About 316 stainless steel sheet
316 stainless steel sheet is a member of the austenitic family of stainless steel, which has no magnetism in the annealed state. As a marine grade stainless steel, 316 stainless steel sheet is often chosen for seawater applications.
We supply 316 stainless steel sheets with width from 1ft-4ft or custom cut and length from 1 ft-8 ft or custom cut. And our sheets have all won standards like ASTM A240/ A480/ A666, ASME SA240, AMS 5524/5507, QQ-S 766.
Features of 316 stainless steel sheet
316 stainless steel sheet has excellent load-bearing properties, superior durability, high strength, high-temperature rupture and tensile strength. It is also easy to form, fabricate and weld, and is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion in marine environments under atmospheric conditions. Excellent pitting and creep resistance also make 316 stainless sheet useful in many applications.
Where to use 316 stainless steel sheet
Apart from marine industry, 316 stainless steel sheet is also used in pharmaceutical equipment, chemical and petrochemical processing, pulp and paper, aerospace, textile, architectural, food processing, motor and machinery components, laboratory benches & equipment, oil & petroleum refining equipment. People also choose it for the production of chemical containers, heat exchangers, threaded fasteners, pressure vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, valves and pumps, engines, flanges, fittings, and boat fittings.
Types of 316 Stainless Steel Sheet
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Surface Finishes
316 stainless steel sheets come in various surface finishes, which affect the appearance, texture, and performance of the material. Here are some common finishes for 316 stainless steel sheets:
- 2B Finish: This is a smooth, reflective finish achieved through cold rolling, annealing, and pickling. It has a matte appearance and is widely used for industrial and architectural applications.
- No. 4 Finish: Also known as a brushed or satin finish, this finish has a textured appearance created by mechanical polishing. It is less reflective than a 2B finish and is often used for decorative purposes.
- BA (Bright Annealed) Finish: This finish is achieved by annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace, resulting in a highly reflective and mirror-like surface.
- Hairline Finish: A finely textured finish achieved through polishing, creating a consistent, unidirectional pattern that resembles hairlines. It’s often used for decorative and architectural applications.
- Mirror Finish: A highly reflective and smooth finish achieved through extensive polishing. It provides a mirror-like appearance and is used for decorative and high-end applications.
- Embossed Finish: The surface is textured with raised or recessed patterns using mechanical embossing. This finish is often chosen for aesthetic purposes.
- Etched Finish: The surface is chemically or electrolytically etched to create patterns or designs. This finish is popular for artistic and decorative applications.
- Colored Finish: Stainless steel sheets can be treated to achieve various colors through processes like electroplating, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), or powder coating.
- Patterned Finish: Sheets can be embossed or pressed with specific patterns, textures, or designs for visual or functional purposes.
The choice of finish depends on factors such as the intended use, aesthetic preferences, and performance requirements of the stainless steel sheet. Different finishes offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and overall appearance. When specifying a finish for a 316 stainless steel sheet, it’s important to consider the application’s functional and visual aspects.
Stainless steel hardness is often measured using different scales, with the Rockwell Hardness Scale (HRC) and the Brinell Hardness Scale (HB) being commonly used. Here’s a general idea of the hardness range you can expect for 316 stainless steel:
- Rockwell Hardness (HRC): The HRC scale measures the indentation hardness of a material. For annealed (softened) 316 stainless steel, the typical HRC hardness range is around 25-30. This indicates relatively low hardness and good machinability.
- Brinell Hardness (HB): The HB scale measures the hardness of a material through the diameter of an indentation made by a hard steel or carbide ball. For annealed 316 stainless steel, the Brinell hardness typically falls within the range of 149-207 HB.
It’s important to note that the hardness of stainless steel can be modified through heat treatment processes such as annealing (softening) or cold working (increasing hardness). Hardness can also vary across the thickness of a sheet due to differences in processing or cooling rates.
The thickness of a 316 stainless steel sheet can vary from very thin to relatively thick. Here are some common thickness options:
- Thin Sheets: Thin sheets are generally less than 0.5 millimeters (mm) in thickness. They are often used for applications that require flexibility or where weight is a concern.
- Medium Thickness: Medium-thickness sheets typically range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. They are used for a wide range of applications, including fabrication, cladding, and construction.
- Thicker Sheets: Thicker sheets, usually ranging from 3 mm to 12 mm or more, are used for heavy-duty applications that require higher strength or structural integrity. These could include industrial equipment components and structural elements.
The specific thickness you choose will depend on the requirements of your application. Thinner sheets are more suitable for decorative or lightweight applications, while thicker sheets are used for heavy-duty purposes. It’s important to determine the appropriate thickness based on factors like load-bearing requirements, structural considerations, and the intended use of the stainless steel sheet.
- Mechanical Specification
| Tensile Strength | Elasticity | Shearing Strength | Brinell hardness | Density | Yield Strength | Elongation |
| 70,000 psi | 29,000 ksi | 11,500 psi | 217 | .29 lb/in | 34,800 psi | 40% |
The hs code of 316 stainless steel sheet is 7219.32.
