Properties of Stainless Steels

Mechanical Properties of Wrought Stainless Steel* (All Properties Specified, usually Flat Products)

0.2% Proof Tensile Brinell Rockwell Vickers

Common Tensile ASTM
UNS No Condition Strength Strength Hardness Hardness Hardness
Type Elongation % Specification
MPa MPa HB HRB HV Max

1.2mm >1.2mm [HRC]

Min Min Min Min Max Max

201 S20100 Annealed 310 655 40 40 217 100 240 A240

202 S20200 Annealed 260 620 40 40 241 - - A240

301 S30100 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 210 A240

301 S30100 1/4 hard 515 860 25 25 - - - A666

301 S30100 1/2 hard 760 1035 15 18 - - - A666

301 S30100 3/4 hard 930 1205 10 12 - - - A666

301 S30100 Full hard 965 1275 8 9 - - - A666

302 S30200 Annealed 205 515 40 40 201 92 210 A240

302HQ S30430 Annealed - 605 max - - - - - A493

303 S30300 Annealed 240 585 50 50 - - - A582

304 S30400 Annealed 205 515 40 40 201 92 210 A240

304L S30403 Annealed 170 485 40 40 201 92 210 A240

305 S30500 Annealed - 585 max - - - - -

A493
+ S30815 Annealed 310 600 40 40 217 95 - A240

309S S30908 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 225 A240

310S S31008 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 225 A240

316 S31600 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 225 A240

316L S31603 Annealed 170 485 40 40 217 95 225 A240

316Ti S31635 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 225 A240

317 S31700 Annealed 205 515 35 35 217 95 - A240

317L S31703 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 - A240

321 S32100 Annealed 205 515 40 40 217 95 210 A240

347 S34700 Annealed 205 515 40 40 201 92 - A240

904L N08904 Annealed 215 490 35 35 - 90 - B625

409 S40900 Annealed 205 380 20 22 179 88 - A240

430 S43000 Annealed 205 450 20 22 183 88 210 A240

444 S44400 Annealed 275 415 20 20 217 96 200 A240

446 S44600 Annealed 280 480 20 - - - - A580

1.4003 S41003 Annealed 280 460 18 18 220 - -

-
2205 S31803 Annealed 450 620 25 25 293 [31] - A240

+ S32304 Annealed 400 600 25 25 290 [32] - A240

+ S32750 Annealed 550 795 15 15 310 [32] - A240

+ S32760 Annealed 550 750 25 25 270 [28] - A240

+ S32550 Annealed 550 760 15 15 302 [32] - A240

410 S41000 Annealed 205 450 20 22 217 96 210 A240

416 S41600 Annealed 276 517 30 30 - - - A582

420 S42000 Cold Finished - 520 - 42 255 - - A276

431 S43100 Cold Finished - 965 max - - 285 - - A580

440A S44002 Cold Finished - - - - 285 - - A580

440C S44004 Cold Finished - - - - 285 - - A580

17-4PH S17400 H1025 1000 1070 12 12 401 [42] - A564

+ Proprietary alloy names apply.

* Consult the relevant product standard for definitive values.

Typical Physical Properties - Annealed Condition

 Mean Coefficient of Thermal Thermal
Expansion (b) Conductivity

Specific
Elastic Electrical
Grade or Density 0-100oC 0-315oC 0-538oC At 100oC At 500oC Heat 0-
UNS No Modulus Resistivity
type (kg/m3) m/m/ oC m/m/ oC m/m/ oC W/m.K W/m.K 100oC
(a) GPa nOhms.m
J/kg.K

201 S20100 7800 197 15.7 17.5 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 690

202 S20200 7800 - 17.5 18.4 19.2 16.2 21.6 500 690

301 S30100 8000 193 17.0 17.2 18.2 16.2 21.5 500 720

302 S30200 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 720

302B S30215 8000 193 16.2 18.0 19.4 15.9 21.6 500 720

303 S30300 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 720

304 S30400 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 720

304L S30403 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.3 21.5 500 720

302HQ S30430 8000 193 17.2 17.8 - 11.2 21.5 500 720

304N S30451 8000 196 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.3 21.5 500 720

