ASTM A240 GRADE 316/ 316L STAINLESS STEEL PLATES AND SHEETS

Alloys 316 (UNS S31600) and 316L (UNS S31603) are molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steels, which are more resistant to general corrosion and pitting/crevice corrosion than the conventional chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels such as Alloy 316L. These alloys also offer higher creep, stress-to-rupture, and tensile strength at elevated temperatures. In addition to excellent corrosion resistance and strength properties, the Alloys 316 and 316L Cr-Ni-Mo alloys also provide excellent fabricability and formability which are typical of the austenitic stainless steels.

The material has superior welding and forming qualities. Grade 316 will require post-weld annealing to promote maximum corrosion resistance, though this is not necessary if Type 316L is used.

Origins from the Paper Industry
The steel was initially produced for the paper producing industry as it has been shown to be highly resistant to the sulphur compounds used in paper processing.

Typical applications for this material are now widespread due to its superior corrosion resistance properties when compared to Grade 316L. Type 316 stainless can be found in heat exchangers, pharmaceutical equipment, dairies and breweries, marine fittings, coastal architectural fascia and fittings and in food preparation areas.

316 & 316L steel plate and Plates have common properties and are often stocked with Dual Certification, where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.

Type 316H is excluded from this scenario by virtue of the fact that unlike 316 & 316L, 316H is engineered to work in elevated working temperatures.