AISI 316N Stainless Steel Plate | 316N China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 316N Stainless Steel?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 316N Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 316N (UNS S31651) is a nitrogen-alloyed variant of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel 316. It contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum, with intentional nitrogen addition (typically 0.10–0.16%). Nitrogen acts as a strong solid-solution strengthener, significantly increasing both yield and tensile strength compared with standard 316, while helping to stabilize the austenitic structure and maintain good corrosion resistance.
AISI 316N is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and is selected when higher strength than standard 316 is required without moving to duplex grades. It is commonly used in pressure vessels, structural components, chemical processing equipment and other applications where increased load-bearing capacity and chloride resistance are both important.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316N 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 316N in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 316N is frequently compared with a240 316, a240 316l, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 317l and a240 2205 when selecting higher-strength or molybdenum-bearing grades. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate material.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 316N / UNS S31651 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, EN, JIS related | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 80 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, No.4 | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 316N dual-certified to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 316N (UNS S31651):
| 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 – 0.16 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The intentional nitrogen addition (0.10–0.16%) is the key feature of AISI 316N. Nitrogen significantly increases yield and tensile strength through solid-solution strengthening while helping to maintain the austenitic microstructure and supporting good pitting resistance. Combined with molybdenum, the grade offers an attractive balance of higher strength and chloride resistance. SHH STEEL carefully controls nitrogen content to ensure consistent mechanical properties.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 240 MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 35–40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
AISI 316N offers clearly higher yield and tensile strength than standard a240 316 or a240 316l while retaining good ductility. This higher strength can allow thickness reduction in many designs. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent nitrogen-enhanced mechanical properties.
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 | Nitrogen | Mo (%) | Strength Level | Pitting Resistance | Weldability | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 316 | Low | 2.0–3.0 | Standard | Better | Good | General chloride service |
| AISI 316L | Low | 2.0–3.0 | Lower | Better | Excellent | Welded chloride service |
| AISI 316N | Elevated | 2.0–3.0 | Higher | Better | Good | Higher strength + chloride resistance |
| AISI 316Ti | Low | 2.0–3.0 | Standard | Better | Good (stabilized) | High-temp welded chloride service |
| AISI 317L | Low | 3.0–4.0 | Standard | Superior | Excellent | More severe chloride environments |
| AISI 2205 | Elevated | 3.0–3.5 | Much Higher | Excellent | Good | High strength + high chloride resistance |
AISI 316N is selected when higher annealed strength than standard 316 is required while remaining within the molybdenum-bearing austenitic family. When both higher strength and maximum weldability are needed, the low-carbon nitrogen-strengthened version (316LN) may be considered. For significantly higher strength and chloride resistance, SHH STEEL recommends evaluating a240 2205.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 316N offers corrosion resistance essentially equivalent to standard AISI 316 in most environments. The molybdenum addition provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media compared with the 304 family. Nitrogen has a neutral to slightly beneficial effect on pitting resistance in some conditions.
It performs well in chemical processing, marine atmospheres and many industrial environments. 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 317l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 316N has good weldability using standard fusion welding methods. Matching or 316/316L filler metals are commonly used. The nitrogen content should be considered when developing welding procedures to maintain the desired strength in the weld zone.
For applications requiring maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, SHH STEEL recommends a240 316l or the stabilized grade a240 316ti.
Heat Treatment
AISI 316N is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling. Proper solution annealing is important to retain nitrogen in solid solution and to optimize both strength and corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 316N 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 316N No.1 – industrial plate |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 316N BA – cleaner surface applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 316N No.4 – architectural surfaces |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 316N in 2B and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 316N Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.5 mm – 80 mm, width up to 2000–3000 mm, and length up to 12000 mm or 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 316N | — | — |
| UNS S31651 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| ASTM A240 Type 316N | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| 1.4406 / related N-strengthened | EN (Europe) | Closest European grades |
| SUS316N related | JIS (Japan) | Japanese related grades |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2N related | GB/T (China) | Chinese related grades |
| Related 316 / 316L / 316LN | Multiple | Standard / low-carbon / low-carbon N variants |
Related grades for comparison include a240 316, a240 316l, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 317l and a240 2205.
Applications
AISI 316N is selected when higher strength than standard 316 is required while retaining good chloride resistance. Typical applications of AISI 316N include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Pressure Vessels & Tanks | AISI 316N storage tanks, pressure vessels and containers |
| Chemical & Process Industry | AISI 316N equipment requiring elevated strength and corrosion resistance |
| Structural Fabrication | AISI 316N high-strength frames and structural components |
| Marine & Offshore | AISI 316N components in chloride environments needing higher strength |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 316N load-bearing and decorative panels |
| General Engineering | AISI 316N high-strength fabricated parts |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316N for these strength-critical 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 316N 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)
- Nitrogen-strengthened material optimized for higher strength and chloride resistance
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 316N 2B and AISI 316N No.1)
- Technical support for selection among 316, 316L, 316N, 316Ti 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 difference between AISI 316N and AISI 316 or 316L?AISI 316N contains intentional nitrogen (0.10–0.16%), which significantly increases yield and tensile strength compared with standard 316 and 316L, while retaining the same molybdenum-enhanced pitting resistance. SHH STEEL recommends 316N when higher strength is required within the 316 family.
- What are the main advantages of adding nitrogen to 316 stainless steel?Nitrogen increases strength through solid-solution hardening, helps stabilize the austenitic structure, and can slightly improve pitting resistance. It allows designers to reduce thickness in many applications. SHH STEEL supplies 316N with controlled nitrogen for consistent performance
- Is AISI 316N suitable for welded constructions?Yes, it has good weldability. However, for maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion after heavy welding, SHH STEEL often recommends the low-carbon version 316L or 316LN.
- Is AISI 316N magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 316N?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Can AISI 316N replace duplex stainless steels?In some moderate-strength applications yes, but duplex grades such as 2205 offer significantly higher strength and better chloride resistance. SHH STEEL can help evaluate whether 316N or a duplex grade is more suitable.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / AISI 316N material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 316N Stainless Steel Plate is a nitrogen-strengthened molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade that delivers higher yield and tensile strength than standard 316 while maintaining excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. It is an excellent choice for pressure vessels, structural components and process equipment where increased strength and chloride resistance are both required.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 316N Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 316N 2B and AISI 316N No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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