ASME SA240 316 Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 316
What is ASME SA240 316 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASME SA240 316 Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 316.
ASME SA240 Type 316 is a molybdenum-containing austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. The addition of 2–3% molybdenum significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments compared with the standard 18-8 grades (304/304L). It also offers good general corrosion resistance, excellent toughness, good formability and reliable fabricability. These characteristics make Type 316 one of the most widely specified stainless steels for chemical processing, marine, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and food industry equipment.
Although Type 316 has good weldability, its carbon content (up to 0.08%) means that heavy multi-pass welds can be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in certain environments. In such cases the low-carbon version SA240 Type 316L is usually preferred. For high-temperature service requiring stabilization, Type 316Ti is often selected.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 316 as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This supply model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability and shorter lead times. We offer thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 100 mm (thicker plates available on request), widths up to 2000–3000 mm, and lengths up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length. Material is supplied in the solution-annealed condition with a full range of surface finishes.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASME SA240 / SA240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 316 (UNS S31600) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 100 mm (thicker available) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | No.1, 2B, BA, No.4, HL, Polished | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / ASME Mill Test Certificate | Available |
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASME SA240 Type 316:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| 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 |
Product Analysis (typical permissible variations):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.90 – 18.10 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.90 – 14.10 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.90 – 3.10 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
The 2–3% molybdenum addition is the defining feature of Type 316. Molybdenum enhances the stability of the passive film in chloride environments and markedly improves resistance to localized corrosion (pitting and crevice corrosion).
Mechanical Properties
Room-Temperature Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB / ≤ 95 HRB |
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.98 g/cm³
- Melting Range: approximately 1370–1400°C
- Magnetic: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition (may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working)
Type 316 retains excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures and good strength at moderately elevated temperatures.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Key Alloying Feature | Primary Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 304 | 18Cr-8Ni | Lowest cost, general purpose | Mild environments, non-critical service |
| SA240 Type 304L | Low carbon | Best as-welded intergranular corrosion resistance | Heavy welding in mild environments |
| SA240 Type 316 | 2–3% Mo | Better pitting & crevice corrosion resistance | Chloride and chemical environments |
| SA240 Type 316L | Low carbon + Mo | Pitting resistance + superior weldability | Heavy welded chloride service |
| SA240 Type 316Ti | Ti-stabilized + Mo | Stabilization + pitting resistance | High-temperature + corrosive service |
| SA240 Type 317L | Higher Mo (3–4%) | Even better pitting resistance | Severe chloride or acidic environments |
When the environment contains chlorides or requires improved resistance to localized corrosion, ASME SA240 316 is a significant upgrade from 304/304L. For heavy welded construction in corrosive media, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate is usually preferred. For high-temperature corrosive service, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate offers the additional benefit of titanium stabilization. Japanese equivalent material is commonly referenced as jis g4305 sus316 steel plate.
Corrosion Resistance
ASME SA240 Type 316 provides markedly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than Type 304 in chloride-containing environments, including marine atmospheres, coastal applications and many chemical process streams. It also offers good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including organic acids, phosphoric acid and dilute sulfuric acid under certain conditions.
In the annealed condition it has good resistance to intergranular corrosion. However, because of its higher carbon content compared with 316L, heavy weldments can become sensitized. In such cases the low-carbon grade is recommended, or a post-weld solution anneal may be required.
Resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride media is better than that of 304 but still limited at elevated temperatures. For more severe conditions, higher-alloy grades such as 317L or 904L are often selected.
Weldability
ASME SA240 Type 316 can be welded by all standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Matching filler metals (E316 / ER316) are commonly used. When maximum corrosion resistance of the weldment is required, low-carbon fillers (E316L / ER316L) are preferred.
Because the base metal contains up to 0.08% carbon, multi-pass welds in thick sections may be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in aggressive environments unless post-weld annealing is performed or the low-carbon grade is chosen.
Heat Treatment
ASME SA240 Type 316 is supplied in the solution-annealed condition.
Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1040 – 1120°C (typically 1080 – 1100°C)
- Holding (soaking) time: – Plates ≤ 25 mm: minimum 10–20 minutes after the section reaches temperature – Plates 25–50 mm: minimum 20–40 minutes – Plates > 50 mm: 30–60 minutes or longer to ensure uniform temperature
- Cooling: Rapid cooling is essential. Water quenching is preferred for thicker plates to prevent carbide precipitation and to restore maximum corrosion resistance.
Proper solution annealing dissolves any chromium carbides that may have formed and returns the material to its optimum corrosion-resistant condition.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | Pressure vessels and industrial plate |
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | General fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | Clean and decorative applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | Architectural and kitchen equipment |
| HL | Hairline finish | Decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | Sanitary and high-end applications |
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances conform to ASME SA240 and the general requirements of ASTM A480. Thickness, width, length and flatness are controlled within standard limits. Tighter tolerances can be provided when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 316 | ASME SA240 | — |
| A240 Type 316 | ASTM A240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S31600 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | EN 10088-2 | European equivalent |
| SUS316 | JIS G4305 | Japanese equivalent |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T 3280 | Chinese equivalent |
Related grades frequently evaluated together with ASME SA240 316 include astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 304 stainless steel sheet plate and jis g4305 sus316 steel plate.
Applications
ASME SA240 Type 316 is widely used in corrosive and chloride-containing environments:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Chemical & Petrochemical | Tanks, reactors, piping, process equipment |
| Marine & Coastal | Seawater systems, structural components, offshore equipment |
| Pharmaceutical & Food | Process vessels, piping, clean equipment |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleaching equipment |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells, channels, tubesheets |
| Pressure Vessels | ASME Code vessels in corrosive service |
| Architectural (coastal) | Cladding, handrails, decorative elements |
| General Fabrication | Equipment requiring improved pitting resistance |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter of stainless steel plate. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and supply ASME SA240 Type 316 with the following advantages:
- Competitive mill-direct pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / ASME)
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes
- Technical support for material selection in corrosive environments
- Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of SA240 316 over SA240 304?The addition of 2–3% molybdenum gives Type 316 significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.
- When should I choose SA240 316L instead of SA240 316?Choose 316L when the material will undergo heavy welding and must maintain maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition.
- Is ASME SA240 316 magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
- What is the density of SA240 Type 316?Approximately 7.98 g/cm³.
- Can SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 316?Yes, dual certification is commonly available
Conclusion
ASME SA240 316 Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 316) is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that provides a significant improvement in pitting and crevice corrosion resistance over the standard 304 grades. It remains one of the most widely used stainless steels for chemical, marine and process industry applications.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASME SA240 Type 316 plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, processing options or a competitive quotation.
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