316L (S31603) | BYBOLT

What is 316L stainless steel and its applications?

316L stainless steel (UNS S31603) is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade used in process equipment and industrial piping. Compared with 304, its alloying improves resistance to pitting, but it remains vulnerable to sufficiently aggressive chloride conditions.

Process piping: Connections in fluids confirmed compatible with 316L.
Food and pharmaceutical equipment: Fabricated parts with defined cleaning and surface requirements.
Industrial water systems: Equipment selected with water chemistry and stagnation in mind.

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Engineering Application & Selection Guide

Molybdenum improves localized-corrosion resistance, while low carbon reduces sensitization risk after welding. Neither feature makes a crevice beneath a nut or washer immune to chloride attack.

316L stud bolts — For process flanges, specify the required bolting standard and strength rather than treating a 316L bar certificate as finished-fastener acceptance.
316L hex bolts — For outdoor equipment, identify salt deposits, washdown chemicals and whether the joint can drain.
316L socket head cap screws — For serviceable equipment, agree a compatible lubricant and tightening method; material selection does not remove galling risk.

Compare 317L or Duplex 2205 when corrosion or load requirements exceed the selected 316L condition. Confirm the failure mechanism first: more alloying is not a remedy for an incorrectly loaded or poorly drained joint.

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316L Composition

Selected composition limits · wt.%

ElementWeight %

Cr: 16–18%
Ni: 10–14%
Mo: 2–3%
C: ≤0.03%

ASTM / ASME specifications by product form

Finished-product requirements

Specify the finished-fastener mechanical requirements, condition and inspection separately from the starting-stock specification.

316L hex bolt requirements ↗

Fasteners · dimensional references

Product	Reference
Hex bolts	ISO 4014 / ISO 4017 · ASME B18.2.1
Threaded studs	DIN 976-1 · ASME B18.31.2
Hex nuts	ISO 4032 · ASME B18.2.2
Socket head screws	ISO 4762 · ASME B18.3
Flat washers	ISO 7089 / ISO 7090 · ASME B18.21.1
Custom fasteners	Customer drawing

Raw-material specifications

Product form / scope	Reference
Plate, sheet & strip · Specify grade, condition and order requirements.	ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240
Bar & wire	ASTM A276 / A478 / A479 · ASME SA479
Tube	ASTM A249 / A554 · ASME SA249
Pipe	ASTM A312 / A409 · ASME SA312 / SA409
Billet & forgings	ASTM A314 / A473
Flanges & fittings	ASTM A182 / A403 · ASME SA182 / SA403

Dimensions do not define material or finished-part compliance. Specify the grade, condition and applicable requirements.

How to specify round bar, plate, wire and strip ↗

316L Mechanical Properties

Reference sample and condition

Data basis: Minimums quoted by producer
Test sample form: Plate, sheet & strip
Condition: Annealed
Test temperature: Room temperature
Gauge length: 2 in (51 mm)

Key properties	Value
Tensile strength	≥485 MPa
0.2% yield strength	≥170 MPa
Elongation	≥40%

ATI · 316 / 316L / 317 / 317L · Technical Data Sheet · ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 minimum-properties table ↗

Procurement and application guide

Specify the material and final condition

Review chloride concentration, temperature and crevice conditions.

Material forms in the technical reference: Plate · Sheet · Strip · Bar · Wire · Billet · Forgings · Pipe & tube · Flanges & fittings.

Define the finished-part acceptance

Include the material or bolting specification, required final condition, dimensions and quantity. State the service medium, temperature and loading where known. Agree the required tests, inspection coverage and acceptance criteria for the finished part.

Start with the information you have

Send a drawing or share the product form and dimensions. Identify any undecided requirements for review rather than copying a typical property value into the purchase order.

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