1.Corrosion Resistance
Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media – generally more resistant than 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60 °C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000 mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500 mg/L at 60 °C.
316 is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”, but it is not resistant to warm seawater. In many marine environments, 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish.
2.Heat Resistance
Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870 °C and continuous service to 925 °C. Continuous use of 316 in the 425-860 °C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important. Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range. Grade 316H has higher strength at elevated temperatures and is sometimes used for structural and pressure-containing applications at temperatures above about 500 °C.
3.Heat Treatment
Solution Treatment (Annealing) – Heat to 1010-1120 °C and cool rapidly. These grades cannot be hardened by thermal treatment.

316 Stainless Steel Bar Specification

316 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

Grade		C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Mo	Ni	N
316	Min	–	–	–	0	–	16.0	2.00	10.0	–
	Max	0.08	2.0	0.75	0.045	0.03	18.0	3.00	14.0	0.10

316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Grade	Tensile Str (MPa) min	Yield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) min	Elong (% in 50 mm) min	Hardness
				Rockwell B (HR B) max	Brinell (HB) max
316	515	205	40	95	217