ASTM A240 type 316 equivalent

What is ASTM A240 type 316 stainless steel plate equivalent?

Navigating the world of stainless steel standards often leads engineers and buyers to seek equivalents for ASTM A240 Type 316 (UNS S31600), a molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade prized for its superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Equivalents are materials from other standards that offer comparable chemistry, mechanical properties, corrosion performance, and fabricability, enabling flexible sourcing, cost savings, and compliance with regional codes.

Common equivalents include EN 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2), DIN 1.4401, JIS SUS316, and BS 316S31, all aligning closely with 316's 16-18% Cr, 10-14% Ni, and 2-3% Mo composition for a PREN of 24-26. As a leading manufacturer and exporter in China, Gangsteel produces ASTM A240 316 and its equivalents, providing dual-certified options to ensure seamless interchangeability in marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications.

This article delves into the equivalents of ASTM A240 Type 316, explaining their similarities, subtle differences, and how to select them. Whether for ASME vessels or EN-compliant structures, these matches maintain 316's hallmark corrosion resistance and strength. For our molybdenum-enhanced grades, explore the ASTM A 240/A 240M stainless steel plate portfolio, including ASTM A 240 Gr 316 and low-carbon ASTM A 240 Gr 316L.

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1. Understanding ASTM A240 Type 316: The Baseline for Equivalents

Before exploring equivalents, it's key to grasp ASTM A240 Type 316—a molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel for plate, sheet, and strip in corrosive and pressure vessel service. Known as "marine grade," it adds 2-3% Mo to 304's base for superior pitting resistance (CPT 25-35°C), with C ≤0.08% for weldability.

Core attributes:

• Chemistry: Cr 16.0-18.0%, Ni 10.0-14.0%, Mo 2.0-3.0%, Mn ≤2.0%, Si ≤0.75%, P ≤0.045%, S ≤0.030%, N ≤0.10%.
• Mechanics: Tensile ≥515 MPa, Yield ≥205 MPa, Elongation ≥40%, Hardness ≤217 HB.
• Corrosion: PREN 24-26; excellent in chlorides, acids; IGC per A262.
• Fabricability: Welds with 316 filler; forms well; non-magnetic annealed.

Equivalents must mirror these for marine/chem use. Gangsteel ensures equivalents like EN 1.4401 match via dual-certs.

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2. Why Equivalents Matter: Benefits and Key Considerations

Equivalents provide flexibility:

• Global Availability: Source JIS SUS316 in Asia when ASTM is delayed.
• Cost Savings: BS 316S31 may be cheaper in Europe; GB equivalents in China cut tariffs.
• Compliance: EN 1.4401 for PED; DIN for German codes—dual-certs meet ASME.
• Performance: Matches in PREN/IGC per ISO 15510.

Consider:

• Variations: JIS Ni 10.0-14.0% broader—check for stability.
• Testing: Verify G48 pitting, A262 IGC on substitutes.
• Limits: Equivalents for chlorides; not for high-heat without H variants.

Gangsteel’s 316 equivalents save 15-25% in 300+ projects.

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3. Key Criteria for Determining Equivalents

Equivalents align on:

• Chemistry: Mo 2-3%, low C, Cr/Ni for austenite.
• Mechanics: Yield 205-220 MPa, elongation >40%.
• Corrosion: PREN 24-26, G48 CPT >25°C.
• Standards: EN 10088, JIS G4305 cross-references.
• Fabricability: Weld/form similar.

Gangsteel lab-tests for parity.

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4. Comprehensive List of ASTM A240 Type 316 Equivalents

From standards:

These are functional per ISO 15510; minor Mo variances (e.g., EN 2.0-2.5%) don't impact core use.

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5. Detailed Comparison: ASTM 316 vs Key Equivalents

ASTM 316 vs EN 1.4401

• Chemistry: Identical Mo/Cr; EN Ni 10.0-13.0% narrower.
• Mechanics: Tensile 515-620 MPa match; yield similar.
• Corrosion: Equivalent PREN/G48.
• Use: Interchangeable; EN for CE marking, ASTM for ASME.

ASTM 316 vs JIS SUS316

• Chemistry: Matching; JIS Si ≤1.00% minor.
• Mechanics: Yield 205-230 MPa aligned.
• Corrosion: Same; JIS for Japanese codes.
• Use: Seamless; dual-cert common in Asia.

ASTM 316 vs BS 316S31

• Chemistry: Per EN.
• Mechanics: BS EN 10088 matches.
• Corrosion: Identical.
• Use: For UK/BS vessels.

Differences negligible; Gangsteel ensures compliance through testing.

