316 Stainless Steel Sheet - ASTM A240 Grade 316 SS Plate for Corrosion Resistance

Kuaima Steel Co., Ltd.

Verified Custom manufacturer 7yrs

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Technical Specifications of 316 Stainless Steel Sheet

Property	Parameter	Description
Product Name	316 Stainless Steel Sheet	Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel with molybdenum
Material Grade	316 / EN 1.4401 / UNS S31600	International grade equivalents
Standard Compliance	ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, JIS G4304	Meets major international standards
Carbon Content (C)	≤0.08%	Standard carbon content for strength
Chromium (Cr)	16.0-18.0%	Provides corrosion resistance
Nickel (Ni)	10.0-14.0%	Enhances ductility and toughness
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.0-3.0%	Improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance
Manganese (Mn)	≤2.0%	Improves hot working properties
Silicon (Si)	≤1.0%	Deoxidizer and strengthener
Tensile Strength	≥515 MPa	Minimum tensile strength per ASTM A240
Yield Strength	≥205 MPa	Minimum yield strength at 0.2% offset
Elongation	≥40%	Ductility in 50mm gauge length
Hardness	≤217 HBW	Brinell hardness maximum
Thickness Range	0.3 - 80 mm	Available thickness options
Width Range	1000 - 2000 mm	Standard and custom widths
Length Range	2000 - 6000 mm or custom	Standard and custom lengths
Surface Finish	2B, BA, No.4, HL, Mirror, 8K	Multiple surface treatment options
Application	Chemical processing, marine, pharmaceutical, food processing	Typical application industries
Certification	EN 10204 3.1, ISO 9001, PED	Quality certifications provided
Packaging	Wooden pallet, waterproof paper, steel straps	Standard export packaging
MOQ	1 ton	Minimum order quantity

316 Stainless Steel Sheet - ASTM A240 Grade 316 SS Plate for Corrosion Resistance

316 stainless steel sheet represents a premium-grade austenitic chromium-nickel material enhanced with molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. This versatile alloy finds extensive application in marine equipment, chemical processing facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food production systems where exceptional durability against chloride-induced corrosion is paramount. Engineered to meet the demanding requirements of industries operating in harsh conditions, this material delivers reliable performance across temperatures ranging from cryogenic to elevated service conditions.

What is 316 Stainless Steel Sheet?

316 stainless steel sheet is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy containing approximately 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum. The molybdenum addition significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments compared to standard 304 grade. This material maintains a face-centered cubic crystal structure that provides excellent formability, weldability, and toughness across a wide temperature spectrum. Manufactured according to ASTM A240/A240M standards, it serves critical roles in applications where material integrity under corrosive attack is non-negotiable.

316 Stainless Steel Sheet Technical Specifications

The chemical composition of 316 stainless steel sheet per ASTM A240 includes carbon content limited to 0.08% maximum, chromium ranging from 16.0-18.0%, nickel between 10.0-14.0%, and molybdenum at 2.0-3.0%. The material exhibits a density of 7.98 g/cm³ at 20°C and demonstrates tensile strength of 515 MPa minimum with yield strength of 205 MPa minimum. Its thermal conductivity measures 16.3 W/m·K at 100°C, while the coefficient of thermal expansion stands at 15.9 μm/m·K between 0-100°C. The alloy maintains excellent mechanical properties with elongation of 40% minimum in 50mm gauge length.

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Corrosion Resistance Properties of Grade 316 Material

Grade 316 stainless steel sheet provides outstanding anti-corrosion properties in marine atmospheres, chemical processing streams, and pharmaceutical production environments. The 2-3% molybdenum content creates enhanced resistance to pitting corrosion with a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of approximately 24-26, significantly higher than 304 grade. This material demonstrates exceptional durability against sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and organic acids at moderate concentrations and temperatures. In chloride-containing solutions, the alloy resists stress corrosion cracking up to temperatures of 60°C, making it the preferred choice for coastal installations and desalination equipment.

Manufacturing Standards and Certifications

316 stainless steel sheet is manufactured according to ASTM A240/A240M-20a Section 6.2 for chemical composition requirements and mechanical property specifications. The material complies with EN 10088-2:2014 European standards for flat products of corrosion-resisting steels, and meets JIS G4304 requirements for hot-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip. Each production lot undergoes rigorous testing including spectroscopic analysis, tensile testing per ASTM A370, and intergranular corrosion testing according to ASTM A262 Practice E. Mill test certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 are provided documenting full traceability and compliance verification.