305 S30500 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 720

308 S30800 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 15.2 21.6 500 720

309 S30900 8000 200 15.0 16.6 17.2 15.6 18.7 500 780

310 S31000 8000 200 15.9 16.2 17.0 14.2 18.7 500 780
314 S31400 7800 200 - 15.1 - 17.5 20.9 500 770

316 S31600 8000 193 15.9 16.2 17.5 16.2 21.5 500 740

316L S31603 8000 193 15.9 16.2 17.5 16.3 21.5 500 740

316N S31651 8000 196 15.9 16.2 17.5 14.4 - 500 740

317 S31700 8000 193 15.9 16.2 17.5 16.2 21.5 500 740

317L S31703 8000 200 16.5 - 18.1 14.4 - 500 790

321 S32100 8000 193 16.6 17.2 18.6 16.1 22.2 500 720

329 S32900 7800 186 10.1 11.5 - - - 460 750

330 N08330 8000 196 14.4 16.0 16.7 - - 460 1020

347 S34700 8000 193 16.6 17.2 18.6 16.1 22.2 500 730

384 S38400 8000 193 17.2 17.8 18.4 16.2 21.5 500 790

409 S40900 7800 200 11.7 12.0 12.4 24.9 - 460 -

410 S41000 7800 200 9.9 11.4 11.6 24.9 28.7 460 570

416 S41600 7800 200 9.9 11.0 11.6 24.9 28.7 460 570

420 S42000 7800 200 10.3 10.8 11.7 24.9 - 460 550

430 S43000 7800 200 10.4 11.0 11.4 26.1 26.3 460 600

430F S43020 7800 200 10.4 11.0 11.4 26.1 26.3 460 600
431 S43100 7800 200 10.2 12.1 - 20.2 - 460 720

434 S43400 7800 200 10.4 11.0 11.4 - 26.3 460 600

436 S43600 7800 200 9.3 - - 23.9 26.0 460 600

440C S44004 7800 200 10.2 - - 24.2 - 460 600

444 S44400 7800 200 10.0 10.6 11.4 26.8 - 420 620

446 S44600 7800 200 10.4 10.8 11.2 20.9 24.4 500 670

630 S17400 7500 196 10.8 11.6 - 18.3 23.0 460 800

631 S17700 7800 204 11.0 11.6 - 16.4 21.8 460 830

+ N08904 7900 195 16.0 17.5 - 14.0 - 500 950

+ S30815 7800 200 16.3 17.3 18.0 14.0 18.0 500 -

+ S31803 7800 200 13.7 14.7 - 19.0 - 480 850

+ S32304 7800 200 13.0 - - 16.0 - 470 850

+ S32750 7800 200 13.0 14.0 - 17.0 - 470 -

3CR12 S41003 7800 205 10.8 11.3 12.0 31.0 32.0 480 570

4565S S34565 8000 190 14.5 16.3 17.2 14.5 - 510 920

+ S32760 7600 190 12.8 13.8 - 14.4 - 480 850

(a) 1GPa = 1000MPa

(b) m/m/oC = x 10-6/oC(c) 1% flow in 10,000 hours at 540oC
Magnetic permiability of all 300 series austenitic steels in the annealed condition is approximately 1.02
+ Proprietary alloy names apply

304: The Place to Start

UNS S30400 (grade 304) is the greatest stainless

success story. It accounts for more than 50% of all stainless steel produced, represents between
50 and 60% of Australia's consumption of stainless materials and finds applications in almost
every industry.

304 is not the only stainless steel and is not appropriate in every application. However, an
understanding of the attributes of 304 provides an excellent base for comparing members of the
austenitic family of stainless steels and a practical base for determining the appropriateness of
stainless steel in a given application.

You already have substantial experience of 304 and its properties on which to draw. Chances are
some of your cutlery (look for the telltale 18/8 or 18/10 designation), your saucepans and your
sink are 304 stainless.

Composition

Grade 304L (see Table 1) is a low carbon 304 often used to avoid possible sensitisation
corrosion in welded components. Grade 304H (see Table 1) has a higher carbon content than
304L, which increases the strength (particularly at temperatures above about 500oC). This grade
is not designed for applications where sensitisation corrosion could be expected.

