Higher resistance to chlorides than 316L, but with similar resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Gradeīetter resistance to temperatures of around 600-900 ☌ is needed. Possible alternative grades to 316 stainless steel. If exact equivalents are needed original specifications must be consulted. The list is intended as a comparison of functionally similar materials not as a schedule of contractual equivalents. Note: These comparisons are approximate only.
Grade specifications for 316 grade stainless steels. Mean Co-eff of Thermal Expansion (µm/m/☌) Typical physical properties for 316 grade stainless steels. Note: 316H also has a requirement for a grain size of ASTM no. Mechanical properties of 316 grade stainless steels. Composition ranges for 316 grade of stainless steels. Similar but not necessarily identical properties are specified for other products such as pipe and bar in their respective specifications. These properties are specified for flat rolled product (plate, sheet and coil) in ASTM A240/A240M. The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures. Grade 316H, with its higher carbon content has application at elevated temperatures, as does stabilised grade 316Ti. Thus it is extensively used in heavy gauge welded components (over about 6mm). Grade 316L, the low carbon version of 316 and is immune from sensitisation (grain boundary carbide precipitation). Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections.
Grade 316 also has outstanding welding characteristics. It is readily brake or roll formed into a variety of parts for applications in the industrial, architectural, and transportation fields. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade, second in importance to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels.