316 & 316L Stainless Steel Properties

316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is a type of stainless-steel alloy that contains additional molybdenum compared to 304 type tot increases its pitting corrosion resistance and strength. It is commonly used in the food and medical industries due to its ability to resist corrosion from various acids and other harsh chemicals.

This type of steel offers excellent mechanical properties, making it the perfect material for many applications. Known for its excellent formability and weldability, 316L stainless steel provides exceptional performance even under extreme conditions. In addition to its durability and flexibility, this grade of stainless steel also offers superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by exposure to chloride solutions.

316 Stainless Steel Material Specification

The UNS Number of 316 Stainless steel is S31600. The EN Number of 316 steel is 1.4401.

316 Stainless Steel Material Standard & Specification are:

ASTM A182,
ASTM A193,

ASTM A194,
ASTM A213,
ASTM A217,

ASTM A240,
ASTM A249,
ASTM A 312,

ASTM A351,
EN10088-3

316 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

316 stainless steel is an alloy that contains molybdenum, a chemical element that increases its corrosion resistance and strength. It also contains a high percentage of chromium and nickel, which give it its stainless-steel properties.

The exact chemical composition of 316 stainless steel may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but it typically contains:

16.5-18.5% chromium
10-14% nickel

2-2.50% molybdenum
2% manganese
0.03% carbon

trace amounts of other elements

Detailed chemical compositions of AISI 316, 316L and 316H are given in the below table.

Element (%)	AISI 316	AISI 316L	AISI 316H
Carbon	0.07 max.	0.03 max.	0.04 to 0.08
Manganese	2.0 max.	2.0 max.	2.0 max.
Silicon	1.0 max.	1.0 max.	1.0 max.
Chromium	16.5 to 18.5	16.5 to 18.5	16.5 to 18.5
Molybdenum	2.0- to 2.5	2.0 to 2.5	2.0 to 2.5
Nickel	10 to 13	10 to 13	10 to 13
Sulfur	0.02 max.	0.02 max.	0.02 max.
Phosphorus	0.05 max.	0.05 max.	0.04 max.
Titanium	–	–	–
Iron	Reminder	Reminder	Reminder

316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

316 stainless steel is known for its strength and durability. It has a high tensile strength and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in a variety of industrial applications. Other mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel include:

316 stainless steel Yield strength: 205 MPa
316 stainless steel Ultimate tensile strength: 515 MPa
316 stainless steel Elongation: 40%

Grade	AISI 316	AISI 316L
Yield Strength, Minimum	30 Ksi (205 MPa)	25 Ksi (170 MPa)
Tensile Strength, Minimum	75 Ksi (515 MPa)	70 Ksi (485 MPa)
Elongation, min%	40	40
Hardness, Maximum	217 HBW (95HRBW)	217 HBW (95HRBW)
Thermal Conductivity	21.5 W/m·K @ 500 °C/ 932 °F	21.5 W/m·K @ 500 °C/ 932 °F
Thermal Expansion	17.5 µm/m/°C	17.5 µm/m/°C
Density	8g/cm³	8g/cm³
Young Modulus	193 GPa	193 GPa
Melting Temperature	2500 to 2590 °F (1371 to 1421 °C)	2500 to 2590 °F (1371 to 1421 °C)

316 Stainless Steel Applications

Due to its corrosion resistance and strength, 316 stainless steel is used in a variety of industries and applications. Some common examples include:

Marine environments: 316 stainless steel is resistant to corrosion from saltwater, making it a popular choice for use in marine environments.
Food industry: The non-toxic nature of 316 stainless steel makes it safe for use with food. It is often used in the manufacturing of food processing equipment, kitchen appliances, and other food-related products.

Medical industry: The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel makes it a popular choice for use in medical equipment, such as surgical instruments and medical implants.
Chemical processing: 316 stainless steel is resistant to corrosion from a variety of acids and other chemicals, making it suitable for use in the chemical processing industry.

The strength and durability of 316 stainless steel make it a popular choice for use in construction, particularly for structural steel and outdoor railings.

Conclusion

In summary, 316 stainless steel is a versatile and durable alloy that is widely used in a variety of industries due to its corrosion resistance and strength. Its non-toxic nature makes it suitable for use in the food and medical industries, and its high resistance to corrosion makes it a popular choice for use in marine environments and other harsh environments.

FAQS

How to tell the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

You can differentiate between 304 and 316 stainless steels based on their chemical compositions. 316 contains molybdenum while 304 doesn’t contains any molybdenum.

Is 316 stainless steel magnetic?

Generally speaking, most 316 stainless steels are non-magnetic, however some grades – such as 316L – will exhibit slight magnetism when exposed to an external magnetic field.
The presence of ferrite in the microstructure of certain grades of 316 stainless steel can cause magnetism when exposed to a magnetic field.

Does 316l stainless steel rust?

316L stainless steel is a low carbon version of 316 stainless steel and is resistant to corrosion. It is not prone to rusting, but it is not completely immune to it. In certain environments, it may be prone to corrosion and may require additional protection. However, it is generally more resistant to rusting than other types of stainless steel.

Does 316l stainless steel contain nickel?

Yes, 316L stainless steel contains nickel about 10- 13% of total weight. It is a type of stainless steel that is made up of a mix of metals, including nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. The combination of these metals gives 316L stainless steel its corrosion-resistant properties and high durability.

Does 316l stainless steel tarnish?

316L stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. It is made up of a mix of metals, including chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which give it its durable and corrosion-resistant properties.