Table 1: Composition of 304 and related grades

C% Si% Mn% P% S% Cr% Ni%

Grade
UNS S30400 304 0.08 1.00 2.00 0.045 0.03 18.0-20.0 8.0-10.5

Related Grades

UNS S30403 304L 0.03 1.00 2.00 0.045 0.03 18.0-20.0 8.0-12.0

UNS S30409 304H 0.04-0.10 1.00 2.00 0.045 0.03 18.0-20.0 8.0-12.0

1. Single values are maximum specification limits.

2. These limits are specified in ASTM A240 for plate, sheet and strip. Specifications for some other products may vary slightly from
these vales.

Both 304L and 304H are available in plate and pipe, but 304H is less readily available ex-stock.
304L and 304H are sometimes stocked as standard 304 (test certificates will confirm compliance
with the 'L' or 'H' specification).

Corrosion resistance

Grade 304 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of media. It resists ordinary rusting
in most architectural applications. It is also resistant to most food processing environments, can
be readily cleaned, and resists organic chemicals, dye stuffs and a wide variety of inorganic
chemicals.

In warm chloride environments, 304 is subject to pitting and crevice corrosion and to stress
corrosion cracking when subjected to tensile stresses beyond about 50oC. However, it can be
successful in warm chloride environments where exposure is intermittent and cleaning is a
regular event (such as saucepans and some yacht fittings). Descriptions of these mechanisms
may be found in ASSDA's Reference Manual.
Heat resistance

304 has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870oC and in continuous service to
925oC. Continuous use of 304 in the 425-860oC range is not recommended if subsequent
exposure to room temperature aqueous environments is anticipated, but it often performs well in
temperatures fluctuating above and below this range. Grade 304L is more resistant to carbide
precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range. Where high temperature strength is
important, higher carbon values are required. For example, AS1210 Pressure Vessels Code limits
the operating temperature of 304L to 425oC and restricts the use of 304 to carbon values of
0.04% or higher for temperatures above 550oC.

304 has excellent toughness down to temperatures of liquefied gases and finds application at
these temperatures.

Physical and mechanical properties (see Tables 2 and 3)

Table 3: Physical properties of grade

Table 2: Mechanical properties of grade 304 (annealed
304 (typical values in annealed
condition) given in ASTM A240M
condition)

Tensile strength 515MPa min Density 8,000kg/m 3

0.2% proof stress 205MPa min Elastic modulus 193GPa

Elongation 40% min Mean coefficient of thermal expansion

Brinell hardness 201HB max 0-100oC 17.2m/m/ oC

Rockwell hardness 92HRB max 0-315oC 17.8m/m/ oC

Vickers hardness 210HV max 0-538oC 18.4m/m/ oC

Note: Slightly different properties are given in other specifications. Thermal conductivity

at 100oC 16.2W/m.K

at 500oC 21.5W/m.K

Specific heat 0-100oC 500J/kg.K

 Electrical conductivity 720nOhms.m

Like other austenitic grades, 304 in the annealed condition is virtually non-magnetic (ie very low
magnetic permeability). After being cold worked, however, it can become significantly attracted
to a magnet (reversible by annealing).

Like other austenitic steels, 304 can only be hardened by cold working. Ultimate tensile strength
in excess of 1,000MPa can be achieved and, depending on quantity and product form required, it
may be possible to order to a specific cold-worked strength (see ASTM A666 or EN10088-2).

Annealing is the main heat treatment carried out on grade 304. This is accomplished by heating
to 1,010-1,120oC and rapidly cooling - usually by water quenching.

Fabricability

Grade 304 has excellent forming characteristics. It can be deep drawn without intermediate heat
softening - a characteristic that has made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn
stainless parts, such as sinks and saucepans. It is readily brake or roll formed into a variety of
other parts for application in the industrial, architectural and transportation fields.

Grade 304 has outstanding weldability and all standard welding techniques can be used
(although oxyacetylene is not normally used). Post-weld annealing is often not required to
restore 304's corrosion resistance, although appropriate post-weld clean-up is recommended.
304L does not require post-weld annealing and finds extensive use in heavy gauge fabrication.

Machinability of 304 is lower than most carbon steels. The standard austenitic grades like 304
can be readily machined, provided that slower speeds and heavy feeds are used, tools are rigid
and sharp, and cutting fluids are used. An 'improved machinability' version of 304 also exists.

Cost comparisons

'First cost' cost comparisons can only be approximate, but the guidelines in Table 4 are suggested
for sheet material in a standard mill finish suitable for construction projects. Lifecycle cost
parameters will, in many applications, dramatically increase the appeal of stainless over its first
cost competitors.

