Stainless Steel Sheets Supplier | Manufacturer
Thickness: 0.03 mm to 45 mm, or as customers’ demands.
Sizes: 2500 X 1250 X 0.4MM, 3000 X 1500 X 2.5MM, etc. Or as your requirement.
Finish: No.1, 2B, No.4, BA, Embossed, Etch, etc.
Standard: AISI 316/316L, ASTM A240, ASTM A480, GB／T3280-2007, JIS G4304-2005, etc.
316 Stainless Steel of Specification and Size
316 stainless steel is a molybdenum-enhanced austenitic stainless steel offering superior corrosion resistance compared to 304, particularly in chloride and marine environments. Its excellent performance in harsh conditions makes it ideal for marine, chemical processing, medical, and coastal architectural applications.
Key Characteristics:
✔ 16-18% Chromium, 10-14% Nickel, 2-3% Molybdenum
✔ Exceptional chloride and pitting resistance
✔ Non-magnetic (annealed condition)
✔ Good high-temperature strength (up to 925°C)
✔ Excellent formability and weldability
Alloy Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM A240, AISI 316, EN 1.4401 |
| Thickness Range | 0.1mm – 6.0mm (cold rolled), 6.0mm – 50mm (hot rolled) |
| Width Range | 600mm – 2000mm (standard), up to 2500mm (custom) |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.4, No.8, HL |
| Tolerance | ±0.02mm (precision cold rolled) |
Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel
| Element | 316 Standard | 316L (Low Carbon) |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0-14.0 | 10.0-14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-3.0 | 2.0-3.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 | ≤0.03 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Physical Properties of Stainless Steel
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1375-1400 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.3 (at 100°C) |
| Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·m) | 0.74 |
| Magnetic Permeability | Non-magnetic (annealed) |
| Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/°C) | 16.0 (20-100°C) |
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel
| Property | 316 | 316L | 316 Cold Worked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 515-690 | 485-620 | 800-1000 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205-310 | 170-310 | 550-850 |
| Elongation (%) | 40-50 | 40-50 | 10-20 |
| Hardness (HV) | 130-200 | 130-200 | 250-350 |
Comparison with Other Grades:
| Property | 316 | 304 | 2205 Duplex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitting Resistance (PREN)* | 25-35 | 18-20 | 35-40 |
| Cost (USD/kg) | $5-8 | $3-5 | $6-10 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205-310 | 205-310 | 450-550 |
*PREN = Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N)
Benefits of Using 316 Stainless Steel Sheet
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
The addition of molybdenum in 316 stainless steel significantly improves its resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking, especially in chloride-containing environments. This makes it an ideal choice for marine, chemical, and food processing applications.
- High-Temperature Strength
316 stainless steel sheet can maintain its mechanical properties at high temperatures, making it suitable for use in heat exchangers, furnaces, and other high-temperature equipment.
- Good Formability and Weldability
The alloy’s austenitic structure provides it with excellent formability, allowing it to be easily shaped into various forms such as sheets, plates, and tubes. It is also highly weldable, which facilitates the fabrication of complex structures.
- Hygienic Properties
316 stainless steel is non-porous and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for food and beverage processing equipment, as well as medical devices.
Tips for Procurement and Cost-Effectiveness
| Thickness (mm) | Price (USD/m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5mm (2B Finish) | $25-40 | Most common for fabrication |
| 3.0mm (No.4 Finish) | $80-120 | Architectural panels |
| 10.0mm (Hot Rolled) | $150-250 | Structural applications |
Procurement Tips:
✔ Bulk orders (>500kg) for 10-15% discount
✔ Choose 316L for welded structures
✔ Verify mill certificates (ASTM A240 compliance)
Manufacturing & Cost Considerations
Cutting: Laser/waterjet for precision, shear for bulk
Forming: Anneal after severe deformation
Welding: Use 316L filler for 316, 317L for 316L
Surface Finishing: Electropolishing for hygienic applications
Cost Drivers:
Molybdenum content (~30% cost premium vs 304)
Surface finish requirements (No.8 mirror adds 30-50%)
Custom sizes/thicknesses (+15-25%)
Pricing Insights
2024 Price Range: $5,000-8,000/ton (varies with Mo/Ni markets)
Thin gauge (0.1-0.5mm): +20-30% premium
Trend: 5-10% annual price volatility due to alloying elements
Applications of Alloy in Various Industries
| Industry | Application | Why 316? |
|---|---|---|
| Marine | Boat fittings, offshore platforms | Chloride resistance |
| Chemical | Reactor vessels, piping | Acid/chloride resistance |
| Medical | Surgical instruments, implants | Biocompatibility |
| Pharmaceutical | Process equipment | Sterilizable surface |
| Architecture | Coastal buildings, facades | Saltwater resistance |
To accurately assess the cost-effectiveness of 316 stainless steel sheet, it is important to consider its lifecycle cost. This includes not only the initial purchase price but also the costs associated with installation, maintenance, and replacement over the material’s service life. In many cases, the longer service life and lower maintenance requirements of 316 stainless steel can result in a lower overall lifecycle cost compared to other materials.
In Conclusion
316 stainless steel sheet provides unmatched corrosion resistance in aggressive environments, with:
✔ Molybdenum-enhanced protection against pitting/crevice corrosion
✔ Excellent fabrication properties (forming, welding)
✔ Wide applicability from marine to medical sectors
Recommendations:
Marine/chemical use: Standard 316
Welded structures: 316L
Budget-conscious projects: Consider 304 for mild environments
316 stainless steel sheet is a versatile and high-performance material that offers exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and excellent mechanical properties. Its wide range of applications in industries such as chemical processing, marine engineering, food and beverage production, and medical equipment manufacturing makes it a popular choice for engineers and designers. When procuring 316 stainless steel sheet, it is important to consider factors such as the chemical composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness. By selecting the right supplier and material, and by considering the specific requirements of the application, it is possible to achieve optimal performance and value for money.
