316L (S31603) Stainless Steel Plate/Sheet – ASTM A240, A358
316L Stainless Steel (Austenitic) is a premium-grade material manufactured to ASTM A240, A358 standards, available in Plate/Sheet form with S31603 UNS designation. Produced through Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled processes, this alloy delivers consistent mechanical properties and superior performance in demanding environments. Key applications include pressure vessels, chemical tank construction, architectural panels, serving industries such as Chemical Processing, Construction, Food & Beverage. Core Metal Steel supplies 316L Plate/Sheet in full compliance with ISO 9001:2015, PED 2014/68/EU certifications, ensuring material traceability and quality assurance for critical service applications.
Product Specifications
| Material Family | Stainless Steel |
| Sub-Family | Austenitic |
| Grade | 316L |
| UNS Number | S31603 |
| Standard | ASTM A240, A358 |
| Product Form | Plate/Sheet |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled |
| Thickness Range | Sheet: 0.3-6 mm; Plate: 6-150 mm |
| Width Range | 1000-2500 mm |
| Length Range | 2000-12000 mm |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.030 max |
| Mn | 2.00 max |
| Si | 0.75 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 16.0-18.0 |
| Ni | 10.0-14.0 |
| Mo | 2.00-3.00 |
| N | 0.10 max |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485 min |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 170 min |
| Elongation (%) | 40 min |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 217 max |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 95 max |
Key Features
- Manufactured in strict compliance with ASTM A240, A358 specifications for guaranteed quality and performance
- Available in Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled manufacturing processes to suit diverse application requirements
- Mechanical properties: 485 min tensile strength, 170 min yield strength
- UNS designation S31603 — fully traceable material with mill test certification
- Certified to ISO 9001:2015, PED 2014/68/EU standards for global market acceptance
- Available in hot-rolled and cold-rolled conditions with multiple surface finish options
Applications & Industries
| Application | Industry |
|---|---|
| Pressure vessels | Chemical Processing |
| Chemical tank construction | Construction |
| Architectural panels | Food & Beverage |
| Heat exchanger plates | Oil & Gas |
| Food processing equipment | Marine |
| Structural components | Aerospace |
At Core Metal Steel, we maintain extensive inventory of 316L Stainless Steel Plate/Sheet products, ensuring rapid fulfillment for both standard and custom orders. Our Austenitic grade Plate/Sheet products are sourced from certified mills and undergo rigorous quality inspection before shipment.
The 316L grade is one of the most requested materials in the Stainless Steel category, valued for its balanced combination of pressure vessels, chemical tank construction performance. Whether your project requires standard dimensions or custom specifications, our technical team provides comprehensive support from material selection through delivery.
Surface finish options for 316L Plate/Sheet include 2B, No.1 (Hot Rolled), BA (Bright Annealed), No.4 (Brushed), Mirror (8K), 2D. Each finish is applied to meet specific application requirements, from hygienic food-grade surfaces to decorative architectural finishes. All products are supplied with mill test certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1, documenting chemical composition and mechanical test results.
Our 316L Plate/Sheet products carry ISO 9001:2015, PED 2014/68/EU, ASME SA240/SA312, NACE MR0175, AD 2000-Merkblatt W2 certifications, providing assurance of material quality and compliance with international standards. We serve customers across Chemical Processing, Construction, Food & Beverage, Oil & Gas sectors with consistent product availability and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel?
The primary difference is carbon content. 304L has a maximum carbon content of 0.030% compared to 0.07% for 304. This lower carbon content in 304L reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making it the preferred choice for welded components that operate in corrosive environments. Both grades offer similar corrosion resistance and mechanical properties in the annealed condition.
Is 316 stainless steel worth the extra cost over 304?
316 stainless steel contains 2-3% molybdenum, which significantly improves corrosion resistance, especially against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. If your application involves marine exposure, chemical processing, or any chloride-containing environment, the additional cost of 316 is well justified. For general indoor or non-aggressive environments, 304 is typically sufficient and more cost-effective.
What is the maximum operating temperature for 310S stainless steel?
310S stainless steel is designed for high-temperature service and can operate continuously at temperatures up to 1150°C (2100°F) in oxidizing atmospheres. Its high chromium (24-26%) and nickel (19-22%) content provides excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for furnace components, heat treatment baskets, and combustion chambers.
What are the advantages of duplex 2205 over austenitic grades?
Duplex 2205 offers approximately twice the yield strength of standard austenitic grades like 304 or 316, allowing for thinner wall sections and weight savings. It also provides superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion in chloride environments. The combination of austenitic and ferritic microstructure gives it excellent mechanical properties across a wide temperature range.
Can stainless steel pipes be welded?
Yes, most stainless steel grades are readily weldable using standard welding processes including TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), and resistance welding. Austenitic grades like 304 and 316 are particularly weldable. For standard carbon grades, post-weld annealing may be required to restore corrosion resistance. Low-carbon variants (304L, 316L) are recommended for welded assemblies to avoid sensitization.
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