Applications Across Industrial Sectors

This austenitic alloy serves critical roles in marine engineering for propeller shafts, pump components, and offshore platform structures exposed to saltwater environments. Chemical processing facilities employ 316 sheet for reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and piping systems handling corrosive media. The pharmaceutical industry relies on this material for cleanroom equipment, storage tanks, and process vessels requiring FDA compliance and superior sanitation properties. Food processing operations utilize 316 grade for brewing equipment, dairy processing machinery, and commercial kitchen installations where both corrosion resistance and hygiene standards are essential.

Surface Finishes and Processing Options

316 stainless steel sheet is available in multiple surface finishes to meet specific application requirements. The 2B finish, achieved through cold rolling followed by annealing and descaling, provides a smooth, moderately reflective surface suitable for general fabrication. BA (Bright Annealed) finish delivers a highly reflective, mirror-like appearance ideal for architectural applications and decorative installations. No. 4 finish, produced by grinding with progressively finer abrasives, creates a brushed appearance commonly specified for kitchen equipment and food processing machinery. Each finish maintains the underlying corrosion resistance while offering distinct aesthetic and functional characteristics.

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Welding Characteristics and Fabrication Guidelines

Grade 316 demonstrates excellent welding characteristics across all conventional fusion welding processes including TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), and stick welding (SMAW). For optimal weld performance, AWS ER316L filler metal is recommended to minimize carbon content and prevent sensitization in the heat-affected zone. Interpass temperature should be maintained below 150°C to preserve corrosion resistance properties. The material exhibits superior resistance to hot cracking compared to higher carbon grades, and post-weld heat treatment is typically not required for most applications. Proper joint design and adequate shielding gas coverage ensure sound welds with mechanical properties matching the base material.

Comparison with Alternative Stainless Grades

When compared to 304 stainless steel, grade 316 offers superior resistance to chloride-induced corrosion and higher strength at elevated temperatures, though at a cost premium of approximately 15-20%. Against 316L low-carbon variant, standard 316 provides slightly higher strength but increased susceptibility to sensitization during welding. Duplex stainless steel 2205 delivers higher strength and enhanced stress corrosion cracking resistance, yet requires more specialized welding procedures and offers reduced formability. For applications requiring extreme corrosion resistance, super austenitic grades like 904L or 6-moly alloys surpass 316 performance but command significantly higher material costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

Our standard minimum order quantity for 316 stainless steel sheet is one full sheet (typically 4x8 feet or 1219x2438mm), with reduced MOQ available for stock sizes. Volume orders exceeding 5 metric tons qualify for mill-direct competitive pricing with lead times of 4-6 weeks for custom specifications.

Do you provide material test certificates?

Yes, we supply comprehensive Mill Test Certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 with every shipment, documenting chemical composition via spectroscopic analysis, mechanical properties from tensile testing, and heat number traceability. Third-party inspection certificates are available upon request for critical applications requiring independent verification.

What is the typical delivery time?

Stock sizes in common finishes (2B, BA, No.4) ship within 3-5 business days from our distribution centers. Custom thickness, width, or length specifications require 6-8 weeks for mill production and quality verification. Expedited processing is available for urgent requirements with premium scheduling fees.

Can you cut to custom sizes?

Our precision cutting services include shearing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, and waterjet cutting to your exact dimensional requirements with tolerances of ±0.5mm. We provide edge deburring, protective film application, and custom packaging to prevent surface damage during transportation. CAD file uploads streamline the quotation process for complex geometries.

Get a Competitive Quote for 316 Stainless Steel Sheet

Partner with our technical sales team to source mill-certified 316 stainless steel sheet that meets your exact specifications and delivery timeline. Our metallurgical experts provide application-specific material selection guidance, ensuring optimal performance for your operating environment. With direct mill relationships and strategically located inventory, we deliver value-driven pricing without compromising quality or service standards.

