemical environments where enhanced corrosion resistance is essential. Its molybdenum content provides superior protection against pitting and crevice corrosion while maintaining excellent strength, weldability, and fabrication characteristics.
Available in multiple product forms, dimensions, and international standards, 316 stainless steel delivers reliable performance, extended service life, and excellent value for manufacturers, fabricators, contractors, and industrial end users operating in demanding environments.
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