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6. Applications Where Equivalents Shine

Equivalents expand 316’s utility:

• Marine: JIS SUS316 for Asian ships; EN for EU offshore.
• Chemical: BS 316S31 for UK reactors; GB for Chinese plants.
• Pharma: DIN 1.4401 for German sterile equipment.
• Oil & Gas: ISO for global downhole.

Gangsteel’s equivalents in 250+ projects, e.g., EN in Dutch desal.

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7. How to Source and Verify Equivalents

• Sourcing: Mill-direct like Gangsteel for dual-certs.
• Verification: MTCs with PMI/G48; third-party TUV.
• Testing: In-house A262 IGC, E8 mechanics.
• Customization: Mo-tuned cuts.

Contact for samples.

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8. Price Comparison of Equivalents

November 2025 (USD/kg FOB):

• ASTM 316: 5-8
• EN 1.4401: 5.2-8.2
• JIS SUS316: 4.8-7.8
• BS 316S31: 5-8
• GB 0Cr17Ni12Mo2: 4.5-7.5

Mo/Ni (~$17k/ton) affect; discounts for bulk.

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9. FAQ on ASTM A240 Type 316 Equivalents

Q: Is EN 1.4401 a direct equivalent to ASTM 316?

A: Yes, EN 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) is a close match with identical molybdenum (2.0-3.0%) and chromium-nickel balance, offering the same PREN 24-26 and pitting resistance in chlorides; it's fully interchangeable for marine and chemical applications, as per ISO 15510, and commonly used in EU projects requiring PED compliance, with mechanics like tensile strength ≥515 MPa aligning perfectly.

Q: Can JIS SUS316 replace ASTM 316?

A: Absolutely, JIS SUS316 is a near-identical equivalent with matching chemistry (Mo 2.0-3.0%, C ≤0.08%) and properties per JIS G4305, providing the same corrosion resistance in acids and chlorides; it's widely used in Asian manufacturing for seamless substitution in pressure vessels or piping, with tensile strength ≥520 MPa and elongation ≥40% aligning closely, though verify for specific JIS vs ASTM code requirements in global projects.

Q: What’s the difference between ASTM 316 equivalents and 304?

A: ASTM 316 equivalents like EN 1.4401 include 2-3% molybdenum for superior pitting resistance in chlorides (PREN 24-26 vs 18-20 for 304 equivalents), making them better for marine or chemical environments; however, they share similar austenitic structure and mechanics, with 316 types costing 20-30% more due to Mo, so use 316 equivalents when chloride exposure is a concern and 304 for mild corrosives to save costs.

Q: Are there Chinese equivalents to ASTM 316?

A: Yes, GB 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 is a close match with similar molybdenum (2.0-3.0%) and low carbon options per GB/T 20878, offering equivalent corrosion resistance in acids and chlorides; it's cost-effective for Asian markets and fully interchangeable in non-critical applications, though for ASME-coded vessels, dual-certification to ASTM is recommended to ensure compliance with pressure vessel standards.

Q: How to test if an equivalent matches ASTM 316?

A: Test for chemistry via PMI or spectrography to confirm Mo 2-3% and Cr/Ni levels; mechanicals per ASTM E8 for tensile/yield; corrosion via ASTM G48 for pitting (CPT >25°C) and A262 for IGC; third-party labs like SGS can verify, ensuring the equivalent performs in chloride environments without failure.

Q: Is BS 316S31 equivalent to ASTM 316?

A: Yes, BS 316S31 aligns with EN 1.4401 and offers matching molybdenum and properties per BS EN 10088, providing the same pitting resistance and strength for UK-based projects; it's interchangeable for pressure vessels under BS standards, with elongation ≥40% and hardness ≤217 HB mirroring ASTM requirements.

Q: What about AFNOR equivalents for ASTM 316?

A: AFNOR Z7CND17-11-02 is a French equivalent with similar composition (Mo 2.0-3.0%, C ≤0.07%) per NF EN 10088-3, delivering equivalent corrosion performance in acids and chlorides; it's suitable for nuclear or chemical apps in France, fully matching ASTM 316 in mechanics and often used in European multinational projects.

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11. Why Choose Gangsteel for 316 and Equivalents?

Gangsteel’s 25+ years and metallurgy expertise ensure equivalent quality with dual-certs. 110k tons/year exports, DNV/SGS approved. For 316: 100% PMI, custom Mo, fast ship. Explore ASTM A 240 Gr 316H.

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12. Conclusion

ASTM A240 Type 316 equivalents like EN 1.4401, JIS SUS316, and BS 316S31 offer versatile alternatives with matching Mo-enhanced corrosion resistance for marine and chemical duties. For compliance or savings, these grades maintain reliability. Gangsteel bridges with certified materials—contact for quotes on 316 equivalents or ASTM A 240 Gr 304H. Select smartly.