316 Stainless Steel Plate 4mm-30mm Custom Cut

316 Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet: Overview

316 stainless steel sheet is a widely used austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel renowned for its superior corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents. This enhanced performance compared to standard 304 stainless steel is primarily due to the addition of Molybdenum (Mo), typically 2-3%. It offers excellent formability, weldability, toughness, and good mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, making it versatile for demanding applications.

Key Parameters & Properties:

1. Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments (e.g., seawater, de-icing salts), organic acids, and a wide range of chemicals.

2. High Temperature Performance: Good oxidation resistance and strength at elevated temperatures (up to ~870°C / 1600°F intermittently, ~925°C / 1700°F continuously in specific environments).

3. Excellent Formability & Weldability: Can be readily formed and fabricated using common techniques. Welds well with all standard fusion methods (best with 316L filler).

4. Non-Magnetic: In the annealed condition, it is essentially non-magnetic. Cold working can induce slight magnetism.

5. Hygienic: Smooth surface is easy to clean and sterilize, suitable for food, medical, and pharmaceutical applications.

6. Good Mechanical Properties: Combines strength with ductility.

Mechanical Properties (Typical Annealed Condition):

Chemical Composition (Weight % - Typical Ranges):

*Note: The low-carbon variant 316L (UNS S31603) is standard for welded components to prevent sensitization (chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries) which can lead to intergranular corrosion. 316Ti (UNS S31635) contains Titanium for stabilization against sensitization, often used in higher temperature applications.*

Common Specifications & Standards:

• ASTM (USA): A240 (Pressure Vessels & General Application), A666 (Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Sheet/Strip), A480 (General Requirements Flat Rolled)

• EN (Europe): EN 10088-2 (Technical Delivery Conditions Sheet/Plate), 1.4401 (316), 1.4404 (316L), 1.4571 (316Ti)

• JIS (Japan): SUS 316, SUS 316L, SUS 316Ti

• GB (China): 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 (New), 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (Old) - Equivalent to 316; 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 (316L)

• UNS (Unified Numbering System): S31600 (316), S31603 (316L), S31635 (316Ti)

Common Sheet Specifications & Forms:

Common Packaging:

• Standard: Sheets bundled together with protective interleaving paper (kraft or plastic coated), strapped securely with steel or plastic bands. Edges often protected with cardboard or angle protectors. Bundles wrapped in waterproof paper or plastic (polyethylene).

• Export: Heavy-duty wooden crates or reinforced wooden pallets for maximum protection during long transit.

• Surface Protection: Critical for high-grade finishes (BA, #8). Often includes peelable plastic film covering one or both sides, especially for mirror finishes.

• Identification: Each bundle or crate labeled with material grade (316, 316L), finish, dimensions, heat number, weight, and supplier information per relevant standards (ASTM A480, EN 10204).

Key Applications:

316/316L sheet is indispensable in industries requiring excellent corrosion resistance:

1. Marine & Offshore: Boat fittings, hull components (above waterline), deck hardware, offshore platforms (non-structural cladding, piping).

2. Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Tanks, reactors, heat exchangers, piping, valves, pumps handling acids, solvents, chlorides.

3. Pharmaceutical & Medical: Surgical instruments, implants (316LVM), tanks, piping, sterilization equipment, bioreactors (requires high surface finishes).

4. Food & Beverage Processing: Tanks, piping, valves, conveyors, fermentation vessels, brewing equipment (hygienic, corrosion resistance to acids/salts).

5. Architecture & Construction (Coastal/Harsh): Cladding, roofing, facades, handrails, fasteners in coastal or polluted urban environments.

6. Pulp & Paper Industry: Equipment handling corrosive bleaching chemicals.

7. Water Treatment: Tanks, piping, filters for desalination plants, wastewater treatment.

8. Automotive: Exhaust systems (manifolds, catalytic converter parts), trim (high-grade finishes).

9. Heat Exchangers: Tubesheets, shells where corrosion resistance is critical.

Close Equivalent Grades:

In summary, 316 stainless steel sheet is a premium austenitic alloy chosen primarily for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, especially pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments, imparted by its molybdenum content. Its excellent fabricability, weldability (especially 316L), and hygienic properties make it a cornerstone material across marine, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and architectural applications where durability and longevity in harsh conditions are critical.