Stainless Steel 316
AISI/SAE 316 · UNS S31600 · EN 1.4401, X5CrNiMo17-12-2 · JIS SUS316 · GB 06Cr17Ni12Mo2, 0Cr17Ni12Mo2
316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic Cr-Ni stainless of the 18-12-2 type (S31600 / 1.4401, with the low-carbon 316L variant).
Values for the Solution Annealed condition
316 tempers and conditions
316 is supplied in 10 conditions, soft to hard. Solution Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 10 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mill annealed sheet/plate/bar (equivalent to solution annealed) | Used interchangeably with solution annealed on mill certificates for austenitic 316; pick when the certificate simply says 'annealed'. | 285 | 575 | 50 | 150 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Solution AnnealedDefault 1010–1120 °C, rapid quench (mill standard) | Standard as-supplied condition for plate, sheet, bar, tube and fittings — maximum corrosion resistance, ductility and toughness. | 290 | 580 | 50 | 150 HB | — |
cold rolled and annealed strip/sheet (2B/BA finish) | Standard thin sheet/coil product with a smooth 2B or bright-annealed surface; slightly higher strength than plate, excellent for forming and polishing. | 310 | 600 | 45 | 160 HB | — |
Cold worked stainless fastener class | Standard property class for 316 bolts and screws — 700 MPa minimum tensile from cold forming/drawing. | 500 | 760 | 25 | 21 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
cold-finished bar/wire (ASTM A276/A484) | Choose for straight, close-tolerance bar with higher yield strength and better chip control on screw machines. | 515 | 690 | 35 | 200 HB | — |
Quarter hard | Modest strength boost while retaining some bendability — springs, clips, structural strip. | 560 | 900 | 12 | 25 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
High-strength cold worked fastener class | Higher-strength 316 fastener grade for marine and structural bolting where 700 MPa is insufficient. | 640 | 850 | 18 | 27 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
Half hard | Higher strength strip for flat springs, shims and load-bearing brackets where only gentle bends are needed. | 800 | 1,070 | 8 | 32 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
Three-quarter hard | Near-maximum cold-worked strength for flat parts formed only by shearing/blanking. | 960 | 1,240 | 5 | 37 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
cold rolled temper per ASTM A666 | Maximum strength/spring temper strip; essentially unformable except for large-radius bends. | 1,000 | 1,320 | 4 | 40 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
What is 316?
316 is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic Cr-Ni stainless of the 18-12-2 type (S31600 / 1.4401, with the low-carbon 316L variant). Sheet, plate, bar, tube and forgings serve marine, chemical, food, pharmaceutical and medical parts; annealed material is non-magnetic, deep-drawable, readily welded and stays tough down to liquid-nitrogen temperature, with service to 870 °C. The 2–3 % Mo raises resistance to chloride pitting, crevice corrosion and reducing acids. Limits are low yield strength (290 MPa, raised only by cold work), mediocre machinability from rapid work hardening, and possible stress-corrosion cracking in concentrated chlorides above 60 °C. Use 304L where Mo is not required. 316 has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F). 316 has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is 316 used for?
- Marine deck hardware and fasteners
- Chemical process piping and tanks
- Food and pharmaceutical processing equipment
- Surgical instruments and implants
- Heat exchanger tubing
- Pump and valve components
- Coastal architectural fittings
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 220 MPa·√m (200.2 ksi·√in), better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
316 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 316-Solution Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
316 has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F).
Mechanical16
316 has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
316 is rated for continuous service to 870°C (1,598 °F). It conducts heat at 16.3 W/m·K (9.42 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
316 conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), better than 80% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 316 takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 5.1 kg of CO₂ — more than 62% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
316's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability excellent (85/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 316 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 316
Is 316 easy to machine?
Runs gummy and work-hardens fast: use sharp positive-rake carbide, 30–60 m/min for turning, heavy constant feed (never dwell), rigid setups and flood coolant or high-pressure through-tool.
Can 316 be welded?
Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/laser with 316L or 316LSi filler and Ar (or Ar+2 %CO₂) shielding; no preheat, keep interpass <150 °C, purge root, avoid 425–815 °C dwell to prevent sensitization/sigma, then pickle-passivate.
Can 316 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-drawing and bending in the annealed condition (bend radius ≥1t for thin sheet) but ~50 % more press force and more springback than mild steel; anneal at 1050 °C between severe draws.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 316. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 140 / 170 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / 0.8 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better85 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent88 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
| Minimum bend radius | 1× thickness |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5 – 6 mm |
| Spring-back | High |
| Welding processes | TIG, MIG, SPOT, SEAM, LASER |
316 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C316L variant ≤0.030 | ≤ 0.08 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.5 |
| SiEN 1.4401 limit 1.00 | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Ni | 10 – 14 | 11 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.3 |
| N | ≤ 0.1 | 0.04 |
| Febalance ≈ 65–69 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on 316?
Not anodizable — specify mill 2B/BA, No.4 brush, or No.8 mirror; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after machining/welding, and PVD-coat for coloured decorative finishes.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 316 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S31600
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4401X5CrNiMo17-12-2
- GB (China)
- 06Cr17Ni12Mo20Cr17Ni12Mo2
- JIS
- SUS316
- KS (Korea)
- STS316
- Also called
- 1Cr17Ni12Mo2
- Similar grades
- 316LX2CrNiMo17-12-2
How much does 316 cost?
316 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
316 — frequently asked
What is 316 used for?
316 is typically used for marine deck hardware and fasteners, chemical process piping and tanks, food and pharmaceutical processing equipment, surgical instruments and implants, heat exchanger tubing and pump and valve components. In short: marine grade expert.
What is the yield strength of 316?
316 has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is 316 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). Runs gummy and work-hardens fast: use sharp positive-rake carbide, 30–60 m/min for turning, heavy constant feed (never dwell), rigid setups and flood coolant or high-pressure through-tool.
Can 316 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/laser with 316L or 316LSi filler and Ar (or Ar+2 %CO₂) shielding; no preheat, keep interpass <150 °C, purge root, avoid 425–815 °C dwell to prevent sensitization/sigma, then pickle-passivate.
What surface finishes work on 316?
Not anodizable — specify mill 2B/BA, No.4 brush, or No.8 mirror; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after machining/welding, and PVD-coat for coloured decorative finishes.
Can 316 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent deep-drawing and bending in the annealed condition (bend radius ≥1t for thin sheet) but ~50 % more press force and more springback than mild steel; anneal at 1050 °C between severe draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of 316?
316 is rated for continuous use to about 870°C (1,598 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 316 Solution Annealed and 316 A4-80?
Solution Annealed is the default condition — standard as-supplied condition for plate, sheet, bar, tube and fittings — maximum corrosion resistance, ductility and toughness. A4-80: higher-strength 316 fastener grade for marine and structural bolting where 700 MPa is insufficient. Yield strength is 290 MPa in Solution Annealed versus 640 MPa in A4-80.
How much does 316 cost?
316 is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 316?
Yes — 316 is available for CNC machining, sheet metal and casting & forging with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A276/A276M — Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- EN 10088-1/-2 — Stainless steels: list of grades and technical delivery conditions — CEN (2014)
- ISO 3506-1 — Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners — ISO (2020)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
- Outokumpu Supra 316/4401 datasheet & Corrosion Handbook — Outokumpu (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.