AISI 316F Stainless Steel Plate | 316F China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 316F Stainless Steel?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 316F Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 316F (UNS S31620) is a free-machining variant of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel 316. It contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum, with intentional sulfur (and sometimes selenium) addition to improve machinability. The sulfur forms manganese sulfides that act as chip breakers, significantly enhancing machining performance compared with standard 316 or 316L.
While the free-machining additions slightly reduce corrosion resistance relative to standard 316, AISI 316F still offers better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than free-machining 303 grades due to the presence of molybdenum. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and is primarily selected for components that require extensive machining combined with moderate chloride resistance.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316F 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 316F in plate, sheet and related forms suitable for machining applications.
AISI 316F is frequently compared with a240 316, a240 316l, a240 304 and free-machining grades when projects require both good machinability and improved corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers select the most suitable grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 316F / UNS S31620 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASTM A582, related free-machining specs | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Bar (related) | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, and others on request | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 316F dual-certified to relevant ASTM specifications when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 316F (UNS S31620):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≥ 0.10 (typically 0.10–0.30) |
| 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 sulfur addition is the key free-machining feature of AISI 316F. Sulfur forms manganese sulfide inclusions that improve chip breaking and surface finish during machining. Molybdenum is retained to provide better pitting resistance than sulfur-bearing 303 grades. SHH STEEL carefully controls composition to balance machinability and 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 316F offers mechanical properties similar to standard 316 in the annealed condition. The free-machining additions do not significantly reduce strength but improve machining characteristics. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent properties suitable for precision machining applications.
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 | Free-Machining Element | Mo (%) | Machinability | Pitting Resistance | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 303 | Sulfur / Selenium | — | Excellent | Moderate | General free-machining |
| AISI 304 | None | — | Moderate | Good | General purpose |
| AISI 316 | None | 2.0–3.0 | Moderate | Better | Chloride environments |
| AISI 316L | None | 2.0–3.0 | Moderate | Better | Welded chloride service |
| AISI 316F | Sulfur | 2.0–3.0 | Excellent | Better than 303 | Free-machining + improved pitting |
| AISI 316Ti | None | 2.0–3.0 | Moderate | Better | High-temp welded chloride service |
AISI 316F is selected when excellent machinability is required together with better pitting resistance than standard free-machining grades such as 303. Compared with a240 316 and a240 316l, it offers superior machining performance at the expense of slightly lower corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL recommends 316F for high-volume machined components in moderately corrosive environments.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 316F offers good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water and many mild chemical environments. The molybdenum addition provides better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than free-machining 303 grades. However, the sulfur additions reduce corrosion resistance compared with standard 316 or 316L, particularly in more aggressive chloride environments.
It is best suited for indoor or moderately corrosive service where machining productivity is a priority. For critical corrosive applications, SHH STEEL recommends standard a240 316 or a240 316l.
Weldability
AISI 316F has limited weldability. The free-machining sulfur additions increase the risk of hot cracking and porosity in the weld zone. Welding is generally not recommended for critical applications.
When welding cannot be avoided, low heat input and appropriate filler metals should be used, followed by careful post-weld cleaning. For components that require both machining and welding, SHH STEEL often recommends machining from a240 316l or using a combination of free-machining and weldable grades.
Heat Treatment
AISI 316F is normally supplied in the annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling. Proper annealing softens the material after cold working and optimizes corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent properties for machining stock.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 316F 2B – general fabrication and machining |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 316F No.1 – industrial plate |
| Special | Ground or custom finishes | AISI 316F Special – precision machining stock |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 316F in 2B and No.1 finishes suitable for subsequent machining operations.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 316F Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.5 mm – 50 mm, width up to 1500–2000 mm, and length up to 6000 mm or cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required for machining stock.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 316F | — | — |
| UNS S31620 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| ASTM A240 / A582 related | ASTM | When dual certified |
| Related free-machining 316 | EN / JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
| Related 316 / 316L | Multiple | Non-free-machining variants |
Related grades for comparison include a240 316, a240 316l, a240 304 and free-machining 303-type grades.
Applications
AISI 316F is specifically chosen for components that require excellent machinability combined with better corrosion resistance than standard free-machining grades. Typical applications of AISI 316F include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Precision Machining | AISI 316F shafts, fittings, valve components, connectors |
| Fasteners & Hardware | AISI 316F screws, bolts, nuts and machined fasteners |
| Automotive & Transportation | AISI 316F machined fittings and components |
| Food & Beverage Equipment | AISI 316F machined parts in mild environments |
| Pump & Valve Industry | AISI 316F valve stems, seats and machined bodies |
| General Engineering | AISI 316F bushings, instrument parts and precision components |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316F for these free-machining applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our equipment manufacturing and machinery industry pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and cnc steel machining 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 316F 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)
- Free-machining material optimized for high-volume machining with improved pitting resistance
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 316F 2B and AISI 316F No.1)
- Technical support for selection among free-machining and standard 316 grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, cnc steel machining 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 difference between AISI 316F and standard AISI 316?AISI 316F contains intentional sulfur (and sometimes selenium) to improve machinability. This makes it much easier to machine than standard 316, but slightly reduces corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL recommends 316F when high machining productivity is the priority.
- How does AISI 316F compare with AISI 303?Both are free-machining grades. AISI 316F contains molybdenum and therefore offers better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 303. SHH STEEL recommends 316F when improved corrosion performance is needed in free-machining applications.
- Can AISI 316F be welded?Welding is possible but not recommended for critical applications due to the risk of hot cracking from sulfur additions. SHH S
- Is AISI 316F magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 316F?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Is AISI 316F suitable for food contact or marine applications?It can be used in mild environments, but standard 316 or 316L is preferred for critical food or marine service due to better corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL can help evaluate suitability based on the specific environment.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified AISI 316F material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 316F Stainless Steel Plate is a free-machining molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade designed for excellent machinability combined with better pitting resistance than standard free-machining steels such as 303. It is an excellent choice for shafts, fittings, valve components, fasteners and other parts that require high-volume machining in moderately corrosive environments.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 316F Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 316F 2B and AISI 316F No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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