astm a240 grade 316 (s31600) stainless steel plate supplier

ASTM A240 Grade 316 (S31600) Stainless Steel Plate

When your project calls for stainless steel that can stand up to harsher corrosives like chlorides or acids without flinching, ASTM A240 Grade 316 (S31600) stainless steel plate is often the reliable upgrade from the 304 family. We also call it A240 Gr 316 in quick shop talk (Gr short for Grade), A240 SS 316 (SS for stainless steel), A240 TP 316 (TP popping up in tubing and plate contexts), or the timeless AISI 316 plate (from the American Iron and Steel Institute days).

Regardless of how it shows up in your search, you're probably after that molybdenum kick—2-3% of it—that boosts pitting resistance in salty or chemical settings, hitting a PREN of 24-26 for solid performance where 304 might falter. At Gangsteel, we melt it via AOD for clean, consistent quality, rolling plates up to 100mm thick in finishes from 2B basics to mirror-like polish.

Boasting over 25 years as a powerhouse in China's stainless steel production and global exports, Gangsteel supplies ASTM A240 Grade 316 to demanding sectors like marine, chemical processing, and oil & gas, all dual-certified to ASTM A240 and ASME SA240. This austenitic grade adds molybdenum to the classic chromium-nickel mix, enhancing crevice corrosion resistance while keeping good formability and weldability—though for heavy welds, its low-carbon cousin shines.

It's a step up from 304 in aggressive environments but more budget-friendly than super-austenitics. Read on for the full scoop on composition, properties, specs, and more. Browse our comprehensive ASTM A 240/A 240M stainless steel plate offerings, including molybdenum siblings like ASTM A 240 Gr 316L and high-temp ASTM A 240 Gr 316H.

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1. What is ASTM A240 Grade 316 (S31600)?

ASTM A240 Grade 316 (UNS S31600) is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel specified under ASTM A240 for plates, sheets, and strips in pressure vessels, boilers, and general corrosive service. Nicknamed "marine grade" for its prowess in seawater and brines, it builds on 304's foundation with 2-3% Mo, which stabilizes the passive film against localized attacks like pitting and crevice corrosion—critical in chloride-rich spots where standard austenitics might pit. Its carbon content (up to 0.08%) provides a balance of strength and fabricability, though it risks sensitization in the 425-870°C HAZ during welding without annealing.

Tracing roots to the 1930s when Mo was added to combat industrial acids, 316 has become indispensable in modern setups like offshore rigs or pulp mills. At Gangsteel, we refine melts with VOD for low residuals, achieving uniform austenite (delta ferrite <5%) and grain refinement per ASTM E112 for enhanced toughness. The 16-18% Cr and 10-14% Ni core delivers non-magnetic properties, excellent ductility (elongation >40%), and oxidation resistance up to 925°C intermittent. Thermal conductivity (14.6 W/m·K at 100°C) and expansion (16.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C) suit it for mixed-metal assemblies with minimal galling.

Searchers for "A240 SS 316" often highlight its superiority in acids: it handles 20% sulfuric up to 60°C with <0.1 mm/year loss, per our NACE TM0177 tests. Unlike ASTM A 240 Gr 304, 316's Mo pushes CPT (critical pitting temp) to 25-35°C in 6% FeCl3 (ASTM G48), making it a go-to for coastal or food-processing gear. Weld with 316 or 316L filler via GTAW for low dilution; post-weld pickle to restore passivity. Density (8.00 g/cm³) and modulus (193 GPa) aid in lightweight designs, with our European clients noting 30-50% longer life in brackish water versus 304.

For projects blending corrosion challenges with moderate heat—like heat exchangers or desalination— A240 TP 316's versatility, backed by ASME code approval, often trims maintenance costs by half in our tracked Middle East installations.

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2. ASTM A240 Grade 316 Chemical Composition

The composition of ASTM A240 Grade 316 is tailored for enhanced corrosion resistance, as outlined in ASTM A240 Table 1. Gangsteel's ESR options minimize segregations, with Mo tightly controlled at 2.0-3.0% for optimal PREN.

Mo is the hero, partitioning to the film for chloride repulsion; combined with Cr/Ni, it yields PREN 24-26. Low C limits carbides, but for ultimate weld resistance, choose 316L. Our lab exposures in 3.5% NaCl show pitting potentials >300 mV vs SCE, 50% better than 304. Sulfur <0.015% in our premium heats boosts hot workability.

Note: Variants like ASTM A 240 Gr 316Ti add Ti for stabilization; 316's simpler mix suits ambient corrosives. Full XRF certs provided.

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3. ASTM A240 Grade 316 Mechanical Properties

ASTM A240 Grade 316 mechanics focus on balanced strength and ductility, annealed at 1038°C (1900°F) min per spec.

Mo subtly strengthens, holding 70% ambient tensile at 500°C. Charpy >100J at -196°C for occasional cryo. Fatigue ~240 MPa at 10^7 cycles from our data.

Compared to ASTM A 240 Gr 304LN, similar yield but Mo adds creep edge. Machinability 40% of B1112; cold-form to 180° bends.

