Stainless Steel 316-3/4 Hard
Supply condition
AISI/SAE 316 · UNS S31600 · EN 1.4401, X5CrNiMo17-12-2 · JIS SUS316 · GB 06Cr17Ni12Mo2, 0Cr17Ni12Mo2
3/4 Hard = three-quarter hard
Near-maximum cold-worked strength for flat parts formed only by shearing/blanking.
Values for the 3/4 Hard condition
Other 316 tempers and conditions
316 is listed in 10 conditions; see the grade overview at 316.
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 |
3/4 HardThis page 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 316-3/4 Hard?
316-3/4 Hard is 316 supplied in the 3/4 Hard condition — near-maximum cold-worked strength for flat parts formed only by shearing/blanking. 316-3/4 Hard has a yield strength of 960 MPa (139 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). 316-3/4 Hard 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). Solution Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; 3/4 Hard is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 960 MPa (139 ksi), better than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 5%, worse than 100% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Limited formability — 22/100, worse than 82% of stainless steel grades
316-3/4 Hard properties
Typical room-temperature values for 316-3/4 Hard; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 316 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
316-3/4 Hard 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
316-3/4 Hard has a yield strength of 960 MPa (139 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
316-3/4 Hard is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °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
316-3/4 Hard conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 316-3/4 Hard 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
316-3/4 Hard's machinability is poor (28/100, worse than 79% of stainless steel grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (22/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 316-3/4 Hard
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.
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.
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 | — |
316-3/4 Hard — frequently asked
What is 316-3/4 Hard used for?
316-3/4 Hard 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 316-3/4 Hard?
316-3/4 Hard has a typical yield strength of 960 MPa (139 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,240 MPa (180 ksi) — stronger than 98% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is 316-3/4 Hard easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (28/100, worse than 79% 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 316-3/4 Hard be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). 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 316-3/4 Hard?
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 316-3/4 Hard 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 316-3/4 Hard?
316-3/4 Hard is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °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.
Can FabDigit make parts in 316-3/4 Hard?
Yes — 316-3/4 Hard 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.