High Quality Stainless Steel Sheets & Plates
316 / 316L / 316Ti • Formable • Ductile • Machinable
Get a QuoteStainless Steel 316 / 316L / 316Ti Explained
Stainless Steel 316, 316L, and 316Ti are molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steels offering significantly enhanced corrosion resistance compared to 304 grades, particularly in chloride-rich and marine environments. These grades deliver excellent resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and acidic media. SS 316 is the standard molybdenum grade, SS 316L contains low carbon for superior weld corrosion resistance, and SS 316Ti is titanium-stabilized for high-temperature service stability.
Widely used in marine equipment, pharmaceutical machinery, chemical processing plants, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, food processing systems, and medical devices, SS 316/316L/316Ti provide excellent durability, hygiene, and long-term corrosion resistance. Their superior mechanical performance and weldability make them the most preferred materials for highly corrosive and hygienic service environments.
316/316L/316TI STAINLESS STEEL SHEETS AND PLATES EQUIVALENT GRADES
| STANDARD | UNS | WNR. | AFNOR | EN | JIS | BS | GOST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 316 | S31600 | 1.4401 / 1.4436 | Z7CND17-11-02 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X3CrNiMo17-13-3 | SUS 316 | 316S31 / 316S33 | – |
| SS 316L | S31603 | 1.4404 / 1.4435 | Z3CND17-11-02 / Z3CND18-14-03 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo18-14-3 | SUS 316L | 316S11 / 316S13 | 03Ch17N14M3 / 03Ch17N14M2 |
| SS 316Ti | S31635 | 1.4571 | Z2 NCDU 25-20 | X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | SUS 316Ti | 904S13 | – |
SPECIFICATION OF STAINLESS STEEL 316/316L/316TI SHEETS AND PLATES
| Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
|---|---|
| Dimension Standard | JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, EN, etc |
| Width | 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm, etc |
| Length | 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, etc |
| Thickness | 0.3 mm to 120 mm |
| Form | Coils, Foils, Rolls, Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Perforated Sheet, Chequered Plate, Strip, Flats, Blank (Circle), Ring (Flange) etc. |
| Surface Finishing | Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, 8K, mirror, Chequered, embossed, hair line, sand blast, Brush, etching, SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated) etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STAINLESS STEEL 316/316L/316TI SHEETS AND PLATES
| Grade (UNS) | C% | Mn% | Si% | P% | S% | Cr% | Mo% | Ni% | N% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 (S31600) | 0.08 max | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 16.0-18.0 | 2.0-3.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 0.10 max |
| 316L (S31603) | 0.03 max | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 16.0-18.0 | 2.0-3.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 0.10 max |
| 316Ti (S31635) | 0.08 max | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 16.0-18.0 | 2.0-3.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 0.10 max |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL 316/316L/316TI SHEETS AND PLATES
| Grade | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation (%) | Hardness (Brinell) MAX | Hardness (Rockwell B) MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 (S31600) | 75 ksi min | 30 ksi min | 40 | 217 | 95 |
| 316L (S31603) | 70 ksi min | 25 ksi min | 40 | 217 | 95 |
| 316Ti (S31635) | 515 MPa | 205 MPa | 35 | 205 | 75 |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 316/316L
| Density (lb/in³) | Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h ft. °F) | Electrical Resistivity (in x 10⁶) | Modulus of Elasticity (psi x 10⁶) | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (in/in)/ °F x 10⁶ | Specific Heat (BTU/lb/ °F) | Melting Range (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.285 at 68°F | 9.4 at 212°F 12.4 at 932°F |
28.3 at 68°F 39.4 at 752°F 49.6 at 1652°F |
28 | 9.4 at 32–212°F 10.2 at 32–1000°F 10.4 at 32–1500°F |
0.1200 at 68°F to 212°F | 2500 to 2590 |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 316Ti
| Density (lb/in³) | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (min/in)-°F | Thermal Conductivity BTU/h-ft.-°F | Specific Heat BTU/lb -°F | Modulus of Elasticity (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.285 at 68°F | 9.2 at 68–212°F 11.0 at 68–1600°F |
9.4 at 212°F 12.4 at 932°F |
0.12 at 32–212°F | 29 x 10⁶ in tension (E) |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 316/316L/316Ti
| Density | Melting Point |
|---|---|
| 8.0 g/cm³ | 1454°C (2650°F) |
💡 Practical Difference in Use
Use Stainless Steel 316 when: enhanced corrosion resistance against chlorides, acids, and marine environments is required along with good mechanical strength.
