Stainless steel / UNS S31600
316 adds 2–3% molybdenum to the 18/10 austenitic base, giving much better resistance than 304 to chlorides, pitting and crevice corrosion, including marine atmospheres.
- UNS S31600
- W.Nr. 1.4401
- Spec ASTM A240
- Density 7.98 g/cm³
Also known as / equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | S31600 |
| W.Nr. | 1.4401 |
| EN | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| JIS | SUS316 |
| Also known as | AISI 316, 1.4401, SUS316 |
Chemical composition
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| C | — | 0.08 |
| Mn | — | 2.00 |
| P | — | 0.045 |
| S | — | 0.030 |
| Si | — | 0.75 |
| Cr | 16.0 | 18.0 |
| Ni | 10.0 | 14.0 |
| Mo | 2.00 | 3.00 |
| N | — | 0.10 |
| Fe | Bal. | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (min) | 515 MPa (74.7 ksi) |
| Yield strength, 0.2% offset (min) | 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm (min) | 40 % |
| Hardness | 217 HB max |
Physical properties
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.98 g/cm³ | 0.288 lb/in³ |
| Magnetic response | Non-magnetic when annealed; may become slightly magnetic after cold work | — |
Available forms & specifications
| Form | Specification | Size range |
|---|---|---|
| Sheets, plates & coils | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 | 0.3 mm – 6 mm |
| Seamless & welded pipe | ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 | 1/8" – 24" NB |
| Tubes | ASTM A213, A249, A269 | 1/8" – 24" NB |
| Bars & rods | ASTM A276, A479 | 3 mm – 500 mm |
| Flanges & forgings | ASTM A182 / ASME SA182 | 1/2" – 48" NB (larger on request) |
| Buttweld fittings | ASTM A403 / ASME SA403 | 1/2" – 48" NB |
| Fasteners | ASTM A193 / A194, F593 / F594 | M3 – M56 |
Corrosion & temperature resistance
Corrosion resistance rises with chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen: 304 handles general atmospheric and food-contact service, 316/317 add resistance to chlorides and pitting, 904L handles strong reducing acids, and stabilised 321/347 resist intergranular attack after welding or high-temperature exposure.
Applications
SS 316: Marine, chemical, pharmaceutical equipment. Process piping, tanks and vessels, heat exchangers, food, dairy and pharmaceutical equipment, architectural work and general engineering.
SS 316 vs SS 304
| SS 316 | SS 304 | |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | S31600 | S30400 |
| Key property | Molybdenum-bearing, chloride resistant | General-purpose 18/8 austenitic |
| Typical use | Marine, chemical, pharmaceutical equipment | Food, dairy, tanks, piping, architecture |
| Cr (wt %) | 16.0–18.0 | 17.5–19.5 |
| Ni (wt %) | 10.0–14.0 | 8.0–10.5 |
| Mo (wt %) | 2.00–3.00 | — |
| C (wt %) | ≤ 0.08 | ≤ 0.07 |
| Tensile / yield (min, MPa) | 515 / 205 | 515 / 205 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the UNS number of SS 316?
SS 316 is designated UNS S31600 (W.Nr. 1.4401, EN X5CrNiMo17-12-2).
What is SS 316 used for?
Molybdenum-bearing, chloride resistant. Typical uses: marine, chemical, pharmaceutical equipment.
Is SS 316 magnetic?
Non-magnetic when annealed; may become slightly magnetic after cold work.
In which forms can I buy SS 316 from Rajkamal Metals?
Coils & Strips, Sheets & Plates, Pipes & Tubes, Round Bars & Rods, Structural Sections, Flanges, Buttweld Fittings, Socket Weld & Threaded Fittings, Fasteners, Ferrule / Instrumentation Fittings, Dairy Fittings, Dish Ends, SS Tanks, Custom Orders. Sizes as per standard; other sizes on request.
Do you supply a Mill Test Certificate with SS 316?
Yes. Actual values are given in the Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1) supplied with each order.
What is the difference between SS 316 and SS 304?
SS 316: molybdenum-bearing, chloride resistant. SS 304: general-purpose 18/8 austenitic. See the comparison table on this page.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Grade names identify the supply range; designations are not engineering equivalents. Availability, make, origin and documentation are confirmed at quotation.
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