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Stainless Steel 316 · temper

Stainless Steel 316 Annealed

Properties of the Annealed condition, compared with the other 316 tempers.

Used interchangeably with solution annealed on mill certificates for austenitic 316; pick when the certificate simply says 'annealed'.

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What is 316 Annealed?

316 Annealed is 316 in the Annealed temper — used interchangeably with solution annealed on mill certificates for austenitic 316; pick when the certificate simply says 'annealed'. 316 Annealed has a yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) — weaker than 73% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi). 316 Annealed has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F). Solution Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Annealed is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Tough — resists crack growth — 220 MPa·√m (200.2 ksi·√in), better than 97% of stainless steel grades
  • Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 85/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
  • Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades

316 Annealed properties

Typical room-temperature values for 316 Annealed — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 316 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the stainless steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.

Physical3

316 Annealed has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F).

Density8 g/cm³0.29 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,375°C2,507 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,400°C2,552 °F

Mechanical16

316 Annealed has a yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) — weaker than 73% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus193 GPa28 Msi
Shear Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus166 GPa24.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.28
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)575 MPa83.4 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)285 MPa41.3 ksi
Elongation at Break50%
Reduction in Area65%
Compressive Strength290 MPa42.1 ksi
Shear Strength415 MPa60.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)250 MPa36.3 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)220 MPa·√m200 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)130 J95.9 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell150 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B82 HRB
Hardness, Vickers160 HV

Thermal6

316 Annealed is rated for continuous service to 870°C (1,598 °F). It conducts heat at 16.3 W/m·K (9.42 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity16.3 W/m·K9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)16 µm/m·K8.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)870°C1,598 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

316 Annealed conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity2.3 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity7.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m29.1 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), better than 81% of stainless steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.05 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good76/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent in fresh/potable water, dilute organic and mineral acids, most foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals; Mo gives good resistance to sulphuric, phosphoric and acetic acids and to moderate chlorides. Not for hot concentrated hydrochloric/hydrofluoric acid, ferric/cupric chlorides, or >60 °C chloride solutions under stress (SCC risk).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 316 Annealed takes about 57 MJ of energy and emits 5.1 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5.1 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content60%

Manufacturability7

316 Annealed's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability excellent (85/100).

MachinabilityFair35/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)45%
WeldabilityExcellent88/100
Formability (cold)Excellent85/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood60/100
PolishabilityExcellent85/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — stainless steel is not anodized; passivation (ASTM A967), electropolishing or PVD colour coating are used instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.

Other 316 tempers and conditions

316 is also supplied in 9 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 316 overview.

Working with 316 Annealed

Is 316 easy to machine?

Runs gummy and work-hardens fast: use sharp positive-rake carbide, 30–60 m/min for turning, heavy constant feed (never dwell), rigid setups and flood coolant or high-pressure through-tool.

Can 316 be welded?

Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/laser with 316L or 316LSi filler and Ar (or Ar+2 %CO₂) shielding; no preheat, keep interpass <150 °C, purge root, avoid 425–815 °C dwell to prevent sensitization/sigma, then pickle-passivate.

Can 316 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent deep-drawing and bending in the annealed condition (bend radius ≥1t for thin sheet) but ~50 % more press force and more springback than mild steel; anneal at 1050 °C between severe draws.

What surface finishes work on 316?

Not anodizable — specify mill 2B/BA, No.4 brush, or No.8 mirror; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after machining/welding, and PVD-coat for coloured decorative finishes.

316 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
C316L variant ≤0.030≤ 0.080.05
Mn≤ 21.5
SiEN 1.4401 limit 1.00≤ 0.750.5
P≤ 0.050.03
S≤ 0.030.01
Cr16 – 1817
Ni10 – 1411
Mo2 – 32.3
N≤ 0.10.04
Febalance ≈ 65–69 %balance—

316 Annealed — frequently asked

What is 316 Annealed used for?

316 Annealed is typically used for marine deck hardware and fasteners, chemical process piping and tanks, food and pharmaceutical processing equipment, surgical instruments and implants, heat exchanger tubing and pump and valve components. In short: marine grade expert.

What is the yield strength of 316 Annealed?

316 Annealed has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) — weaker than 73% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.

Is 316 Annealed easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). Runs gummy and work-hardens fast: use sharp positive-rake carbide, 30–60 m/min for turning, heavy constant feed (never dwell), rigid setups and flood coolant or high-pressure through-tool.

Can 316 Annealed be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Readily welded by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/laser with 316L or 316LSi filler and Ar (or Ar+2 %CO₂) shielding; no preheat, keep interpass <150 °C, purge root, avoid 425–815 °C dwell to prevent sensitization/sigma, then pickle-passivate.

What surface finishes work on 316 Annealed?

Not anodizable — specify mill 2B/BA, No.4 brush, or No.8 mirror; passivate per ASTM A967 or electropolish after machining/welding, and PVD-coat for coloured decorative finishes.

Can 316 Annealed be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent deep-drawing and bending in the annealed condition (bend radius ≥1t for thin sheet) but ~50 % more press force and more springback than mild steel; anneal at 1050 °C between severe draws.

What is the maximum service temperature of 316 Annealed?

316 Annealed is rated for continuous use to about 870°C (1,598 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 316 Solution Annealed and 316 A4-80?

Solution Annealed is the default condition — standard as-supplied condition for plate, sheet, bar, tube and fittings — maximum corrosion resistance, ductility and toughness. A4-80: higher-strength 316 fastener grade for marine and structural bolting where 700 MPa is insufficient. Yield strength is 290 MPa in Solution Annealed versus 640 MPa in A4-80.

Can FabDigit make parts in 316 Annealed?

Yes — 316 Annealed is available for CNC machining, sheet metal and casting & forging with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.

Sources

  1. ASTM A240/A240M — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
  2. ASTM A276/A276M — Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes — ASTM International (2023)
  3. ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
  4. EN 10088-1/-2 — Stainless steels: list of grades and technical delivery conditions — CEN (2014)
  5. ISO 3506-1 — Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners — ISO (2020)
  6. ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steels — ASM International (1994)
  7. Outokumpu Supra 316/4401 datasheet & Corrosion Handbook — Outokumpu (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.