SS 316 Stainless Steel Forgings
SS 316 adds 2–3% molybdenum to the 304 recipe, and that molybdenum is what resists chloride pitting. In seawater, brine and many process chemicals it is the difference between a component that lasts and one that pits through.
- Chromium
- 16.0 – 18.0%
- Nickel
- 10.0 – 14.0%
- Molybdenum
- 2.0 – 3.0%
- Carbon (316L)
- 0.03% max
- Tensile (annealed)
- 515 MPa min
- Equivalent
- F316, 1.4401, SUS316
SS 316 Stainless Steel Forgings at a glance
Quotable facts from Avadh Techno Forge, Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot.
- Chromium: 16.0 – 18.0%
- Nickel: 10.0 – 14.0%
- Molybdenum: 2.0 – 3.0%
- Carbon (316L): 0.03% max
- Tensile (annealed): 515 MPa min
- Equivalent: F316, 1.4401, SUS316
Molybdenum and Pitting Resistance
Chloride ions attack the passive film on stainless steel locally, creating pits that penetrate fast. Molybdenum stabilises that film, which is why 316 rather than 304 is specified anywhere seawater or brine is present.
- Resists chloride pitting
- Suits seawater and brine service
- 316L for welded assemblies
- Higher creep strength than 304
316 Versus 316L
316L's lower carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding, preserving corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone. Specify 316L wherever the forging will be welded into an assembly.
Applications
Marine fittings, offshore hardware, chemical process valves and flanges, pharmaceutical equipment, desalination plant components and food processing hardware.
SS 316 Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
SS 316 (1.4401, SUS316, forged as F316 under ASTM A182) adds two to three percent molybdenum to the 304 recipe. That molybdenum stabilises the passive film against chloride attack, which is the single reason the grade exists and the single question that should decide between 316 and 304.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Chromium | 16.0 – 18.0% |
| Nickel | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Molybdenum | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Carbon | 0.08% maximum (0.030% for 316L) |
| Tensile strength, annealed | 515 MPa minimum |
| Yield strength, annealed | 205 MPa minimum |
| Chloride pitting resistance | Substantially better than 304 |
| Hardenable by heat treatment | No |
316 or 316L: Deciding by Welding, Not by Habit
316L's lower carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding, which would otherwise leave the heat-affected zone vulnerable to corrosion. The rule is simple: specify 316L wherever the forging will be welded into an assembly, and 316 where it will not. Where chlorides are hot, concentrated or under tensile stress, neither may be enough and duplex becomes the right answer — see 316 versus duplex. Applications span marine and offshore hardware, chemical process valves and flanges, desalination equipment and pharmaceutical plant.
People also ask
When should I specify 316L instead of 316?
Wherever the forging will be welded into an assembly, since the lower carbon prevents chromium carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone.
Is 316 suitable for seawater service?
For most seawater applications yes. Hot or stagnant seawater may require duplex or super-austenitic grades.
Topics covered on this page
- SS 316 forging manufacturer India
- marine grade stainless forging
- SS 316L forged components
- 316 stainless forging supplier
Based on work carried out at our own forging plant at Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot — operating since 2008.
Questions Answered
What is the difference between 316 and 316L?
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316L has lower carbon, which prevents sensitisation during welding. Use 316L for anything to be welded; 316 otherwise.
Is 316 suitable for seawater?
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Yes, for most seawater service. In stagnant hot seawater, duplex or super-austenitic grades may be required.
Do you supply 316 forged flanges?
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Yes, F316 flanges to ANSI B16.5 and DIN, with EN 10204 3.1 certification.
Is 316 more expensive than 304?
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Yes, because of the nickel and molybdenum content. Specify it where chlorides are actually present, not by default.