Table 4: First cost comparisons

Approximate
Material
Price ($/kg)

Glass (clear ann.) 0.2

Mild steel 1.0-1.5

Hot dipped galvanised steel 1.5-2.5

304 stainless 4.0-5.0

Aluminium alloy (extruded) 4.0-5.5

316 stainless 5.0-6.0

Copper 8.0

Brass 8.5

Bronze 10.0

Source: Facet Consulting Engineers, Brisbane

Forms available

Grade 304 is available in virtually all stainless product forms, including coil, sheet, plate, strip,
tube, pipe, fittings, bars, angles, wire, fasteners, castings and some others. 304 is also available
with virtually all surface finishes produced on stainless steel, from standard to special finishes.

Applications

Alternative grades to 304 should be considered in certain environments and applications,

including marine conditions, environments with temperatures above 50-60oC and with chlorides
present, and applications requiring heavy section welding, substantial machining, high strength
or hardness, or strip with very high cold-rolled strength.

However, typical applications for 304 include holloware, architecture, food and beverage
processing, equipment and utensils, commercial and domestic kitchen construction, sinks, and
plant for chemical, petrochemical, mineral processing and other industries.

With this breadth of application, grade 304 has become a fundamental alloy in modern industry
and is certainly worth committing to your materials knowledge base.

Table 5: Some approximate equivalent designations

Wrought product

Standard UNS ASTM British German Swedish Japanese

BS 304S15 W. No 1.4301
Specification S30400 304 SS 2332 JIS SUS 304
En 58E DIN X5CrNi 18 9

Cast product
Standard UNS ASTM BS3100 German AS2074

STD No. 4308

Specification J92600 A743 CF-8 304C15 H5A
DIN G-X6CrNi 18 9

Note: For fasteners manufactured to ISO3506, 304 is included in the 'A2' designation.

Grade Selection
Stainless steels have diverse properties which provide viable and cost-effective solutions to a
vast range of applications. In practice, development of a hierarchy of required properties reduces
the range to a manageable number of highly versatile materials (ASSDA's Reference Manual
lists about 30 grades commonly available in Australia), enabling users to choose the most
appropriate grade for the particular application.

The family of stainless steels can be divided into five basic alloy groups (see Table 1):

Table 1: Family of Stainless Steels

Alloy Group Common Grades

UNS No. S30100 S30400 S3403 S31600 S31603

Commonly 301 304 304L 316 316L

Austenitic UNS No. S32100 S31000 S30815 N08904 S31254

253MATM or
Commonly 321 310 904L 254SMO
2111HTRTM

UNS No. S40900 S43000 * S44400 S44600

Ferritic
DIN 1.4003
Commonly 409 430 3CR12TM or 444 446
5CR12TM

UNS No. S41000 S42000 S43100 S44004

Martensitic
Commonly 410 420 431 440C
 UNS No. S32304 S31803 S32750 S32550 S32760

Duplex Ferrallium
Commonly 2304 2205 2507 Zeron 100TM
255TM

UNS No. S17400 S17700 S15500

Precipitation
Hardening 17-4PH 17-7PH
Commonly 15-5PH
or 630 or 631

* UNS No. not yet allocated

Note: UNS Numbers are used throughout this article for consistency

Grade S30400 Stainless Steel

S30400 is the most specified grade - it accounts for more than 50% of stainless steel produced in
the world and services a wide range of applications. It withstands ordinary rusting in
architecture, is resistant to most food processing environments, and resists organic chemicals,
dye stuffs and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. It is used extensively in consumer products
and appliances, and equipment for domestic and commercial kitchens, hospitals, transportation
and waste water treatment. S30400 is also available in virtually all product forms and finishes.

When selecting a stainless steel, first consider the fundamental "competitive advantage"
properties required. These basic properties can initially be viewed according to the five basic
alloy groups (see Table 2 below).