→ Example: marine components, chemical processing equipment, heat exchangers, food processing machinery, and pharmaceutical vessels.
Use Stainless Steel 316L when: superior resistance to weld decay and intergranular corrosion is required after welding in highly corrosive environments.
→ Example: chemical storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipelines, pharmaceutical equipment, and reactor vessels.
Use Stainless Steel 316Ti when: improved high-temperature stability with excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion at elevated temperatures is required. → Example: exhaust systems, refinery equipment, heat exchangers exposed to heat, and thermal processing units.
Applications of Stainless Steel 316 / 316L / 316Ti Sheets and Plates
Stainless Steel 316, 316L, and 316Ti are widely used in industries where superior corrosion resistance, hygiene, and long-term durability under aggressive environments are essential.
- Marine & Offshore Industry: Excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and chlorides.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Industry: Suitable for aggressive chemicals and acidic environments.
- Pharmaceutical & Food Processing: Preferred for hygiene-critical and corrosion-resistant equipment.
When to Choose Stainless Steel 316 vs. 316L vs. 316Ti?
The selection depends on welding requirements, corrosion environment, and operating temperature.
Choose SS 316 when:
- General corrosion and chloride resistance is required
- Good mechanical strength is sufficient
- Used in marine and chemical environments
- Moderate welding is involved
- Good pitting and crevice corrosion resistance is needed
- Cost-effective molybdenum-bearing stainless steel is preferred
Choose SS 316L when:
- Extensive welding is required
- Maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical
- No post-weld heat treatment is possible
- Used in pressure vessels, tanks, and pipelines
- Improved corrosion performance after fabrication is required
- Low carbon content is beneficial
Choose SS 316Ti when:
- Service involves elevated temperatures
- Resistance to carbide precipitation is required
- High-temperature structural stability is critical
- Used in heat exchangers and exhaust systems
- Welded components operate at high heat
- Titanium stabilization is preferred
Industries That Use Stainless Steel 316 / 316L / 316Ti Sheets and Plates
These grades are extensively used in industries where corrosion resistance, hygiene, strength, and long-term performance in aggressive service conditions are essential.
Primary application area due to excellent seawater resistance.
Uses
Boat fittings, seawater piping, fasteners, and heat exchangers.
Why SS 316?
Outstanding resistance to chlorides and marine corrosion.
Used in aggressive chemical processing environments.
Uses
Reactors, storage tanks, pipelines, and heat exchangers.
Why SS 316L?
Superior weld corrosion resistance and long-term durability.
Critical for hygienic and contamination-free operations.
Uses
Process vessels, mixers, cleanroom equipment.
Why SS 316/316L?
Excellent corrosion resistance and easy cleanability.
Used in corrosive offshore and onshore environments.
Uses
Pipelines, valves, pump components.
Why SS 316?
High resistance to chlorides and stress corrosion cracking.
Used in high-temperature and corrosive power systems.
Uses
Heat exchangers, condenser plates, piping systems.
Why SS 316Ti?
Superior high-temperature stability and weld integrity.
Used in potable and industrial water systems.
Uses
Desalination units, storage tanks, filtration systems.
Why SS 316L?
Excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.
Preferred for medical and surgical environments.
Uses
Surgical tools, hospital equipment, implant components.
Why SS 316L?
Biocompatibility and superior corrosion resistance.
Used in corrosive and high-temperature heat transfer applications.
Uses
Tube sheets, condenser plates, cooling systems.
Why SS 316/316Ti?
Excellent thermal stability and corrosion resistance.
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