• Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel containing molybdenum to increase general corrosion resistance, resistance to pitting and strength at elevated temperatures.
• Properties similar to Type 304 except that Type 316 is somewhat stronger at elevated temperature, and has better corrosion resistance

• Extra low carbon version of Type 316 that eliminates harmful carbide precipitation due to welding

The following specifications are generally applicable:

• Widely used in a variety of applications requiring superior corrosion resistance or good elevated temperature strength
• Applications include valve parts, pumps, tanks, evaporators and agitators, textile processing equipment and a wide variety of parts exposed to marine atmospheres
• Type 316 L is used extensively for weldments where its immunity to carbide precipitation due to welding assures optimum corrosion resistance

Types 316 and Type 316L can be readily drawn and formed.

• Type 316 is somewhat more difficult to machine than Type 304 because of its toughness. As large a tool as possible and great amounts of cutting fluid should be used. Heavy feeds at slow speeds will machine best.

• Type 316 provides better corrosion resistance than Type 304. It has excellent resistance to pitting type corrosion such as encountered in sea coast environment. It also has good resistance to most chemicalsinvolved in the paper, textile and photographic industries.

• Type 316 and 316L have excellent weldability and are readily joined by all methods employed with stainless steel. Weldments of Type 316 may require annealing to restore maximum corrosion reisistance. Type 316L eliminates the necessity for annealing except where required for stress relief.

• Forging is done by heating to 2200-2300°F and forging. No forging should be done below 1700°F. Material should be cooled rapidly after forging and hot forming.

• ANNEALING: Material is heated to 1950-2050° F, cooled rapidly in air or water quenched