Required property examples Preferred alloy groups and grades

Corrosion resistance Selection depends largely upon environment

Austenitic grades high in Cr, e.g. S31000, and Si, e.g. S31400 (314),
Heat resistance or rare earths, e.g. S30815

High Cr ferritic grades, e.g. S44600

Cryogenic (low temperature) Austenitic grades

resistance
Low magnetic response Austenitic grades, especially higher Ni grades, e.g. S31600 or S31000

High strength Martensitic and precipitation hardening grades

For corrosive environments, take advantage of past experience. Even small amounts of some
impurities and/or changes in temperature of flow conditions can have a significant effect on
corrosion resistance. Specialist suppliers and other independent experts, who often provide
advice at no cost, are contactable through ASSDA for assistance with a recommendation.

For resistance to environments such as strong acids,

where uniform general corrosion is the controlling
mechanism, refer to published tables of recommended
grades and iso-corrosion curves (usually comparing
several grades) that indicate the rate at which the
stainless can be expected to corrode. It is again stressed
that minor differences between apparently similar
environments, e.g. presence of chloride, can
significantly alter the corrosion rates. Local corrosion,
such as the related mechanisms of pitting and crevice
corrosion, is largely controlled by the presence of chlorides in the environment and exacerbated
by elevated temperature and surface deposits. Keeping a stainless steel surface clean is an
important way of minimising corrosion. Surface roughness can also help in initiating corrosion,
so the smoother the surface, the better. A grade's resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion is
indicated by its Pitting Resistance Equivalent number (PRE = %Cr + [3.3 x %Mo] + [16 x %N])
(see Table 3 below).

Grade Alloy Group PRE

DIN 1.4003 Ferritic 11

S43000 Ferritic 17

S30403 Austenitic 18

S31603 Austenitic 24

S31803 Duplex 34

N08904 Austenitic 34

S31254 Austenitic 43

S32750 Duplex 43

S32760 Duplex 41*

*Calculated PRE omits the inclusion of tungsten, which improves S32760's pitting resistance.

Grades with high levels of each element are more resistant. Hence, S31600 (2% Mo) is standard
for marine fittings. Grade S31803 (3% Mo and 0.15% N) is more resistant to higher temperature
chloride environments and the "super duplex" (eg S32750 and S32760) and "super austenitic"
(e.g. S31254) grades have very high levels of each element and can withstand high chloride
environments up to nearly boiling point.

Common austenitic grades (e.g. S30400 and S31600) may suffer from stress corrosion cracking
(SCC) in chloride-containing environments, particularly in temperatures above about 50C and
when a tensile stress is present in the steel. The ferritic and duplex grades are highly resistant,
though not immune, and should be selected if SCC is a possibility.

Selection for Mechanical and Physical Properties

Martensitic (e.g. S43100) and precipitation hardening (eg S17400)

grades are often preferred materials for products requiring high
strength, e.g. shafts and valve spindles.

Often, a grade is selected for the required corrosion resistance, and

the mechanical and physical properties of the grade are only
considered in the subsequent design process. However, these
properties are fundamental and should be considered as early as
possible in the selection process. For example, while a duplex
grade like S31803 is highly corrosion resistant, it may also be more
cost-effective in the long term for a given application due to its high strength.

Selection for Fabricability

Fabricability should be considered early in the grade selection process - it greatly influences the
cost of the product. Table 4 below lists some common grades and compares their relative
fabricability on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 indicating excellent fabricability by this method:

Grade Formability Machinability Weldability

S30300 1 8* 1

S30400 8 5* 8

S31600 8 5* 8

S41600 1 10 1

S43000 4 6 2

S31803 5 4 5

DIN 1.4003 5 6 6
*Improved versions of these grades offer higher machinabilities in some products.

A compromise between desirable properties of certain grades may be necessary. For example,
grade S30300 (austenitic steel known as 303) has excellent machinability, but the high sulphur
content which dramatically increases the cutting speed also substantially reduces the grade's
weldability, formability and corrosion resistance (its PRE is wrong because the negative effect of
sulphur is omitted, making it totally inappropriate for applications where there is a likelihood of
corrosive conditions of even a mild nature).

Conclusion

Before selecting a grade of stainless steel, it is essential to consider the required properties such
as corrosion resistance, but it is also important to consider the secondary qualities such as
physical and mechanical properties and fabricability of any competing grade. The appropriate
choice will ultimately provide both short- and long-term benefits: cost-effective fabrication and
installation and a long, trouble-free life.

Specifiers of stainless steel can obtain experienced help from

independent and supplier/fabricator sources, often at no cost.
Corrosion performance, physical and mechanical properties,
surface finishes and a range of information comparing stainless
steels are available in ASSDA's Reference Manual. Call ASSDA
for the right help for your needs.

