Products
Contact Us
Stainless Steel 316 Sheet
Keywords:
Category:
Product Details
316 Stainless Steel Sheet: The Marine-Grade Austenitic for Sheet Metal Fabrication & Corrosive Environments
316 stainless steel sheet is one of the most widely used corrosion-resistant stainless steel sheets for marine, chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, and precision fabrication applications. With the addition of approximately 2-3% molybdenum (Mo), 316 stainless steel provides significantly improved resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion compared with standard 304 stainless steel.
For sheet metal fabrication, 316 stainless steel sheet offers an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and surface quality. It is commonly selected when 304 stainless steel does not provide sufficient protection in chloride-containing or aggressive environments.
Teda Ganghua supplies 316 stainless steel sheets with multiple thickness options, surface finishes, precision cutting services, MTR certification, and export packaging solutions for industrial customers worldwide.
View stainless steel products: Teda Ganghua Stainless Steel Products
What Is 316 Stainless Steel Sheet?
316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel grade based on the 18Cr-8Ni system with added molybdenum. The Mo content improves resistance against chloride attack, making it one of the preferred stainless steel materials for marine and chemical environments.
| Element | Typical Content | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16-18% | Provides corrosion-resistant passive layer |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10-14% | Maintains austenitic structure and improves toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2-3% | Improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08% (316) | Controls strength and corrosion behavior |
316 Stainless Steel Sheet vs 316 Stainless Steel Plate
Although both products use the same alloy grade, 316 sheet and 316 plate serve different applications because of thickness, fabrication methods, and supply patterns.
| Product | Thickness Range | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 316 Stainless Steel Sheet | Usually below 3/16 inch | Fabrication, enclosures, panels, equipment covers |
| 316 Stainless Steel Plate | 3/16 inch and above | Pressure equipment, structural parts, heavy industry |
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Standard Sizes & Thickness Range
316 stainless steel sheet is commonly supplied in standard commercial sizes to reduce cutting waste and improve fabrication efficiency.
| Standard Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 4' × 8' | General fabrication and equipment panels |
| 4' × 10' | Large equipment covers and architectural applications |
| 5' × 10' | Industrial fabrication requiring larger sheets |
| Gauge | Thickness |
|---|---|
| 24 Gauge | 0.024 inch |
| 22 Gauge | 0.030 inch |
| 20 Gauge | 0.036 inch |
| 18 Gauge | 0.048 inch |
| 16 Gauge | 0.060 inch |
| 14 Gauge | 0.075 inch |
| 11 Gauge | 0.120 inch |
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Surface Finishes
Surface quality is especially important for thin stainless steel sheets because they are often used in visible or hygienic applications.
| Finish | Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 2B Finish | Standard cold rolled smooth finish | Industrial equipment, general fabrication |
| No.4 Brushed | Directional satin appearance | Kitchen equipment, architectural panels |
| BA Finish | Bright annealed reflective surface | Decorative and precision applications |
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Applications
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Chemical Industry | Chemical container liners, storage equipment, processing tanks |
| Food Processing | Food machinery, sanitary equipment, processing surfaces |
| Marine Industry | Boat hardware, offshore components, coastal structures |
| Medical Industry | Medical equipment housings and cleanroom components |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Hygienic piping systems and reaction equipment |
316 vs 316L Stainless Steel Sheet
316 and 316L stainless steel sheets have almost identical corrosion resistance. The main difference is carbon content. For welded sheet metal fabrication, 316L is usually preferred because the lower carbon content reduces the risk of sensitization after welding.
| Grade | Carbon Content | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 316 | ≤0.08% | General corrosion-resistant sheet applications |
| 316L | ≤0.03% | Welded fabrication and critical corrosion environments |
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Laser Cutting & Bending
316 stainless steel sheet is widely processed by laser cutting and bending due to its excellent fabrication performance.
- Laser cutting provides smooth edges and accurate dimensions.
- Low heat input processing helps maintain surface quality.
- Suitable for CNC bending and forming operations.
- Typical bending requirement: R/t ≤ 1.0 depending on thickness and tooling.
- 316L is recommended for heavily welded structures.
316 Stainless Steel Sheet Buying Guide
When purchasing 316 stainless steel sheet, buyers should confirm the following specifications:
| Parameter | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Grade | Confirm 316 or 316L according to application |
| Thickness | Affects strength, weight, and fabrication cost |
| Surface Finish | Determines appearance and cleaning performance |
| Size | Reduces cutting waste |
| Certification | MTR ensures chemical composition traceability |
Teda Ganghua 316 Stainless Steel Sheet Supply Advantage
Teda Ganghua provides complete 316 stainless steel sheet supply solutions for customers requiring corrosion-resistant materials and reliable fabrication support.
- 316 and 316L stainless steel sheet availability.
- Standard and customized sheet sizes.
- 2B, BA, No.4 brushed and mirror finishes.
- Laser cutting and precision cutting services.
- Customized bending and fabrication support.
- MTR certificates and material traceability.
- Professional export packaging.
Whether for marine equipment, chemical processing systems, food machinery, or pharmaceutical applications, Teda Ganghua delivers reliable 316 stainless steel sheet solutions from material selection to final shipment.
Browse stainless steel products: Teda Ganghua Stainless Steel Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose 316 stainless steel sheet instead of 304?
316 stainless steel sheet contains molybdenum, which provides better resistance to chloride corrosion, making it more suitable for marine, chemical, and coastal environments.
Should I choose 316 or 316L stainless steel sheet?
For welded fabrication, 316L is usually recommended because its lower carbon content improves resistance to welding-related corrosion.
Does Teda Ganghua supply 316 stainless steel sheets?
Yes. Teda Ganghua supplies 316 stainless steel sheets with customized sizes, cutting services, certificates, and international delivery support.


Product Inquiry
Relevant Products