316 Stainless Steel properties
316 is an austenitic stainless steel with added molybdenum, giving it superior resistance to chlorides, salt, and many chemicals. It is the standard marine and chemical-process stainless. Values below are for the annealed condition.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield strength | 30 ksi (205 MPa) |
| Ultimate tensile strength | 75 ksi (515 MPa) |
| Elongation | 60% |
| Hardness | about 79 HRB (Rockwell B) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 28,000 ksi (193 GPa) |
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.289 lb/in³ (8000 kg/m³) |
| Melting point | about 1375 to 1400 °C |
Thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | 16.3 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 16.0 µm/m·°C |
| Specific heat | 500 J/kg·K |
Values are typical for the grade and condition shown. Actual properties vary with temper, heat treatment, and product form, so use these for comparison and preliminary design and confirm against material certificates for final work.
Compare with other materials
See the Material Properties Comparison, Yield Strength, and Density charts.
Typical uses
316 is used for marine hardware, boat fittings, chemical and pharmaceutical equipment, medical implants, and coastal architecture. Its molybdenum content resists pitting and crevice corrosion from salt and chlorides far better than 304, making it the choice near seawater.
How it compares
316 trades a modest cost increase over 304 for markedly better corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides. Its mechanical properties are very similar to 304; the difference is chemical durability, which is why 316 dominates marine and chemical use.
FAQ
Why is 316 better for marine use?
Its added molybdenum strongly resists pitting and crevice corrosion from salt and chlorides, which would attack 304 over time near seawater.
Is 316 stronger than 304?
Only marginally. Their strength is similar; the real advantage of 316 is chemical and chloride corrosion resistance, not strength.
What does the L in 316L mean?
Low carbon. 316L reduces carbon to improve weldability and resist sensitization, at a slight cost in strength.