316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet

Specifications

316/316L stainless steel plates

Both 316 and 316L stainless steel plates are austenitic stainless steels, with their core alloys being chromium (Cr ≥ 16%) and nickel (Ni ≥ 10%). The key difference between the two lies in their carbon content: 316 stainless steel has a carbon content of ≤ 0.08%, while 316L stainless steel (the "L" stands for "Low Carbon") has a carbon content of ≤ 0.03%. This carbon content difference is not only the core difference between the two, but also directly affects their intergranular corrosion resistance and weldability, providing a clear basis for selection in different application scenarios.

Chemical Composition (%)

Mechanical Properties

Heat Treatment of 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet

1. Annealing (Solution Treatment)

Temperature Range: 1010–1120°C

Process: Heat to the specified temperature, then rapidly cool in water or air.

Purpose: Restores full corrosion resistance and ductility by dissolving carbide precipitates and homogenizing the microstructure.

2. Stress Relieving

Application: Performed after heavy forming, bending, or machining operations.

Purpose: Reduces residual stress and minimizes distortion, maintaining dimensional accuracy for precision components.

3. Hardening

Note: 316 / 316L stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment.

Alternative: Strength improvement can only be achieved through cold working, such as rolling or drawing.

4. Performance Balance

Proper heat treatment maintains the chromium-to-carbon balance, preventing sensitization and intergranular corrosion.

Ensures stable performance during welding, high-pressure vessel operation, and exposure to elevated temperatures or corrosive environments.

Features of 316/316L Stainless Steel Plates

1. Corrosion Resistance They offer superior corrosion resistance (surpassing 304), withstanding atmospheric/humid coastal environments and dilute sulfuric/nitric acid. The 2%-3% molybdenum content resists chloride-induced corrosion (e.g., saltwater). 316L (C≤0.03%) further enhances post-weld intergranular corrosion resistance.
2. Mechanical Properties Balances high strength and ductility: Tensile strength 515-750 MPa, yield strength 205-310 MPa (ensures load-bearing capacity); elongation ≥40% (enables forming, bending, deep drawing without cracking). 
3.  Weldability Compatible with TIG/MIG/arc welding, no pre/post-weld heat treatment required for most cases. 316L’s low carbon minimizes welding sensitization, ideal for welded structures.
4. Temperature Tolerance Maintains stability at up to 800°C (continuous service) and ~925°C (intermittent service), plus good low-temperature toughness (-196°C) for cryogenic applications.

Applications of 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet

Marine & Offshore Equipment – Used for ship decks, seawater desalination tanks, and offshore platform structures.
Typically used in 6–12 mm thickness, offering excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion and sufficient load-bearing strength.

Medical & Pharmaceutical Industry – Ideal for surgical equipment housings, drug storage tanks, and sterile processing pipelines.
Commonly supplied in 1–3 mm thickness; 316L is preferred for its superior cleanliness and compliance with medical-grade hygiene standards.

Chemical & Petrochemical Industry – Applied in acid and alkali reactor linings, corrosion-resistant piping, and chemical storage tanks.
Recommended 3–8 mm thickness, capable of withstanding strong chemical and chloride corrosion.

High-End Food Processing – Suitable for dairy fermentation tanks, soy sauce brewing equipment, and seafood processing tables.
Typically 1.5–4 mm thickness, with 316L providing the best resistance to contamination and preventing impurity precipitation.

Coastal Construction & Decoration – Used in coastal building facades, outdoor sculptures, and spa or resort bathroom panels.
Decorative thin sheets (0.8–1.2 mm) are used for panels, while large-format sheets (4x8 ft / 1219x2438 mm or 5x10 ft / 1500x3000 mm) are ideal for facade cladding.

Industrial Machinery & Cryogenic Equipment – Suitable for low-temperature LNG storage components and high-temperature furnace linings.
Typically 4–10 mm thickness, maintaining mechanical stability from -196°C to 800°C.

316/316L Stainless Steel Sheet — FAQs

1. What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel sheet?
316L contains lower carbon content (≤0.03%) compared to 316 (≤0.08%), which improves weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion. 316L stainless steel sheet is often used in welded structures, chemical processing, and marine environments.

2. Is 316 stainless steel sheet magnetic?
Both 316 and 316L stainless steel sheets are non-magnetic in annealed condition. However, slight magnetism may appear after cold working or bending.

3. What thicknesses and sizes are available for 316/316L stainless steel sheet?
Common thicknesses include 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, and 10 mm. Standard sizes are 4x8 ft (1219x2438 mm) and 5x10 ft (1500x3000 mm). Custom cutting and polishing are available.

4. Can 316L stainless steel sheet be used for food and medical equipment?
Yes. 316L is food-grade and medical-grade compliant, making it ideal for dairy tanks, kitchen counters, pharmaceutical vessels, and surgical instruments.

5. How corrosion-resistant is 316 stainless steel sheet in seawater?
316 and 316L offer excellent resistance to saltwater, chloride, and acid corrosion, making them suitable for marine structures, desalination systems, and coastal applications.

6. Can 316 stainless steel sheet be welded or formed easily?
Yes. Both grades have good weldability and formability. After welding, solution annealing is recommended for 316 to restore corrosion resistance; 316L usually does not require this step.

7. What is the surface finish of 316/316L stainless steel sheet?
Available finishes include 2B, BA (bright annealed), No.4 (brushed), HL (hairline), and mirror finish, depending on the application — decorative, industrial, or hygienic.

8. How does 316/316L stainless steel compare to 304 stainless steel?
316/316L contains molybdenum, giving it higher corrosion resistance, especially in chloride or acidic environments. 304 is more cost-effective but less durable in harsh conditions.