316 Stainless Steel – Data Sheet, Properties, Applications
The material number 316 designates a stainless steel characterized by a high content of nickel, molybdenum and chromium. Due to the high chromium and molybdenum content, the austenitic stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance. According to the EN system, it has the designation 1.4401.
Chemical composition – data sheet
The 316 steel is a stainless steel with a minimum molybdenum content of 2%.
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Mo | N | Ni |
| ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 1 % | ≤ 2 % | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.015% | 16.5 – 18.5% | 2 – 2.5% | ≤ 0.11% | 10-13% |
Compared to 316L, 316 differs only in its lower carbon content, making machining operations more difficult.
Corrosion resistance
Material 316 exhibits superior corrosion resistance in natural environmental media, media with moderate chlorine and salt concentrations, and in the food industry. After welding, the material is not protected against intergranular corrosion. In addition, 316 is not corrosion resistant in seawater.
Application areas
The steel is used in a wide range of industries, including:
- Food technology
- Chemical industry
- Plant engineering
- Architecture and decoration
- Automotive industry
- Construction industry
- Mechanical engineering
Hardening of 316
The patented BORINOX® process for hardening stainless steel has a positive effect on the durability of your components. The low-pressure process hardens the surface layer of the component, provides better wear protection and protects against cold welding and abrasion. Furthermore, unlike other methods, the BORINOX® process has the special property of not influencing crack formation.
