316 Stainless Steel Coil
Molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel coil for superior corrosion resistance in aggressive environments
316 stainless steel coil provides exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments including seawater and coastal applications. The addition of molybdenum to the 304 composition creates superior corrosion resistance making 316 the industry standard for marine and chemical processing applications.
Quick Specifications
- UNS Designation
- S31600
- Werkstoff Number
- 1.4401
- Yield Strength (Annealed)
- 170 MPa (25 ksi) minimum
- Tensile Strength (Annealed)
- 515 MPa (75 ksi) minimum
- Elongation (Annealed)
- 40% minimum
- Density
- 8.0 g/cm³
Standards & Certifications
Product Description
316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that represents the industry standard for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. The addition of 2-3% molybdenum significantly enhances pitting resistance in chloride solutions, making 316 far superior to 304 stainless in seawater, coastal atmospheric exposure, and high-chloride industrial environments. The 18% chromium and 10-12% nickel composition provides the base austenitic structure while molybdenum acts as a potent pitting corrosion inhibitor.
The production of 316 stainless steel coil involves vacuum induction melting followed by controlled casting and hot rolling to achieve the desired dimensions and mechanical properties. The rolling process is carefully controlled to develop a uniform fine grain structure with excellent formability. After hot rolling, the coil is annealed at 1,040°C to dissolve all carbides and develop optimal austenitic structure, followed by pickling to remove surface oxides and passivation to establish the protective chromium oxide film essential for corrosion resistance.
316 stainless steel coil exhibits outstanding performance in seawater and marine applications with pitting corrosion resistance far superior to 304. The material resists corrosion from sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and organic acids used in industrial processing. In coastal atmospheric environments, 316 provides decades of service life without significant corrosion compared to 304 which may show visible pitting within a few years in high-chloride salt spray exposure.
The austenitic structure of 316 provides excellent low-temperature impact strength, making it suitable for cryogenic applications. The material maintains good ductility and toughness even at temperatures approaching absolute zero, unlike ferritic stainless steels which become brittle. Cold working capability is excellent, allowing for precision forming, cold rolling, and stamping operations to produce complex shapes and tight tolerance components.
Specifications
| UNS Designation | S31600 |
| Werkstoff Number | 1.4401 |
| Yield Strength (Annealed) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) minimum |
| Tensile Strength (Annealed) | 515 MPa (75 ksi) minimum |
| Elongation (Annealed) | 40% minimum |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16 W/m·K at 20°C |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion | 15.9 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (0-100°C) |
| Pitting Resistance Equivalent (PRE) | 42 (significantly higher than 304) |
| Magnetic Properties | Austenitic (non-magnetic) |
| Available Thicknesses | 0.5 mm to 6 mm (custom available) |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0-14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-3.0 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.0 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Cold Rolled 50%) | 860 MPa minimum |
| Yield Strength (Cold Rolled 50%) | 690 MPa minimum |
| Elongation (Cold Rolled 50%) | 10% minimum |
| Hardness (Annealed) | 217 HV maximum |
| Impact Strength (Charpy V-notch) | 200+ J at room temperature |
| Impact Strength (Charpy, -196°C) | 180+ J (excellent cryogenic performance) |
Key Features & Advantages
Applications
Marine and Coastal Applications
Seawater cooling systems, coastal structures, desalination equipment, and offshore platforms requiring exceptional resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion in continuous seawater exposure.
Chemical Processing
Chemical reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and process equipment in petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical manufacturing where contact with corrosive chemicals and thermal cycling occurs.
Pulp and Paper Industry
Bleach plant equipment, chemical recovery systems, and corrosion-prone areas in pulp mills where acid and chlorine exposure creates aggressive corrosion environments.
Desalination and Water Treatment
Reverse osmosis membranes, heat exchangers, and piping in municipal and industrial water desalination systems exposed to concentrated salt brines and seawater.
Food and Beverage Processing
High-temperature pasteurization equipment, salt exposure areas, and processing systems in dairy, brewing, and specialty food production requiring superior corrosion resistance.
Cryogenic Equipment
Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium system components, cryogenic valve bodies, and low-temperature storage vessels maintaining mechanical properties at temperatures below -100°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 316 stainless superior to 304 in seawater applications?
Can 316 stainless coil be cold rolled to higher strength?
What is the cost premium for 316 versus 304 stainless?
Can 316 stainless be welded, and what precautions are needed?
What is the expected service life of 316 stainless in seawater?
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