References

ASM International (1989) Corrosion Data.

ASM International (1994) ASM Specialty Handbook - Stainless Steels.

Sedriks, A.J. (1996) Corrosion of Stainless Steels. John Wiley & Sons.

316: The First Step Up

If a job requires greater corrosion resistance than grade 304 can provide, grade 316 is the 'next
step up'. Grade 316 has virtually the same mechanical, physical and fabrication characteristics as
304 with better corrosion resistance, particularly to pitting corrosion in chloride environments.

Grade 316 (UNS S31600) is the second most popular grade in the stainless steel family. It
accounts for about 20% of all stainless steel produced.
Composition

Table 1 compares three related grades - 316, 316L and 316H.

Grade 316L is a low carbon 316 often used to avoid possible

sensitisation corrosion in welded components.

Grade 316H has a higher carbon content than 316L, which increases the
strength (particularly at temperatures above about 500oC), but should
not be used for applications where sensitisation corrosion could be expected.

Table 1 - Composition on 316 and related grades

Grade C% Mn% Si% P% S% Cr% Ni% Mo% N%

UNS 31600 316 0.08 2.0 0.75 0.045 0.03 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 2.0-3.0 0.10

Related Grades

UNS S31603 316L 0.03 2.0 0.75 0.045 0.03 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 2.0-3.0 0.10

UNS S31609 316H 0.04-0.10 2.0 0.75 0.045 0.03 16.0-18.0 10.0-14.0 2.0-3.0 -

Both 316L and 316H are available in plate and pipe, but 316H is less readily available ex-stock. 316L and 316H are sometimes
stocked as standard 316 (test certificates will confirm compliance with the 'L' or 'H' specification).

Corrosion resistance

Grade 316 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of media. Its main advantage over
grade 304 is its increased ability to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride
environments. It resists ordinary rusting in virtually all architectural applications, and is often
chosen for more aggressive environments such as sea-front buildings and fittings on wharves and
piers. It is also resistant to most food processing environments, can be readily cleaned, and
resists organic chemicals, dye stuffs and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals.

In hot chloride environments, grade 316 is subject to pitting and crevice corrosion and to stress
corrosion cracking when subjected to tensile stresses beyond about 50oC. In these severe
environments duplex grades such as 2205 (UNS S31803) or higher alloy austenitic grades
including 6% molybdenum (UNS S31254) grades are more appropriate choices.

The corrosion resistances of the high and low carbon versions of 316 (316L and 316H) are the
same as standard 316. They are mostly chosen to give better resistance to sensitisation in welding
(316L) or for superior high temperature strength (316H).
Descriptions of these corrosion mechanisms are in ASSDA's Reference Manual.

Heat resistance

Like grade 304, 316 has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service
to 870oC and in continuous service to 925oC. Continuous use of 316 in
the 425-860oC range is not recommended if subsequent exposure to room
temperature aqueous environments is anticipated, but it often performs
well in temperatures fluctuating above and below this range.

Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation than standard 316

and 316H and can be used in the above temperature range. However, where high temperature
strength is important, higher carbon values are required. For example, AS1210 Pressure Vessels
Code limits the operating temperature of 316L to 450oC and restricts the use of 316 to carbon
values of 0.04% or higher for temperatures above 550oC. 316H or the titanium-containing
version 316Ti can be specified for higher temperature applications.

Like other austenitic stainless steels 316 has excellent toughness down to temperatures of
liquefied gases and has application at these temperatures, although lower cost grades such as 304
are more usually selected for cryogenic vessels.

Physical and mechanical properties (see Tables 2 and 3)

Table 2: Mechanical properties of grade 316 Table 3: Physical properties of grade 316 typical
(annealed condition) given in ASTM A240M values in annealed condition)

Tensil strength 515MPa min Density 8,027kg/m3

0.2% proof stress 205MPa min Elastic modulus 193GPa

Elongation 40% min Mean coefficient of thermal expansion

Brinell hardness 217HB max 0 - 100oC 15.9m/m/oC

Rockwell hardness 95HRB max 0 - 315oC 16.2m/m/oC

Note: Slightly different properties are given in other 0 - 538oC 17.5m/m/ oC

specifications
 0 - 649oC 18.6m/m/ oC

0 - 815oC 20.0m/m/ oC

Thermal conductivity

at 100oC 16.3W/m.K

at 500oC 21.5W/m.K

Specific heat 0 - 100oC 500J/kg.G

Electrical resistivity 20oC 740 nOhm.m

Like other austenitic grades, 316 in the annealed condition is

virtually non magnetic (i.e. very low magnetic permeability).
While 304 can become significantly attracted to a magnet after
being cold worked, grade 316 is almost always virtually totally
non-responsive. This may be a reason for selecting grade 316 in
some applications.

