316 Stainless Steel

Austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum for enhanced chloride corrosion resistance.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Adding 2-3% molybdenum to the 18/8 chromium-nickel base gives 316 far better resistance to chloride pitting than grade 304.
• Its austenitic face-centered-cubic structure is non-magnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment, only by cold working.
• Known as marine grade, 316 and its low-carbon weldable variant 316L are standard for boat fittings, chemical plants, and surgical implants.

Specifications & Metrics

• DENSITY: 8.00 g/cm³
• YIELD STRENGTH: 290 MPa
• HARDNESS: 217 HB