316 stainless is a Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic grade recognized for better chloride, acid, and washdown resistance than 304. The molybdenum addition improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in salt air, de-icing salts, and several chemical environments. 316 forms and welds well, work hardens during bending, and is non-magnetic when annealed (may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working). Finish offered in #2B. Stock thicknesses: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4". Typical uses: Marine and coastal hardware, food and pharmaceutical equipment, CIP/washdown enclosures, chemical process parts, architectural trim, guards, flanges, brackets, frames, and plates requiring durable corrosion resistance.
316 stainless (UNS S31600) is an 18-8 with ≈2–3% Mo, offering enhanced resistance to chlorides and several acids. It maintains strength and toughness over a wide temperature range and provides a clean, easy-to-sanitize surface for hygienic environments.
Corrosion Behavior
Chlorides: Better pitting/crevice corrosion resistance than 304 in coastal areas, spray zones, de-icing salts, and many cleaning regimes. Avoid hot, stagnant chloride solutions; design for drainage and drying.
Chemicals: Broad resistance to many organic acids and bases. Check compatibility for strong acids, halides, and reducing environments.
Maintenance: Regular rinsing/cleaning to limit tea staining. Passivation (and electropolishing if needed) to restore and strengthen the protective film after fabrication.
Stiffness/strength: Modulus comparable to 304; strength slightly higher after forming due to work hardening.
Welding: TIG/MIG and resistance welding common. For large welds or where post-weld corrosion resistance is critical, use 316L (low carbon) filler/base to limit sensitization.
Galling: Stainless-on-stainless threads can gall. Use compatible anti-seize, apply controlled torque, and consider coated or dissimilar fasteners.
Isolation/contamination: Avoid carbon steel contamination during handling (clamps, tables, dust) to prevent rust staining.
1/16" (≈1.6 mm): Panels, splash guards, trim, small brackets, hygienic covers. 1/8" (≈3.2 mm): Enclosures, trays, washdown panels, tank components, moderate-load structural brackets. 3/16" (≈4.8 mm): Heavier guards, base plates, mounting lugs in marine/chemical environments. 1/4" (≈6.4 mm): Rigid frames, flanges, tooling plates, equipment bases when deflection control is critical.
Typical Applications: Marine/coastal hardware and panels, food and pharmaceutical equipment (CIP/SIP), chemical process parts, pump/valve components and clamps, architectural accents exposed to salt, high-cleanability guards, and high-reliability brackets/frames in corrosive service.
The Bottom Line: Choose 316 when you need stainless with true chloride resistance in the most common sheet/plate thicknesses—from light panels to rigid plates.