316 & 316L Stainless Steel Round Bar
316 stainless steel round bar has a very broad range of industrial applications, owing to its unique performance characteristics that include excellent corrosion resistance and easy formability. Grade 316 stainless steel is differentiated by its molybdenum content, which supports its superior resilience against oxidation. Grade 316L is a reduced-carbon version of the standard 316 grade, and is recommended for applications demanding sensitization immunity.
At Ram Alloys, we offer grade 316/316L stainless steel round bars in both random and custom-cut lengths, with a range of surface finish options.
316 vs 316L Stainless Steel
Grade 316L, the lower-carbon version of stainless steel grade 316, has increased resistance to surface corrosion and can be deployed in the same range of temperatures. It is also more commonly used for applications requiring heavy-gauge components for welding. Though 316/316L is widely regarded as the default option for applications demanding marine-grade products, it displays reduced performance in warm salt water.
| Feature | 316 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | Higher | Lower |
| Corrosion Resistance (General) | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance (Welded) | Needs Annealing | Does Not Need Annealing |
| Machinability | More Difficult | Less Difficult |
Characteristics
316 stainless steel carries the following specific performance features:
- Superior corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel grade 304, the other common austenitic grade
- Outstanding oxidation resistance against chloride agents in cooler environments
- Excellent formability & ideal suitability for standard-fusion welding methods
- Elite durability & toughness across a wide temperature range (maintained even in cryogenic conditions)
Common Applications
- Laboratory Equipment
- Marine Equipment
- Marine Architecture
- Chemical Transportation
- Heat Exchangers
- Pumps
- Water Filtration
Chemical Composition
UNS: S31600 / TYPE: 316L
| Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulpher (S) | Silicon (Si) | Chrome (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Molybdenum (Mo) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | 16.0 | 10.0 | 2.00 | |||||
| Max | 0.030 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 1.00 | 18.0 | 14.0 | 3.00 |
Mechanical Composition
UNS: S31600 / TYPE: 316L
| Tensile Min psi | Yield Min psi | Elongation Min % | Reductions Min % | Hardness BHN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | 30,000 | 40 | 50 | * |
To inquire about the availability of 316/316L Stainless Steel Round Bar for your intended application, or to consult one of our courteous and knowledgeable customer service representatives, email or call Ram Alloys today!
Need more information? click here for a quote or call us at 713.466.1890 to speak with a Ram Alloys representative.