316 Grade Stainless Steel

PRODUCT SUMMARY
Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade, second in importance to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.

FINISH
Electropolish or clear powdercoat
TENSILE STRENGTH
515 (MPa) min

DENSITY
8000 KG/M3

CORROSION RESISTANCE
Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media, generally more resistant than 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60°C.
Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500mg/L at 60°C
316 is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”, but it is not resistant to warm sea water. In many marine environments 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish

WELDING
Excellent weldability by all standard fusion methods, both with and without filler metals. Australian Standard (AS 1554.6) pre-qualifies welding of 316 with Grade 316 and 316L with Grade 316L rods or electrodes (or their high silicon equivalents)
Heavy welded sections in Grade 316 require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance. This is not required for 316L.

APPLICATIONS
Primarily exterior

MAINTENANCE
Stainless steel should be kept clean to ensure its continued integrity

CLEANING
Soiled stainless steel surfaces can be cleaned with sodium soap and water (but not detergents or solvents) using non-abrasive scrubbing (soil includes dirt, food and any other waste)

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