316 / 316L Stainless Steel

Grade 316 / 316L | UNS S31600 / UNS S31603 | 1.4401 / 1.4404

These steels are the second most regularly specified stainless steels after Type 304 and are part of the SAE defined 300 Series which encompasses a range of austenitic chromium-nickel alloys. Austenitic stainless steels like Type 316 are widely available, have good general corrosion resistance, good cryogenic toughness, and excellent formability and weldability.

Type 316 has 2-3% Molybdenum included in its chemical composition which prevents specific forms of corrosion and generally enhances its corrosion resistance. Type 316 is often referred to as “marine grade” stainless due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to Type 304 making it a very suitable material for use in salt water environments.

Type 316L is a variant of Type 316 and differs by having a lower Carbon content as well as slightly lower yield and tensile strengths. Type 316L offers improved weldability and also reduces the possibility of lower corrosion resistance around welded areas.

As with most steel plate products a number of different designations are used for these steels. The most common are:

Type 316              1.4401 (EN Steel Number)            S31600 (UNS)

Type 316L             1.4404 (EN Steel Number)            S31603 (UNS)

Industrial Sectors

Brewing

Chemical Industry

Dairy

Food processing

Marine equipment

Petrochemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Product Applications

Condensers

Heat Exchangers

Filters

Pressure Vessels

Valves

Flanges and Fittings

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