316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil & Bar - AMS 5524, 5507
Type 316 stainless steel is austenitic steel that differs from grade 304 through the addition of molybdenum, which increases its resistance to chemical corrosion and marine environments. These materials excel in harsher atmospheres, where pitting and crevice corrosion can occur through chloride exposure or solvents used in processing.
316L stainless steel is an extra-low carbon version of 316 SS, and while both grades are very similar, 316 "L" is ideal for heavy gauge welding applications, as it is less susceptible to weld decay. The low carbon content decreases carbide precipitation that sensitizes the grain boundaries of welds in these materials. The austenitic structure of 316L provides excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures.
316/316L Inventory Size Ranges
Not finding what you are looking for? Connect with our sourcing group at sourcing@upmet.com
Both grade 316 and 316L steels offer high creep strength, stress-to-rupture and tensile strength at high temperatures, as well as excellent corrosion resistance and strength properties. These grades are well suited for fabricated or formed applications like refining equipment, surgical tools, fasteners, pulp and paper processing equipment, and pharmaceutical processing. Annealing, or heat treating, can be done between 1,900 – 2,100°F (1,038 to 1,149°C), and is commonly used to restore corrosion resistance in heavily welded 316 steel materials.
We are suppliers of 316 stainless steel sheet, coil, and round bar, available in normal and 316L grades. Inventory sizes for both grades are available as shown below – please contact us for a quote on your material needs.
Standard Inventory Specifications
- UNS S31600
- UNS S31603
- AMS 5524
- AMS 5507
- ASTM A 167
- ASTM A 240
- ASTM F 138
- ASTM F 899
- ASME SA 167
- ASME SA2 40
Other industry standards we comply with:
- PWA-LCS
- GE Aircraft Engine (GT193)
- GE Aviation S-SPEC-35 AeDMS S-400
- RR SABRe Edition 2
- DFARS Compliant
Common Trade Names
- ATI 316L (™ Allegheny Technologies)
- ATI 316 (™ Allegheny Technologies)
Common Applications of 316/316L
- Oil & petroleum refining equipment
- Aerospace structures
- Stainless steel base plates
- Food processing equipment
- Pulp and paper processing equipment
- Soap and photographic handling equipment
- Textile industry equipment
- Architectural
- Pharmaceutical processing equipment
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percent by Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | 0.08 max |
| Mn | Manganese | 2.00 max |
| Si | Silicon | 0.75 max |
| Cr | Chromium | 16.00 - 18.00 |
| Ni | Nickel | 10.00 - 14.00 |
| Mo | Molybdenum | 2.00 - 3.00 |
| P | Phosphorus | 0.045 max |
| S | Sulfur | 0.030 max |
| N | Nitrogen | 0.10 max |
| Fe | Iron | Bal. |
| Element | Percent by Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | 0.030 max |
| Mn | Manganese | 2.00 max |
| Si | Silicon | 0.75 max |
| Cr | Chromium | 16.00 - 18.00 |
| Ni | Nickel | 10.00 - 14.00 |
| Mo | Molybdenum | 2.00 - 3.00 |
| P | Phosphorus | 0.045 max |
| S | Sulfur | 0.030 max |
| N | Nitrogen | 0.10 max |
| Fe | Iron | Bal. |
316 / 316L Physical Properties
- Melting Range: 2540-2630°F (1390-1440°C)
- Density: 0.29 lb/in³ (8.027 g/cm³)
- Modulus of Elasticity in Tension: 29 x 106 psi (200 GPa)
- Modulus of Shear: 11.9 x 106 psi (82 Gpa)
| Temperature Range | Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | cm/cm/°C | in/in/°F |
| 20 - 100 | 68-212 | 16.5 · 10-6 | 9.2 · 10-6 |
| 20 - 500 | 68-932 | 18.2 · 10-6 | 10.1 · 10-6 |
| 20 - 1000 | 68-1832 | 19.5 · 10-6 | 10.8 · 10-6 |
| Temperature Range | W/m · K | Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | ||
| 20-100 | 68-212 | 14.6 | 100.8 |
| °C | °F | J/kg °K | Btu/lb/°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 68 | 450 | 0.108 |
| 93 | 200 | 450 | 0.116 |
Magnetic Permeability
- H/m Annealed
- 1.02 Max @ 200 H
| Type | Value at 68°F (20°C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Microhm-cm | MIcrohm-in. | |
| 316 | 29.1 | 74.0 |
Mechanical Properties and Yield Strength of 316 / 316L Stainless
| Property | Type 316 (S31600) | Type 316L (S31603) | Type 317 (S31700) | Type 317L (S31703) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi MPa |
30,000 205 |
25,000 170 |
30,000 205 |
30,000 205 |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength psi MPa |
75,000 515 |
70,000 485 |
75,000 515 |
75,000 515 |
| Percent Elongation in 2 in. or 51mm | 40.0 | 40.0 | 35.0 | 40.0 |
| Hardness, Max. Brinell RB |
217 95 |
217 95 |
217 95 |
217 95 |
What is the difference between grades 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Simply put, 316 has an addition of molybdenum that makes it more corrosion resistant than 304. Both of these grades are non-magnetic, austenitic, and cannot be hardened through heat treatment. Each offer excellent corrosion resistance, are very durable, and easily formed and fabricated. However, 316 can be used in harsher salt water environments, while 304 is more appropriate for freshwater applications.
304 is typically less expensive and more formable, making it a great choice for kitchen applications like appliances, sinks, pots and pans, and flatware. It’s well suited for liquid storage tanks and food prep equipment. Type 304 is also used in heat exchangers, wheel covers, pressure vessels and other equipment used in fresh water environments.
316 ss, with its addition of molybdenum, is considerably more resistant to corrosive environments than 304. Because of its greater resistance to corrosion and oxidation, it is a popular choice in exhaust manifolds, chemical processing, textiles, and salt water applications.
When choosing between 304 and 316, corrosion resistance is the #1 consideration, followed by the need for strength and durability found in 316, or higher formability found in 304. The higher cost of 316 and 316L stainless steel is well worth it when the application requires their specific properties.
For a deeper understanding of the difference between 304 and 316, request our white paper on the topic.
*The technical data provided is for information only and not for design purposes. It is not warranted or guaranteed.