316/316L — UNS S31600 / S31603
316 Stainless Steel
316 Stainless Steel is the premium austenitic grade for corrosive environments, with a molybdenum addition that provides superior resistance to chlorides and acidic media. We stock 316/316L in sheet and shim gauges, and we also supply speciality stainless grades including 321, 445M2, and S41000 for specific service requirements.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
316: ASME B16.5 Group 2.2 service ceiling 538 °C; 316L: ASME B16.5 Group 2.3 ceiling 450 °C; metallurgical/oxidation limit ~870 °C continuous (intermittent to 925 °C). Above 425 °C continuous, specify 316Ti (UNS S31635) or 321 (UNS S32100) to prevent sensitisation
Thickness Range
0.05 mm to 6 mm (0.05–0.5 mm shim, 0.55–6 mm sheet)
Available Forms
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Alloy Composition
Chromium (Cr)
16.0–18.0%
Nickel (Ni)
10.0–14.0%
Molybdenum (Mo)
2.0–3.0%
Carbon (C)
≤0.08% (316) / ≤0.03% (316L)
Manganese (Mn)
≤2.0%
Silicon (Si)
≤0.75%
Iron (Fe)
Balance
Physical Characteristics
Density
7.99 g/cm³ at 20 °C (ATI/Outokumpu typical)
Tensile Strength
515 MPa min. (ASTM A240)
Elongation at Break
40% min. in 50 mm (ASTM E8)
Thermal Conductivity
16.3 W/m·K at 100 °C
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Most organic and inorganic acids (dilute)
- Chloride-bearing water and brine (superior to 304)
- Caustic soda and potassium hydroxide
- Phosphoric acid
- Acetic acid
- Formic acid
- Sulphuric acid (dilute, <20% at ambient — fails sharply at 70–80 °C even in dilute acid; consult Streicher isocorrosion curve)
- Atmospheric and marine corrosion
Limited Resistance
- Concentrated sulphuric acid (>20%)
- Hydrochloric acid (>1% at ambient only; at 60 °C even 0.1% attacks 316)
- Hot concentrated chloride solutions (stress corrosion risk)
- Ferric chloride (pitting risk at elevated temperature)
Not Recommended
- Hydrofluoric acid at any concentration
- Hot concentrated hydrochloric acid
- Environments causing sustained chloride stress corrosion cracking (use duplex grades)
- Strongly reducing acids at high temperature (use Hastelloy)
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Common Applications
- Spiral wound gasket components for chemical service
- Flat metallic gaskets for chloride-containing environments
- Marine and offshore flange gaskets
- Pharmaceutical and bioprocessing equipment gaskets
- Acid plant and chemical reactor sealing
- Kammprofile gasket cores for aggressive media
- Precision shims in corrosive service
- Heat exchanger and condenser gaskets
- Pulp and paper mill gaskets
- Food processing equipment in saline or acidic environments
Not Recommended For
- Subject to chloride stress corrosion cracking in hot, concentrated chloride environments; use duplex or super-duplex grades
- Not resistant to hydrofluoric acid. Use Monel or Hastelloy
- Pitting can occur in stagnant, warm seawater, so ensure flow or use higher-Mo alloys
- Not hardenable by heat treatment (austenitic), which means martensitic grades are required for hardness
- Sensitisation (carbide precipitation) possible if held at 425–870 °C: use 316L for welded components
Available Grades
316 Sheet (0.55–6 mm)
Molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel sheet with superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Stocked in multiple thicknesses for gasket and shim fabrication.
316L Sheet
Low-carbon variant (0.03% C max) with enhanced weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion. Our standard recommendation for welded or chemically aggressive applications.
316 Shim (0.05–0.5 mm)
Precision-rolled thin-gauge 316 stainless for shimming and spacing in corrosive environments where 304 shim would be insufficient.
321 Stainless Steel (Titanium-Stabilised)
Titanium-stabilised austenitic grade (UNS S32100) that resists intergranular corrosion after exposure to high temperatures. We supply this for high-temperature exhaust and process applications.
445M2 Ferritic Stainless Steel
High-chromium ferritic grade offering excellent stress corrosion cracking resistance. We stock this as a cost-effective alternative to 316 in chloride-bearing water systems.
S41000 Martensitic Stainless Steel
Heat-treatable martensitic grade with moderate corrosion resistance and high hardness. We supply this for wear-resistant and structural gasket applications.
Need 316 Stainless Steel?
We supply 316 stainless steel in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.