316 and 316L Stainless Steel

Description:

Type 316 Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium nickel stainless steel containing molybdenum. This addition increases general corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting from chloride ion solutions, and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures. Properties are similar to those of Type 304 except that this alloy is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures. Corrosion resistance is improved, particularly against sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and tartaric acids; acid sulfates and alkaline chlorides. Type 316L Stainless Steel is an extra-low carbon version of Type 316 that minimizes harmful carbide precipitation in the heat affected zone during welding.

Product Forms:

  • Sheet
  • Strip

Specifications:

  • ASTM
    • A240
    • A666

Typical Applications:

  • exhaust manifolds
  • furnace parts
  • heat exchangers
  • pharmaceutical and photographic equipment
  • valve and pump trim
  • chemical equipment
    • digesters
    • tanks
    • evaporators
    • pulp
    • paper and textile processing equipment
    • parts exposed to marine atmospheres and tubing

    Chemical Composition: ASTM A240, A666

    ElementType 316Type 316L
    Carbon0.08 max.0.030 max.
    Manganese2.00 max.2.00 max.
    Sulfur0.030 max.0.030 max.
    Phosphorus0.045 max.0.045 max.
    Silicon0.75 max.0.75 max.
    Chromium16.0 – 18.016.0 – 18.0
    Nickel10.00 – 14.0010.00 – 14.00
    Molybdenum2.00 – 3.002.00 – 3.00
    Nitrogen0.10 max.0.10 max.

    Mechanical Properties: ASTM A240

    TypeYield Strength 0.2% offset (KSI)Tensile Strength (KSI)% Elongation (2″ Gauge length)
    31630 min.75 min.40 min.
    316L25 min.70 min.40 min.
     

    Physical Properties:

    Density (lb./ in^2) @ RT0.29
    Modulus of Elasticity in Tension (psi x 10^6)28.0
    Specific Heat (BTU/o F/lb.)32 to 212 F0.12
    Thermal Conductivity (BTU/hr/ft^2/ft)212 F9.4
    932 F12.4
    Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (in. x 10^-6 per o F)32 to 212 F8.9
    32 to 600 F9.0
    32 to 1,000 F9.7
    32 to 1,200 F10.3
    Electrical Resistivity (micro ohms – cm)at 70 F29.4
    Melting Point Range (F)2500 – 2550

    Processing:

    Types 316 and 316L are non-hardenable by heat treatment. Annealing: Heat to 1900 – 2100°F then rapidly quench Forming: Types 316 and 316L can be readily formed and drawn.

    Welding:

    These alloys are generally considered to have poorer weldability than Types 304 and 304L. A major difference is the higher nickel content for these alloys which requires slower arc welding speed and more care to avoid hot cracking. When filler is needed, AWS E/ER 316L and 16-8-2 are most often specified.

    Corrosion:

    Types 316 and 316L Stainless Steels exhibit better corrosion resistance than Type 304. They provide excellent pitting resistance and good resistance to most chemicals involved in the paper, textile and photographic industries.

    Download This Information

    Des Plaines Illinois Facility

    Toll Free: 800-722-5029
    Phone: 847-257-6570

    Planta de Mexico – Queretaro

    Phone: 442-980-0611

    TENNESSEE Facility

    Phone: 615-793-4700

    Itasca, IL

    Toll Free: 800-722-5029

    Planta de Mexico – Monterrey

    Phone: 442-980-0611

    © 2025 NKS. All Rights Reserved.
    Terms of Use
    Purchasing Terms and Conditions
    Privacy Notice
    Site Map