Another characteristic that 316 has in common with other austenitic steels is that it can only be
hardened by cold working. An ultimate tensile strength in excess of 1,000MPa can be achieved
and, depending on quantity and product form required, it may be possible to order to a specific
cold-worked strength (see ASTM A666 or EN10088-2).

Annealing (also referred to as solution treating) is the main heat treatment carried out on grade
316. This is done by heating to 1,010 1,120oC and rapidly cooling - usually by water quenching.

Fabricability

Like other austenitic stainless steels, grade 316 has excellent forming characteristics. It can be
deep drawn without intermediate heat softening enabling it to be used in the manufacture of
drawn stainless parts, such as sinks and saucepans. However, for normal domestic articles the
extra corrosion resistance of grade 316 is not necessary. 316 is readily brake or roll formed into a
variety of other parts for application in the industrial and architectural fields.
Grade 316 has outstanding weldability and all standard welding techniques can be used
(although oxyacetylene is not normally used). Although post weld annealing is often not required
to restore 316's corrosion resistance, making it suitable for heavy gauge fabrication, appropriate
post-weld clean-up is recommended.

Machinability of 316 is lower than most carbon steels. The standard austenitic grades like 316
can be readily machined if slower speeds and heavy feeds are used, tools are rigid and sharp, and
cutting fluids are used. An 'improved machinability' version of 316 also exists.

Cost comparisons

The guidelines in Table 4 are approximate 'first cost' comparisons for sheet material in a
standard mill finish suitable for construction projects. The appeal of stainless over its first cost
competitors dramatically increases when lifecycle costs are considered.

Table 4: First cost comparisons

Approximate Price
Material
($/kg)

Glass (clear annealed) 0.2

Mild steel 1.0-1.5

Hot dip galvanised steel 1.5-2.5

304 stainless 4.0-5.0

Aluminium alloy (extruded) 4.0-5.5

316 stainless 5.0-6.0

Copper 8.0

Brass 8.5

Bronze 10.0

Source: Facet Consulting Engineers, Brisbane

Forms available

Grade 316 is available in virtually all stainless product forms including coil, sheet, plate, strip,
tube, pipe, fittings, bars, angles, wire, fasteners and castings. 316L is also widely available,
particularly in heavier products such as plate, pipe and bar. Most stainless steel surface finishes,
from standard to special finishes, are available.
Applications

Typical applications for 316 include boat fittings and structural members;
architectural components particularly in marine, polluted or industrial
environments; food and beverage processing equipment; hot water
systems; and plant for chemical, petrochemical, mineral processing,
photographic and other industries.

Although 316 is often described as the 'marine grade', it is also seen as the
first step up from the basic 304 grade.

Alternatives

Alternative grades to 316 should be considered in certain environments and applications

including:

strong reducing acids (alternatives might be 904L, 2205 or a super duplex grade),

environments with temperatures above 50-60 oC and with chlorides present (choose grades
resistant to stress corrosion cracking and higher pitting resistance such as 2205 or a super duplex
or super austenitic), and

applications requiring heavy section welding (316L), substantial machining (an improved
machinability version of 316), high strength or hardness (perhaps a martensitic or precipitation
hardening grade).

Specifications

Table 5: Some approximate equivalent designations

Wrought product

Standard UNS ASTM British German Swedish Japanese

BS 316S16 W. No 1,4401
Specification S31600 316 SS 2347 JIS SUS 316
En 58H, 58J DIN X5CrNiMo 18 10

Cast product

Standard UNS ASTM BS3100 German AS2074

A743 STD 1,4408

Specification J92900 316C16 H6B
CF-8M DIN G-X6CrNiMo 18 10

Note: For fasteners manufactured to ISO3506, 316 is included in the "A4" designation.