316 Stainless Steel Plate

316 / 316L stainless steel plates are part of the austenitic family of stainless steel and is the most widely used varieties of stainless plate. 316 grades contain a higher level of Nickel than 304 giving it an improved corrosion resistance over 304 grades. 316/316L plate is a good option for marine applications due to a good atmospheric corrosion resistance. 316L is a low carbon modification to 316 grade.

General Properties

The second most common type of stainless steel is 316. The physical and mechanical properties are very similar to 304 stainless steel, but the key difference is that 316 stainless steel incorporates about 2-3 percent molybdenum. Molybdenum has the ability to protect against chlorides and other industrial solvents, which gives the steel a stronger corrosion resistance. Again it is an austenitic grade with the addition of 2–3% molybdenum which further improves corrosion resistance. It is often referred to as a marine grade stainless steel because of its effective resistance to chloride corrosion in comparison to other stainless steel grades.

The material has superior welding and forming qualities. Grade 316 will require post-weld annealing to promote maximum corrosion resistance, though this is not necessary if Type 316L is used.

The steel was initially produced for the paper producing industry as it has been shown to be highly resistant to the sulphur compounds used in paper processing.

Typical applications for this material are now widespread due to its superior corrosion resistance properties when compared to Grade 304. Type 316 stainless can be found in heat exchangers, pharmaceutical equipment, dairies and breweries, marine fittings, coastal architectural fascia and fittings and in food preparation areas.

316 & 316L steel plate and pipes have common properties and are often stocked with Dual Certification, where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.

Type 316H is excluded from this scenario by virtue of the fact that unlike 316 & 316L, 316H is engineered to work in elevated working temperatures.