Chemistry Data

General Information

Principal Design Features
316L is often substituted for 316 stainless due to its superior weldability with no appreciable difference in price or properties.
It combines good availability in all forms and size ranges with great strength and corrosion resistance.

Corrosion Resistance
Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media - generally more resistant than 304.
Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60°C.
Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500mg/L at 60°C.

• 316 is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”, but it is not resistant to warm sea water.
• In many marine environments 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining.
• This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish.

Heat Resistance
Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C.
Continuous use of 316 in the 425-860°C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important.
Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range.
Grade 316H has higher strength at elevated temperatures and is sometimes used for structural and pressure-containing applications at temperatures above about 500°C.

Applications
Components used in marine environments and chemical equipment.
Surgical and precision tools and machineries.
Suitable for any application where 316 stainless is used and stronger welds are desirable.

Hardening
This alloy does not respond to heat treatment. Cold work will cause an increase in both hardness and strength.

Physical Data
Density (lb / cu. in.) - 0.288
Specific Gravity - 7.9
Specific Heat (Btu/lb/Deg F - [32-212 Deg F]) - 0.12
Electrical Resistivity (microhm-cm (at 68 Deg F)) - 444
Melting Point (Deg F) - 2550
Modulus of Elasticity Tension - 28