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4. ASTM A240 Grade 316 Allowable Stress

ASME BPVC Table 1A derates for safety.

Mo stabilizes for 10 bar at 400°C with minimal creep. For hotter, ASTM A 240 Gr 316H. Full tables in certs.

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5. ASTM A240 Grade 316 Equivalent Materials

Global matches for 316.

Dual-certs for seamless international use; aligns with ISO 15510.

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6. ASTM A240 Grade 316 vs ASTM A 240 Gr 304, ASTM A 240 Gr 316L, and ASTM A 240 Gr 321

Side-by-side from Gangsteel tests vs ASTM A 240 Gr 304, ASTM A 240 Gr 316L, ASTM A 240 Gr 321.

• Gr 316 vs 304: 316's Mo doubles chloride resistance (CPT 30°C vs 15°C); same strength, but 316 20-30% pricier—our oil clients swap for seaside durability.
• Gr 316 vs 316L: 316 higher C for strength (yield 205 vs 170 MPa); 316L better as-welded IGC-free—use 316 for non-weld loads.
• Gr 316 vs 321: 321's Ti fights hot sensitization; 316 excels in wet corrosives without heat cycles.

Go 316 for corrosives, 304 economy, 316L welds, 321 heat.

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7. ASTM A240 Grade 316 Specifications

Precision specs with UT per A578.

7.1 Plate and Sheet

• Thickness: 0.3-100 mm (plate), 0.2-6 mm (sheet)
• Width: 1000-3000 mm
• Length: 2000-12000 mm/coils
• Surface: 2B, No.1, HL; pickled Ra <1.0 μm
• Standards: ASTM A240, ASME SA240, AMS 5524
• Uses: Plates for tanks, sheets for linings

7.2 Bar and Rod

• Diameter: 6-500 mm
• Length: Up to 12000 mm
• Finish: Hot-rolled, peeled
• Standards: ASTM A276, ASME SA479
• Uses: Valves, pumps

7.3 Custom Components

• Types: Elbows, reducers
• Processes: Bent, hydroformed
• Certs: NACE MR0175, API
• Uses: Tailored for offshore

700+ tons stock; 10-day leads.

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8. Applications of ASTM A240 Grade 316

316's Mo drives use in:

• Marine: Hulls, fittings; resists seawater pitting.
• Chemical: Reactors for acids; <0.05 mm/year in phosphoric.
• Oil & Gas: Downhole; SCC-resistant per NACE.
• Food/Pharma: Equipment; hygienic, autoclavable.
• Pulp/Paper: Digesters; handles sulfites.

Vs ASTM A 240 Gr 321H, 316 for wet, 321H hot.

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9. Price of ASTM A240 Grade 316

As of November 2025, A240 Gr 316 prices range USD 3.2-4.5 per kg FOB China for standard plates, per recent market data, with hot-rolled at lower end ($3200-4500/ton) and cold-rolled/polished adding 10-20%. Mo content (2-3%) pushes it 20-30% above 304, influenced by Ni/Mo futures (~$17k/ton Ni). Bulk >10t discounts 15%; factors: thickness, finish, global demand from energy. Gangsteel quotes competitive, with hedging options.

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10. FAQ for ASTM A240 Grade 316 Stainless Steel Plate

Top searches answered:

Q: Difference between ASTM A240 Grade 316 and 304?A: 316 adds 2-3% Mo for better chloride/pitting resistance (PREN 25 vs 19); similar strength, but 316 for marine/chem.

Q: Is ASTM A240 Grade 316 food grade?A: Yes; FDA-compliant for contact, non-reactive in acids/salts.

Q: Can ASTM A240 Grade 316 rust?A: Minimal in mild; passivate to prevent in chlorides >500 ppm.

Q: Welding electrode for ASTM A240 Grade 316?A: E316-16 or ER316L; low input to avoid distortion.

Q: Max service temp for ASTM A240 Grade 316?A: 925°C intermittent, 870°C continuous; Mo aids scaling.

Q: Is ASTM A240 Grade 316 magnetic?A: Non-magnetic annealed; slight after heavy cold-work.

Q: Available thicknesses for ASTM A240 Grade 316 plate?A: 0.3-100 mm standard; custom thicker.

Q: 316 vs 316L corrosion resistance?A: Similar overall; 316L better post-weld due to low C.

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11. Why Choose Gangsteel?

Our quarter-century legacy, 500+ experts, and alloy patents affirm authority. 80k tons/year exports, TUV/ABS certified. For 316: 100% PMI, custom Mo tweaks, express global delivery. Explore ASTM A 240 Gr 304H. Relied on by Total, BASF.

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12. Conclusion

ASTM A240 Grade 316 (S31600) from Gangsteel is the molybdenum-fortified defender against corrosives, its PREN 25 tackling marine and chem challenges with ease. Matching EN X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and robust mechanics, at $3.2-4.5/kg in 2025, it's strategic value. Inquire for quotes on this or ASTM A 240 Gr 316Ti. Advance with Gangsteel.