ASTM A240 Type 316 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
What is ASTM A240 Type 316 Stainless Steel Sheet?
As a professional stainless steel supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 316 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate. Also known as SS316 or UNS S31600, this molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade is one of the most widely used stainless steels in corrosive environments.
The addition of 2.00–3.00% molybdenum significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-containing media, compared with standard Type 304. Type 316 also maintains excellent formability, weldability and toughness across a wide temperature range. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 316 in both sheet and plate forms, covering thicknesses from 0.4 mm to 100 mm, with widths up to 2500 mm and lengths up to 12000 mm. Custom sizes and surface finishes are available.
The material is typically delivered in the solution-annealed condition with full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1). Whether for thin sheet fabrication or heavy plate applications, SHH STEEL provides consistent quality for chemical, marine, food and industrial projects worldwide.
Material Specification
ASTM A240 Type 316 stainless steel sheet and plate are manufactured in accordance with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240. This specification covers chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel plate, sheet and strip for pressure vessels and general applications.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 Type 316 | Full compliance |
| Product Form | Sheet and Plate | Both available |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 100 mm | Custom sizes available |
| Width / Length | Up to 2500 mm / 12000 mm | Custom fabrication supported |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, HL, No.4 | Multiple options |
| Heat Treatment Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard supply condition |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Available |
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A240 Type 316 is designed to provide enhanced corrosion resistance through molybdenum addition.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 | 0.08 max | Strength and corrosion balance |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 | 2.00 max | Deoxidation and strength |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 | 0.045 max | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | 0.030 max | Cleanliness |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 | 0.75 max | Deoxidation |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 | 16.00 – 18.00 | Corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 | 10.00 – 14.00 | Austenite stability and toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 | 2.00 – 3.00 | Pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | 0.10 max | Strength contribution |
Mechanical Properties
In the solution-annealed condition, ASTM A240 Type 316 delivers reliable strength and excellent ductility.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 40% | ASTM A370 |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB / ≤ 95 HRB | ASTM E10/E18 |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 316 primarily in the solution-annealed and pickled condition. Detailed capabilities by surface finish are as follows:
2B Finish (Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled and skin-passed)
- Typical thickness range: 0.4 mm – 6.0 mm (most common 0.5 mm – 3.0 mm)
- Maximum width: up to 1500–2000 mm depending on thickness
- Preferred for applications requiring a smooth, bright surface and good flatness.
No.1 Finish (Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled)
- Typical thickness range: 3.0 mm – 100 mm (most common 4.0 mm – 50 mm)
- Maximum width: up to 2000–2500 mm
- Standard finish for heavy plates used in chemical equipment, tanks and structural applications.
Other Finishes
- BA (Bright Annealed): Available in thinner gauges
- HL (Hairline) and No.4: Available for architectural or specific functional requirements
Protective PVC film can be applied on one or both sides. Precision cutting (plasma, laser or waterjet) and closer dimensional tolerances are available upon request.
ASTM A240 Type 316 Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASTM A240 Type 316 sheet and plate follow ASTM A480/A480M.
- Thickness tolerances vary by product form and thickness. Cold-rolled sheet has tighter controls, while hot-rolled plate follows standard allowable deviations.
- Width tolerance is typically +6 mm / 0 mm.
- Length tolerance for cut-to-length material is normally +10 mm / 0 mm.
- Flatness is controlled according to ASTM A480; improved flatness can be supplied for precision fabrication.
- Edge conditions include mill edge, slit edge, sheared edge or plasma/laser cut edge according to customer preference.
Tighter tolerances can be arranged for special projects.
Weldability
ASTM A240 Type 316 offers excellent weldability using all common fusion welding processes, including GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SMAW and plasma welding. Preheating is generally not required. Matching filler metals such as ER316 or ER316L are commonly recommended. Post-weld heat treatment is usually unnecessary for most applications. Proper cleaning and passivation after welding are recommended to restore full corrosion resistance, especially in chloride or chemical environments.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 316 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 | — |
| UNS S31600 | Unified Numbering System | S31600 |
| 1.4401 | EN 10088 / EN 10028-7 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| SUS316 | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — |
| 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T 20878 / GB/T 4237 | Chinese National Standard |
| X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | DIN / EN | — |
Applications
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Reactors, storage tanks, piping, heat exchangers – A240 316 Chemical Processing |
| Marine & Coastal Environments | Shipbuilding components, seawater equipment, offshore structures – A240 316 Marine |
| Food & Beverage Industry | Processing equipment, tanks, conveyors, hygienic systems – A240 316 Food Grade |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotech | Clean equipment, vessels, piping systems – A240 316 Pharmaceutical |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleach plants, chemical recovery equipment – A240 316 Pulp Paper |
| Architectural & Construction | Cladding, handrails, structural elements in corrosive atmospheres – A240 316 Architecture |
| General Industrial | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps and valves – A240 316 Industrial |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL maintains long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and acts as a first-level (primary) agent for these mills. This direct partnership enables us to offer competitive pricing advantages, faster delivery times and consistent quality assurance that many intermediate traders cannot match.
All ASTM A240 Type 316 material is sourced from reputable Chinese mills under strict quality control, supplied with complete Mill Test Certificates, and supported by our professional export team. Customers benefit from reliable supply, short lead times, technical support and cost-effective solutions for chemical, marine and industrial applications worldwide.
FAQ
-
What is the main difference between ASTM A240 Type 304 and Type 316?
- Type 316 contains 2–3% molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Type 304 does not contain intentional molybdenum.
-
What is the difference between 316 and 316L?
- Type 316 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while Type 316L is limited to 0.030% carbon. 316L offers better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
-
What are the equivalent grades of ASTM A240 Type 316?
- Common equivalents include UNS S31600, EN 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2), JIS SUS316 and Chinese 06Cr17Ni12Mo2.
-
What is the density of ASTM A240 Type 316?
- Approximately 8.00 g/cm³.
-
Is ASTM A240 Type 316 suitable for seawater applications?
- Yes. Due to its molybdenum content, Type 316 offers better performance than 304 in many marine and chloride-containing environments, although more highly alloyed grades may be required for severe seawater service.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 316 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate from SHH STEEL provide enhanced corrosion resistance through molybdenum addition, excellent formability and reliable weldability. With strict quality control, flexible sizing options, competitive pricing through direct mill partnerships and professional global export service, we deliver trusted solutions for chemical processing, marine, food and industrial applications worldwide.
Contact SHH STEEL today for your ASTM A240 Type 316 requirements.
ASTM A240 Type 316 Stainless Steel Sheet Keywords
ASTM A240 316, ASTM A240 Type 316, ASTM A240 316 stainless steel plate, ASTM A240 316 sheet, 316 stainless steel plate, 316 stainless steel sheet, SS316, UNS S31600, 1.4401, SUS316
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