AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate | 316 China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 316 (UNS S31600) is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel containing approximately 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments compared with the standard 304 grade. It also offers good general corrosion resistance, excellent formability, toughness and weldability.
AISI 316 is widely used in chemical processing, marine environments, pharmaceutical equipment, food processing, pulp and paper, and architectural applications where enhanced corrosion resistance is required. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316 as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. SHH STEEL offers AISI 316 in plate, sheet and coil form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 316 is frequently compared with a240 316l, a240 304, a240 304l, a240 316ti, a240 317l and a240 2205 when selecting materials for corrosive service. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 316 / UNS S31600 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS G4305 (SUS316), EN 1.4401 | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 100 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, Polished, Mirror | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 316 dual-certified to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 316 (UNS S31600):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The intentional molybdenum addition (2–3%) is the key feature that distinguishes AISI 316 from standard 304. Molybdenum significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. SHH STEEL carefully controls composition to ensure consistent corrosion performance.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
AISI 316 offers an excellent balance of strength, ductility and toughness. It can be strengthened by cold working. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of fabrication processes.
Physical Properties Density is approximately 8.00 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1370–1400°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Mo (%) | Carbon | Pitting Resistance | Weldability | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | — | ≤ 0.08 | Good | Good | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | — | ≤ 0.03 | Good | Excellent | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 316 | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.08 | Better | Good | Chloride & chemical environments |
| AISI 316L | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.03 | Better | Excellent | Welded chloride service |
| AISI 316Ti | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.08 | Better | Good (stabilized) | High-temp welded chloride service |
| AISI 317L | 3.0–4.0 | ≤ 0.03 | Superior | Excellent | More severe chloride environments |
AISI 316 provides a significant upgrade in pitting and crevice corrosion resistance over a240 304 and a240 304l due to the molybdenum addition. When extensive welding is required, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l. For higher molybdenum content and even better pitting resistance, a240 317l is preferred. In more aggressive environments, duplex grades such as a240 2205 may be considered.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 316 offers excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many chemical environments. The molybdenum addition provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media compared with 304.
It performs well in marine atmospheres, chemical processing and pharmaceutical applications. However, in highly concentrated chlorides or at elevated temperatures, pitting or stress corrosion cracking can still occur. For more severe chloride service, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l, a240 317l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 316 has good weldability using standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Matching or 316/316L filler metals are commonly used. Because of its carbon content (up to 0.08%), it can be susceptible to intergranular corrosion after welding if not properly treated.
For heavy welded constructions or when post-weld heat treatment is not practical, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l. Stabilized grades such as a240 316ti are preferred for high-temperature welded service.
Heat Treatment
AISI 316 is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections). Proper annealing restores ductility after cold working and optimizes corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL ensures correct heat treatment for consistent performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 316 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 316 BA – decorative and clean applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 316 No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 316 No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 316 HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | AISI 316 Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 316 in 2B, BA and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.4 mm – 100 mm, width up to 2000–3000 mm, and length up to 12000 mm or coil/cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 316 | — | — |
| UNS S31600 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| ASTM A240 Type 316 | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| 1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | EN (Europe) | European equivalent |
| SUS316 | JIS G4305 (Japan) | Japanese equivalent |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 / 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T (China) | Chinese equivalent |
| Related 316L / 316Ti / 316H | Multiple | Low-carbon / stabilized / high-carbon variants |
Related grades for comparison include a240 316l, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 304l, a240 317l and a240 2205.
Applications
AISI 316 is widely used in environments requiring better corrosion resistance than 304, particularly where chlorides are present. Typical applications of AISI 316 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical & Process Industry | AISI 316 tanks, vessels, reactors, piping and process equipment |
| Marine & Offshore | AISI 316 components exposed to seawater and marine atmospheres |
| Pharmaceutical & Medical | AISI 316 clean equipment, vessels and piping |
| Food & Beverage | AISI 316 processing equipment, storage tanks and piping |
| Pulp & Paper | AISI 316 process equipment and structural parts |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 316 decorative panels, cladding and structural elements |
| General Fabrication | AISI 316 tanks, frames, enclosures and welded structures |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316 for these demanding corrosive applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our petrochemical industry, marine industry, construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel welding services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316 with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Molybdenum-bearing material optimized for improved pitting resistance
- Wide range of thicknesses and surface finishes (including AISI 316 2B, AISI 316 BA and AISI 316 No.1)
- Technical support for selection among 304, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 317L and duplex grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 316 over AISI 304?The molybdenum addition (2–3%) provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. SHH STEEL recommends 316 when chloride resistance is required.
- Should I choose AISI 316 or AISI 316L?AISI 316L (low carbon) is preferred for heavy welded constructions to minimize the risk of intergranular corrosion. SHH STEEL can supply both grades according to project requirements.
- What is the density of AISI 316?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
Conclusion
AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that offers superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with 304, especially in chloride environments. It is the standard choice for chemical processing, marine, pharmaceutical, food and architectural applications requiring enhanced corrosion performance.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 316 Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 316 2B, AISI 316 BA and AISI 316 No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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