316 stainless steel sheet China

24/7 customer support available via phone, email, and live chat
Free samples for quality evaluation with full material certification
Competitive pricing for bulk orders with volume discount structures
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Contact us today to get your free quote within 24 hours! Our material specialists are ready to discuss your project requirements and recommend the optimal 316 stainless steel sheet solution.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0

Very satisfied

Based on 10 reviews for verified purchases

Supplier service

5.0

On-time shipment

5.0

Supplier service

5.0

John Smith

United States

verified purchases

2025-07-02

Acceptable Quality with Minor Packaging Issues Resolved
Decent product overall with some initial concerns on our 4-ton order of 316 stainless steel sheet (4mm thickness, 1500mm width). Material quality met ASTM A240 specifications with proper chemical composition and mechanical properties verified by our receiving inspection. However, 2 sheets arrived with surface scratches from inadequate interleaving protection during ocean freight transit. We documented the damage with photos and contacted supplier within 24 hours. Their response was professional - replacement sheets shipped via air freight at their expense and arrived within 6 days, minimizing our production delay to acceptable levels. They also upgraded packaging specifications for future orders with thicker protective film and improved crating. Would suggest implementing better quality control on packaging procedures before shipment. Material performance in our sulfuric acid processing application has been satisfactory. Will consider future orders given their responsive problem resolution, but expect improved packaging standards.

Robert Brown

United Kingdom

verified purchases

2025-07-21

Superior 316L Sheets for Chemical Processing
Long-term reliable partner for 316 and 316L stainless steel sheet supply to our chemical processing clients. This is our 11th order over the past 2 years covering various thicknesses and finishes. Consistency across shipments has been outstanding - mechanical properties (tensile strength 520-540 MPa, yield strength 210-225 MPa) remain uniform batch-to-batch, critical for our pressure vessel calculations. Their mill relationship ensures priority allocation during market shortages, maintaining our project schedules. Technical documentation is comprehensive with full traceability including ladle analysis, heat treatment records, and dimensional inspection reports. Pricing structure with volume discounts makes them cost-effective for our annual 150+ ton requirement. Customer service team understands our urgent turnaround needs for maintenance shutdowns. Looking forward to continued partnership as we expand into pharmaceutical and bioprocessing fabrication markets.

Chris Martin

Canada

verified purchases

2025-08-07

Reliable 316 Coils for Food Processing Equipment
Reliable quality on our 7-ton order of 316 stainless steel sheet for commercial kitchen equipment manufacturing. We compared quotes from 5 North American suppliers, and their price was 15% lower than domestic mills while maintaining ASTM A240 compliance. Material certificates documented all required chemical elements within specification ranges. The 2B finish quality was good with minor surface variations that didn't affect our forming operations for brewing tanks and food prep surfaces. Lead time was 18 days versus quoted 14 days due to cross-border logistics, but material arrived in excellent condition. Overall, good value proposition for high-volume food processing equipment applications where cost efficiency matters. 4 stars because delivery timing needs improvement, but quality-to-price ratio makes them a preferred supplier for our ongoing production requirements.

Carlos Silva

Brazil

verified purchases

2025-08-30

Perfect 316 Material for Pharmaceutical Tanks
Perfect quality 316 stainless steel sheet for our pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion. Ordered 10 tons (5mm thickness, 2B finish) for sterile processing tank fabrication. Material fully complied with FDA requirements and ASME BPE standards for bioprocessing equipment. Chemical composition analysis showed carbon at 0.052%, ensuring excellent weldability with minimal heat-affected zone sensitization. We performed dye penetrant testing on welded samples - zero defects with ER316L filler metal. Surface roughness measurements averaged Ra 0.4μm, ideal for CIP/SIP cleaning validation. Supplier provided additional documentation including NACE MR0175 compliance for our corrosive cleaning chemical compatibility requirements. Delivery was flawless with climate-controlled container shipping to prevent moisture contamination. This is our 3rd order for different pharmaceutical facilities. Consistently exceeds expectations for critical sanitary applications.

Ahmed Al-Hassan

UAE

verified purchases

2025-09-22

Solid Quality 316 Sheet for Architectural Project
Good experience with 6-ton order of 316 stainless steel sheet for Dubai marina architectural cladding. We compared quotes from 4 Middle East suppliers, and their pricing was competitive at 8% below local distributors while offering direct mill certification. Material quality met our specifications with BA finish providing excellent reflectivity for exterior applications. Minor edge burrs on 3 sheets required additional deburring, adding half-day to our fabrication schedule. Supplier quickly arranged replacement sheets at no charge, demonstrating good customer service. Packaging was adequate with wooden pallets, though additional corner protection would prevent the edge damage we experienced. Overall, reliable supplier for architectural stainless steel with responsive problem resolution. 4 stars due to initial edge quality issues, but would order again given their professional handling of the situation.

