Stainless Steel 316LN · supply condition
Stainless Steel 316LN CW 1/2 Hard
Properties of the CW 1/2 Hard condition, compared with the other 316LN tempers.
Highest standard cold-rolled level: for flat springs, clamps and load-bearing strip with no significant forming.
What is 316LN CW 1/2 Hard?
316LN CW 1/2 Hard is 316LN supplied in the CW 1/2 Hard condition — highest standard cold-rolled level: for flat springs, clamps and load-bearing strip with no significant forming. 316LN CW 1/2 Hard has a yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) — stronger than 97% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi). 316LN CW 1/2 Hard has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). Solution Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CW 1/2 Hard is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 810 MPa (117 ksi), better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 82/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 84% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 90% of stainless steel grades
316LN CW 1/2 Hard properties
Typical room-temperature values for 316LN CW 1/2 Hard — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 316LN temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the stainless steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
316LN CW 1/2 Hard has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
316LN CW 1/2 Hard has a yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) — stronger than 97% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
316LN CW 1/2 Hard is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 14.5 W/m·K (8.38 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
316LN CW 1/2 Hard conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 74% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 316LN CW 1/2 Hard takes about 78 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 87% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability6
316LN CW 1/2 Hard's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 316LN tempers and conditions
316LN is also supplied in 8 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 316LN overview.
- Solution AnnealedDefaultDefault supply condition for plate, pipe, forgings and pressure parts; maximum corrosion resistance and toughness.320 MPa yield · 165 HB
- CW 1/2 HardHighest standard cold-rolled level: for flat springs, clamps and load-bearing strip with no significant forming.810 MPa yield · 32 HRC
- CW 1/4 HardUse where a high yield strength sheet is needed and forming is limited to gentle radii.570 MPa yield · 25 HRC
- Cold DrawnChoose for straight, close-tolerance bar with ~50 % higher yield strength and better machined finish than annealed.520 MPa yield · 220 HB
- AnnealedPick for maximum ductility in deep drawing, bending or when re-heat-treatment after forming is not planned.300 MPa yield · 155 HB
Working with 316LN CW 1/2 Hard
Is 316LN easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp coated carbide, heavy constant feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~30 % of 1212 speeds.
Can 316LN be welded?
Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW with 316L or 316LMn filler; no pre- or post-weld heat treatment needed, keep heat input moderate and interpass low to avoid ferrite/sigma issues, back-purge with argon.
Can 316LN be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but work-hardens fast — allow ~30–40 % higher press loads than 316L, generous radii, and interstage annealing at 1050 °C for severe draws; hot work 1150–900 °C.
What surface finishes work on 316LN?
Pickle and passivate after welding or heavy grinding to restore the passive film; takes fine mechanical and electropolished finishes readily (No.4, 2B, BA); not anodizable, plating rarely needed.
316LN 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cextra-low carbon, resists sensitisation | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Si1.00 max in some EN product forms | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Ni | 10 – 14 | 12 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Nthe defining addition; EN 1.4406 spec 0.12–0.22 % | 0.1 – 0.16 | 0.14 |
| Fe | balance | — |
316LN CW 1/2 Hard — frequently asked
What is 316LN CW 1/2 Hard used for?
316LN CW 1/2 Hard is typically used for cryogenic pressure vessels, LNG terminal piping and storage tanks, chemical process pressure vessel shells, heat exchanger and condenser tubing, marine and offshore structural fittings and pump and valve bodies for corrosive duty. In short: nitrogen-strengthened 316L.
What is the yield strength of 316LN CW 1/2 Hard?
316LN CW 1/2 Hard has a typical yield strength of 810 MPa (117 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,080 MPa (157 ksi) — stronger than 97% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is 316LN CW 1/2 Hard easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp coated carbide, heavy constant feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~30 % of 1212 speeds.
Can 316LN CW 1/2 Hard be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW with 316L or 316LMn filler; no pre- or post-weld heat treatment needed, keep heat input moderate and interpass low to avoid ferrite/sigma issues, back-purge with argon.
What surface finishes work on 316LN CW 1/2 Hard?
Pickle and passivate after welding or heavy grinding to restore the passive film; takes fine mechanical and electropolished finishes readily (No.4, 2B, BA); not anodizable, plating rarely needed.
Can 316LN CW 1/2 Hard be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but work-hardens fast — allow ~30–40 % higher press loads than 316L, generous radii, and interstage annealing at 1050 °C for severe draws; hot work 1150–900 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of 316LN CW 1/2 Hard?
316LN CW 1/2 Hard is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 316LN CW 1/2 Hard?
Yes — 316LN CW 1/2 Hard is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Cr and Cr-Ni Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip (S31653) — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A479/A479M and A276 — Stainless Steel Bars for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Use — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- EN 10088-1/-2/-3 — Stainless steels, grade 1.4406 (X2CrNiMoN17-11-2) — CEN (2014)
- GB/T 24511 / GB/T 1220 — (022Cr17Ni12Mo2N) — SAC (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Outokumpu Supra 316L/4404 & 4406 data sheet — 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.