Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade, second inoverall volume production to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.
Grade 316L, the low carbon version of 316 and has very high immunity from sensitization (grain boundary carbide precipitation). It is extensivly used in the oil and gas and chemical industries for its cost effective corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication. There is commonly no appreciable price difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel. The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures. Compared to chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels, 316L stainless steel offers higher creep, stress to rupture and tensile strength at elevated temperatures.
Chemical Analysis
Weight % (all values are maximum unless a range is otherwise indicated)
| Element | 316 |
Chromium | 16.0 min.-18.0 max. |
Nickel | 10.0 min.-14.0 max. |
Molybdenum | 2.00 min.-3.00 max. |
Carbon | 0.030 |
Manganese | 2.00 |
Phosphorus | 0.045 |
Sulfer | 0.03 |
Silicon | 0.75 |
Nitrogen | 0.1 |
Iron | Balance |
Physical Properties
Density
0.285 lbs/in3
7.90 g/cm3
Specific Heat
0.11 BTU/lb-°F (32 – 212°F)
450 J/kg-°K (0 – 100°C)
Modulus of Elasticity
29.0 x 106 psi
200 GPa
Thermal Conductivity 212°F (100°C)
10.1 BTU/hr/ft2/ft/°F
14.6 W/m-°K
Melting Range
2450 – 2630°F
1390 – 1440°C
Electrical Resistivity
29.1 Microhm-in at 68°C
74 Microhm-cm at 20°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
| Temperature Range | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| °F | °C | in/in °F | cm/cm °C |
68-212 | 20-100 | 9.2 x 10-6 | 16.6 x 10-6 |
68-932 | 20-500 | 10.1 x 10-6 | 18.2 x 10-6 |
68-1832 | 20-1000 | 10.8 x 10-6 | 19.4 x 10-6 |
Mechanical Properties
At Room Temperature
| ASTM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Typical* | Type 316 | |
0.2% Offset Yield Strength, ksi | 44 | 30 min. |
Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi | 85 | 75 min. |
Elongation in 2 inches, % | 56 | 40 min. |
Reduction in Area, % | 69 | — |
Hardness, Rockwell B | 81 | 95 max. |
*0.375 inch plate
