Description
Global Standards & Specifications
| Region |
Standard |
Grade |
Surface Finish |
| USA |
ASTM A554 |
UNS S31600 |
Mirror (#8), Brushed (No. 4) |
| Europe |
EN 10296-2 |
1.4401 |
Electropolished (Ra ≤0.3 µm) |
| Asia-Pacific |
JIS G3466 |
SUS316 SQS |
Pickled, Mill Finish |
Key Advantages
Corrosion Resistance
PREN 28–32: Withstands coastal salt spray, chlorinated pools, and acidic vapors (pH ≥2.5).
Immune to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in marine atmospheres (ASTM G36 compliant).
Structural Integrity
Cold-worked variants achieve 1.100 MPa tensile strength—ideal for load-bearing frameworks.
Seamless corners eliminate weak points, ensuring uniform stress distribution.
Aesthetic Versatility
Available in laser-cut, deburred edges for architectural cladding, handrails, and art installations.
Hygienic Design
Electropolished interiors (Ra ≤0.2 µm) prevent bacterial adhesion in food processing and labs.
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Cr |
Ni |
Mo |
C |
Mn |
Si |
P |
S |
| 16–18% |
10–14% |
2–3% |
≤0.08% |
≤2.0% |
≤0.75% |
≤0.045% |
≤0.03% |
Mechanical Properties
| Wall Thickness |
Yield Strength |
Hardness (HV) |
Max Operating Temp |
| 1.0–6.0 mm |
205–310 MPa |
155–220 |
870°C (oxidizing) |
| 6.1–12.0 mm |
310–550 MPa |
220–260 |
540°C (reducing) |
Applications
Marine Engineering
Offshore platform walkways, ship railings, and desalination plant supports.
Architecture
UV-resistant curtain wall frames, corrosion-free balcony structures, and museum display systems.
Industrial
Chemical reactor scaffolding, cleanroom ventilation ducts, and pharmaceutical conveyor frames.
Consumer Goods
Luxury furniture, marine-grade outdoor grills, and modular shelving units.
Fabrication Guidelines
Cutting & Welding
Use laser/plasma cutting for burr-free edges; TIG weld with ER316L filler (argon shielding).
Surface Treatment
Passivate with nitric acid (20–50% v/v) post-fabrication to restore corrosion resistance.
Load Calculations
Allowable axial load: 12.5 kN/m for 50x50x3 mm tubes (safety factor = 1.5).
FAQs
Q1: How does 316 square tube differ from 304 in coastal applications?
A1: 316’s molybdenum content resists pitting from chloride ions (e.g., seawater), whereas 304 may corrode within 2–5 years.
Q2: What surface finish minimizes maintenance?
A2: Electropolished (Ra ≤0.3 µm) or PVD-coated finishes reduce dirt accumulation and simplify cleaning.
Q3: Can it be welded to carbon steel frameworks?
A3: Yes—use 309L filler metal and isolate joints with dielectric coatings to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Q4: Maximum unsupported span for structural use?
A4: 3.2 meters for 50x50x4 mm tubes under 500 kg/m² distributed load (EN 1993-1-1 compliant).
Q5: Is it suitable for high-temperature exhaust systems?
A5: Limited to 540°C continuous use. For higher temps, consider 310S (up to 1.100°C).