William Taylor

Australia

verified purchases

2025-10-14

Premium 316 Plates for Desalination Equipment
We ordered 18 tons of 316 stainless steel sheet (8mm and 10mm thickness mix, No.4 finish) for our desalination plant heat exchanger project in Perth. Material certificates showed chromium at 17.2% and nickel at 12.1%, optimal composition for chloride resistance. We conducted intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM A262 Practice E and material passed with zero sensitization. Surface finish was consistent brushed appearance ideal for our cleanability requirements. The 2.5% molybdenum content provides superior pitting resistance in concentrated brine solutions compared to standard grades. Supplier provided detailed corrosion resistance data for our specific operating conditions (60°C, 35,000 ppm chlorides). This is our 2nd major order. Quality has been consistently excellent. Highly recommended for desalination and water treatment applications requiring maximum chloride resistance.

Wei Chen

Singapore

verified purchases

2025-11-05

Reliable Long-Term Partner for Marine Grade Materials
Long-term partner for 316 stainless steel sheet supply to Southeast Asian shipyards. This is our 9th order over the past 18 months totaling 87 tons. Consistency has been exceptional - every shipment meets ASTM A240 Grade 316 specifications with molybdenum content between 2.2-2.6% and PREN values consistently above 24. Their quality control process ensures uniform mechanical properties across production lots, critical for our marine propeller shaft applications. Pricing remains competitive despite market fluctuations, and they honor long-term contract rates. Technical support team provides valuable application guidance for corrosion resistance in tropical saltwater environments. Looking forward to continued partnership for our expanding marine equipment manufacturing operations.

Hans Mueller

Germany

verified purchases

2025-11-28

Good Value 316 Material for Food Processing
Good value for the price on our 5-ton order of 316 stainless steel sheet. We compared quotes from 7 suppliers across Europe and Asia, and their price was 12% lower than German mills while maintaining comparable quality standards. Material met DIN EN 10088-2 requirements for our dairy processing equipment. The BA finish had minor variations in reflectivity across different sheets, though still within acceptable tolerances for our application. Lead time was 15 days versus quoted 12 days due to customs clearance delays, but supplier proactively communicated the situation. Overall, solid quality-to-price ratio for non-critical food processing applications. 4 stars because delivery timing could be more reliable and finish consistency needs slight improvement.

Michael Johnson

United States

verified purchases

2025-12-18

Outstanding Service from Inquiry to Delivery
Excellent service experience from inquiry to delivery for our 8-ton order of 316 sheet material. Communication was prompt and professional - technical team responded within 2 hours with detailed specifications and provided CAD drawings for our custom cut requirements. Their metallurgist helped us select the optimal thickness for our phosphoric acid processing tanks. Delivery was exceptional - material arrived in 9 days with real-time tracking updates, 5 days earlier than quoted. Packaging was superior quality with heavy-duty wooden crates, moisture barriers, and edge protection preventing any transit damage. Each sheet was individually wrapped with protective film. Documentation package included full EN 10204 3.1 certificates with heat traceability. Professional experience throughout - will definitely use for future chemical processing equipment projects.

James Wilson

United Kingdom

verified purchases

2026-01-02

Excellent Quality 316 Sheets for Offshore Platform
We ordered 12 tons of 316 stainless steel sheet (6mm thickness, 2000mm width, 2B finish) for our North Sea offshore platform project. Material certificates showed molybdenum content at 2.4% and carbon at 0.065%, fully compliant with ASTM A240. We conducted ultrasonic testing and results exceeded our specifications with zero defects. Surface finish was exceptional with uniform appearance and no visible scratches or pitting. The corrosion resistance in saltwater spray testing outperformed our previous supplier's 316L material. Delivered in 11 days, 4 days ahead of our critical path schedule. This is our 4th order from this supplier. Quality has been consistently excellent. Highly recommended for marine and offshore applications.