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Stainless Steel 316 is the go-to marine-grade stainless. Adding molybdenum to the austenitic chromium-nickel base gives it far better resistance to chlorides, salt spray and many chemicals than 304, while keeping similar strength. The low-carbon 316L version is preferred for heavily welded parts.
It welds very well and keeps its strength at elevated temperatures, which is why it is common in boat fittings, laboratory hardware, chemical handling and food equipment exposed to cleaning agents. Like 304 it work hardens, so sharp tools and rigid set-ups help keep tolerances tight and finishes clean.
We CNC mill and turn 316 and 316L from bar and plate for one-off prototypes or repeat batches. Note that even 316 can pit in warm sea water, so tell us about the service conditions. Upload your CAD file for an instant quote on 316 stainless steel parts, with delivery anywhere in the UK.
Material
Stainless Steel 316
Description
Strengths
Lead time 10 business days. Marine-grade stainless with superior resistance to chlorides and chemicals, good strength at temperature and excellent weldability.
Weaknesses
Higher cost than 304; can pit in warm sea water
Silver
Ultimate tensile strength
620 MPa
Yield strength
310 MPa
Modulus of elasticity
205 GPa
Elongation at break
30–50%
Density
8.0 g/cm³
Hardness
83 HRB
Corrosion resistance
Excellent (chloride environments)
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
UK equivalent
1.4401 / 316S31 (EN58H); 316L = 1.4404
Maximum service temperature
925°C
Thermal expansion coefficient
15.9 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Thermal conductivity
17 W/(m·K)
Electrical resistivity
81 μΩ·cm
Weldability
Excellent
Machinability
Good
Marine & boat fittings
Food & laboratory equipment
Chemical containers
Heat exchangers
Values shown are typical supplier figures for Stainless Steel 316 and may vary with stock condition. Please confirm critical properties before production.
316 (1.4401) machines reasonably well but, like 304, it work hardens and is slower to cut than mild steel. Good tooling and steady cutting give a clean finish.
316 suits precise marine and process parts; thin walls may need extra care. Achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry and features, so mark any critical tolerances on a 2D drawing with your upload and they will be reviewed and confirmed in your quote.
316 is often supplied as machined, bead blasted or polished, and passivation can be specified. It has excellent weldability.
Typical uses include marine and boat fittings, food and laboratory equipment, chemical containers and heat exchangers.
316 resists chlorides and many chemicals better than 304 because of its molybdenum content, so it is preferred for marine and chemical use. For dry indoor parts, 304 is usually enough. Warm sea water can still cause pitting in 316.
The typical lead time shown for 316 stainless steel is 10 business days from an approved order. Quantity, finishing and any heat treatment can affect this, and your quote confirms the date before you order.
Parts in as fast as 10 business days
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