316 – Molybdenum-Enhanced Austenitic Steel: The Benchmark For Chloride Corrosion Resistance

Overview

316 is a widely used austenitic stainless steel, distinguished by its molybdenum (2.00-3.00%) addition that significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. Composed of 16.00-18.00% chromium and 10.00-14.00% nickel, it forms a stable face-centered cubic austenitic structure, ensuring non-magnetic properties in the annealed state. This grade offers excellent ductility, cold forming ability, and weldability, requiring no preheating or post-weld heat treatment for most common applications. Compared to 304 stainless steel, 316 provides superior corrosion resistance in seawater, salt mist, and mild chemical media, making it the preferred choice for moderate corrosive conditions across industries.

Chemical Composition (wt%)

C ≤ 0.08, Si ≤ 1.00, Mn ≤ 2.00, P ≤ 0.045, S ≤ 0.030, Cr: 16.00-18.00, Ni: 10.00-14.00, Mo: 2.00-3.00

Typical Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Tensile Strength (Rm): ≥ 520 MPa; Yield Strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 205 MPa; Elongation (A): ≥ 40%; Brinell Hardness (HB): ≤ 187

Core Advantages

Molybdenum addition enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments; non-magnetic and high ductility for complex forming; reliable weldability with minimal post-processing; balanced strength and corrosion performance; suitable for a wide range of moderate corrosive applications.

Applications

Coastal architectural decorations, marine hardware, chemical pressure vessels, food and pharmaceutical equipment, pulp and paper machinery, water treatment systems, and fasteners in corrosive environments.

Equivalent Grades

UNS S31600, STS316, SUS316, EN 1.4401, GB 06Cr17Ni12Mo2

Stainless Steel Suppliers

If you have project requirements for stainless steel, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. It can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, tubes, bars, wires, etc. For detailed chemical composition information and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.Email: info@gneestainless.com

 

Testing and Documentation: Factory test certificate, EN 10204 3.1, chemical report, mechanical report, destructive testing report, non-destructive testing report, PMI test report, visual inspection report, third-party inspection report, NABL certified laboratory report.
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