Selection summary
Overview
316 adds molybdenum to the chromium-nickel austenitic base, improving resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion relative to 304 in many chloride-bearing environments. It is not automatically suitable for seawater, and temperature, chloride concentration, deposits, crevices, and cleaning practice remain decisive.
This page separates standard-oriented limits from typical reference data. Purchase acceptance comes from the ordered specification and certified material test report.
Names and systems
Identity & standards
Similar designations across ASTM, EN, JIS, and other systems are not automatically interchangeable. Product form and ordered standard control chemistry, properties, dimensions, condition, and testing.
Reference chemistry
Composition
| Element | Reference range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | ≤ 0.08% | Strength and carbide control |
| Chromium | 16.0–18.0% | Passive-film formation |
| Nickel | 10.0–14.0% | Austenitic structure |
| Molybdenum | 2.0–3.0% | Improved localized corrosion resistance |
Concise grade-family reference only. Confirm every element limit against the current standard for the exact product ordered.
Condition matters
Reference properties
Annealed flat product; verify ordered standard
Annealed flat product; verify ordered standard
Typical room-temperature reference
Environment first
Corrosion behavior
More resistant than 304 to localized attack in many chloride services.
Warm seawater, stagnant brines, and tight crevices can still exceed its capability.
Temperature, concentration, deposits, crevices, stress, surface finish, cleaning, and fabrication quality can change service performance.
Service limits
Temperature & service
Assess chloride stress-corrosion cracking risk when temperature and tensile stress are elevated.
Delivery condition
Heat treatment & condition
316 is normally solution annealed and rapidly cooled to dissolve detrimental carbide precipitation and restore a soft, ductile condition.
It cannot be hardened by heat treatment, although cold work raises strength; high-temperature design can favor a controlled carbon range under the governing code.
Process route
Fabrication
Readily welded and formed with procedures comparable to other austenitic grades.
Machining requires rigid tooling and control of work hardening.
Magnetic response: Normally low magnetic response when annealed; cold work can increase it.
Decision boundaries
Comparisons & substitution
Compared with 304, molybdenum-bearing 316 generally improves resistance to localized attack, but performance still depends on chloride level, temperature, deposits, stress, and finish.
Choose 316L when welded-service carbon control is required; do not assume 316 and 316L have identical high-temperature allowable stresses.
Where it is used
Applications
Ordering scope
Product forms & standards
Plate, sheet, and strip under the applicable flat-product specification and ordered finish.
Bar, rod, shapes, and forgings under the product-specific stainless standard.
Seamless or welded pipe and tube under the ordered dimensional, service, and testing specification.
Decision support
Selection guidance
Choose this grade when
- 304 lacks adequate chloride pitting margin.
- A widely available molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade is wanted.
Review another grade when
- Extensive welding favors the low-carbon 316L variant.
- Duplex strength or higher-alloy corrosion performance is required.
Before ordering
Procurement checklist
Name the governing product standard, edition, dimensions, tolerances, edge, finish, and delivery condition.
Require the exact UNS designation and a material test report; a familiar trade name alone is not an acceptance criterion.
Confirm corrosion environment, design temperature, fabrication route, inspection, certification, marking, and packaging before order release.
Traceable evidence