316 and 316L stainless steels are molybdenum-bearing austenitic alloys developed to provide improved corrosion resistance, particularly against pitting and crevice corrosion, compared to traditional 304 stainless steels.
Furthermore, they provide higher creep, stress-to-rupture, and tensile strength at elevated temperatures, while maintaining the excellent workability and formability typical of austenitic stainless steels.

Reference standards:

• UNS S31600 (316)
• UNS S31603 (316L)
• AMS 5524, AMS 5507
• ASTM A167, A240, F138, F899
• ASME SA167, SA240
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Chemical composition (%)

Element 316 (%) 316L (%)
Carbon (C) ≤0.08 ≤0.030
Manganese (Mn) ≤2.00 ≤2.00
Silicon (Si) ≤0.75 ≤0.75
Chromium (Cr) 16.0–18.0 16.0–18.0
Nickel (Ni) 10.0–14.0 10.0–14.0
Molybdenum (Mo) 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.045 ≤0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤0.030 ≤0.030
Nitrogen (N) ≤0.10 ≤0.10
Iron (Fe) Balanced Balanced
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Mechanical properties (according to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240)

Property 316 316L
Tensile strength (min.) 515 MPa 485 MPa
Yield strength 0.2% (min.) 205 MPa 170 MPa
Elongation in 2″ ≥40% ≥40%
Maximum hardness 217 HB 217 HB
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Physical properties

Property Value
Density 8.027 g/cm³
Melting range 1390–1440°C
Modulus of elasticity (tension) 200 GPa
Shear modulus 82 GPa
Thermal conductivity (20–100°C) 14.6 W/m·K
Specific heat (20°C) 450 J/kg·K
Electrical resistivity (20°C) 29.1 µΩ·cm
Coefficient of thermal expansion (20–100°C) 16.5 ×10⁻⁶ /°C
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Corrosion resistance

316 and 316L steels exhibit superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion and many aggressive environments compared to 302 and 304 steels. They are particularly resistant to chloride corrosion and weak acidic environments. However, they are less resistant in highly oxidizing environments such as nitric acid.
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Available forms

• Bars: from 0.250” to 6.250” thick
• Coils: from 0.010” to 0.125” thick
• Sheets: from 0.010” to 0.125” thick
• Rolled strips: from 0.0008” to 0.015”
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Industrial applications

Due to their corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties, 316 and 316L are used in:
• Oil & Gas: Oil refinery equipment
• Aerospace and Defense: Lightweight and resistant structures
• Food Processing: Food-grade stainless steel equipment
• Paper and Soap Industry: Resistant process systems
• Pharmaceutical: Production plants
• Architecture: Weather-resistant structures