316

Type 316 stainless steel offers enhanced corrosion resistance and strength compared to grade 304, although it comes at a higher cost. The secret to its superior corrosion resistance — especially in seawater — is the addition of molybdenum and a higher amount of nickel. Grade 316 has 16.5% to 18.5% chromium, 2% to 2.5% molybdenum, 10% to 13% nickel, and a maximum of 0.07% carbon. This chemical composition also enhances corrosion resistance against organic and reducing acids.

Like other austenitic stainless steel alloys, type 316 offers outstanding ductility, formability, and machinability. It maintains oxidation resistance up to 1697 degrees Fahrenheit in continuous service (1598 degrees intermittent).

Even though grade 316 is highly resistant to chlorides in normal seawater conditions, it can’t take the place of specialized nickel alloys. Above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the structure of 316 stainless steel is still vulnerable to stress corrosion cracking and other chloride ion effects. 

For this reason, grade 316 stainless fasteners are used more commonly for coastal operations, wastewater treatment, and shipbuilding instead of offshore oil production and petrochemical manufacturing.

Grade 316 stainless steel fasteners show high toughness, durability, strength, creep resistance, and fatigue resistance. Our cold working processes improve tensile strength and hardness even more. They also contribute to precise dimensions for drive and head styles, threads, U-bolts, SEMS, and specialized rivets. 

The alloy’s tensile strength is 500 to 700 MPa, and the minimum yield strength is 200 MPa. The elongation rating is 40% minimum. It has a Brinell hardness rating of 215 max.

Choose 316 stainless steel fasteners whenever the corrosion resistance of 304 or 302 grades is insufficient. Common examples include:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical equipment
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Foodservice prep tables and processing equipment
• Research and development labs
• Commercial kitchens and breweries
• Consumer goods manufacturing
• Aerospace and aviation

Grades 302 and 304 have increased vulnerability to seawater and salt, so 316 stainless steel (or nickel superalloys) are a must for boat manufacturing, coastal construction, and heavy equipment manufacturing in areas with winter road salt.

At Valley Fastener Group, we manufacture a wide range of grade 316 stainless steel fasteners. Contact us today to learn more about our custom fastener solutions and request a quote.