AISI 316 | 1.4401 | BS 316S31 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Austenitic steel
AISI 316 is an austenitic stainless steel, also known as 1.4401, BS 316S31 and X5CrNiMo17-12-2, and belongs to the V4A chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel group. In general, AISI 316 stainless steel is comparable to grade 1.4404. However, due to its higher carbon content, AISI 316 is better suited to applications at low temperatures (up to 550 ∘C). AISI 316 stainless steel exhibits good corrosion resistance in natural environmental media (PREN value 23.1–28.5), but is susceptible to intergranular corrosion and shows no resistance to seawater or chloride-containing media. AISI 316 stainless steel (1.4401, X5CrNiMo17-12-2) has a tensile strength of 500 to 700 N/mm², a hardness of ≤215 HB and a density of 8.0 kg/dm³ (at 20 °C). It can be polished and is well suited to forging. The material can be used for cold forming (cold solid forming), but is rarely used for cold heading. It is regularly used in the food industry, the construction industry and the automotive industry.
Product range for AISI 316 (1.4401, 316S31) stainless steel wire and spring steel wire
As a globally active wholesaler, we supply customers from industry and trade, as well as manufacturing companies, with high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel wires. Thanks to our extensive stock levels and efficient logistics, we can deliver many products at short notice. We stock AISI 316 (1.4401, BS 316S31) as standard in various dimensions ranging from 0.10 mm to 16.00 mm. We offer this material both as bendable stainless steel wire and as high-strength spring steel wire. The links below provide an overview of our complete product range for stainless steel wire and spring steel wire, as well as our regular stock levels. Another link takes you to the AISI 316 product page in our shop, where you can order small quantities directly.
Data sheet in accordance with DIN EN 10088-3 for material number AISI 316 (BS 316S31)
Technical properties at a glance
Elongation at break (A): ≥ 40 %
Density: 8.0 kg/dm³
Hardness: ≤ 215 HB
Cold forming: Well suited
Cold heading: Suitable to a limited extent
Corrosion resistance: Good to very good
Magnetic: No
Magnetisability: Very low
Polishability: Good
PREN value: 23.1 – 28.5
Forgability: Good
Weldability: Good
Machinability: Moderate
Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 200 MPa (N/mm²)
Machinability: Moderate
Tensile strength: 500 – 700 N/mm²
Specifications and classification
EN material number 1.4401
EN abbreviation X5CrNiMo17-12-2
EN standard 10088-3
Austenite microstructure class
AFNOR Z7CND17-11-02 / Z7CND17-12-02
AISI 316
Alloy 316
AMS 5648
ASTM A276
BS 316S31
ČSN 17346
GB 08Ch27N13M2
JIS SUS316
ONORM X5CrNiMo17-12-2KW
PN 0H17N12M2T
RVS 316
SAE 316
SS 2347
UNE F.3534
UNI X5CrNiMo1712
UNS S31600
Comparable standards and designations
Mechanical properties at room temperature
The chemical composition of stainless steel AISI 316 (1.4401, X5CrNiMo17-12-2) is specified in accordance with DIN EN 10088-3 in mass per cent as follows:
-
Carbon (C): ≤ 0.07
-
Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.00
-
Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00
-
Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045
-
Sulphur (S): ≤ 0.030
-
Nitrogen (N): ≤ 0.10
-
Chromium (Cr): 16.5 – 18.5
-
Molybdenum (Mo): 2.00 – 2.50
-
Nickel (Ni): 10.00 – 13.00
The values given refer to the diameter range ≤ 160 (Ø in mm) and 160 < d ≤ 250 (Ø in mm)*
Hardness in HB: ≤ 215
Yield strength Rp0.2 in Mpa: ≥ 200
Yield strength Rp1.0 in Mpa: ≥ 235
Strength / tensile strength Rm in Mpa: 500-700
Elongation at break A in % (longitudinal) at ≤ 160: ≥ 40
* These figures refer to the mechanical properties of AISI 316, which is formable at room temperature in the solution-annealed condition (in accordance with EN 10088-3)
Yield strengths at elevated temperature in the solution-annealed condition
Temp in °C | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 450 | 500 | 550 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rp0,2 in MPa | ≥ 175 | ≥ 158 | ≥ 145 | ≥ 135 | ≥ 127 | ≥ 120 | ≥ 115 | ≥ 112 | ≥ 110 | ≥ 108 |
Rp1,0 in MPa | ≥ 210 | ≥ 190 | ≥ 175 | ≥ 165 | ≥ 155 | ≥ 150 | ≥ 145 | ≥ 141 | ≥ 139 | ≥ 137 |
Physical properties
Magnetisability: low
Density (kg/dm³): 8.0
Thermal conductivity (at up to 20°C): 15
Electronic resistance at room temperature (in Ω mm²/m): 0.75
Specific heat capacity at 20°C in J/(kg K): 500
Corrosion resistance of stainless steel AISI 316
Stainless steel AISI 316 (1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2) possesses good corrosion resistance (PREN value 23.1 – 28.5) in natural environmental media and in environments with low chlorine and salt concentrations. The corrosion resistance of this material is enhanced by the deliberate addition of 2 to 2.5 % molybdenum as an alloying element. At room temperature, AISI 316 stainless steel is also resistant to organic acids as well as low-concentration nitric and sulphuric acids. It does not offer long-term resistance to seawater or water with high salt and chloride content. In such media, pitting and crevice corrosion can occur rapidly under the influence of halides. Due to the material’s relatively high carbon content, it also lacks resistance to intergranular corrosion when in a welded state.
Stainless steel AISI 316 (1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2) has medium weldability and can be used with many common processes such as arc or TIG welding. This stainless steel grade is only partially suitable for submerged arc and gas fusion welding. A welding filler material is not required. If such a material is desired, 1.4430 should be used. After welding, heat treatment is required. Since chromium carbides can form during welding, the corrosion resistance is negatively affected. In the welded state, the material is therefore no longer resistant to intercrystalline corrosion. To assess weldability, we advise you to use our CEV calculator.
Heat treatment and hot forming
Solution heat treatment (cooling by air or water): 1020-1120 °C
Hot forming (cooling by air): 1200-900 °C
Forging
Stainless steel AISI 316 / BS 316S31 has good forgeability. The material should first be heated to a temperature of 1150°C to 1180°C so that forging can take place in the temperature range between 1180°C and 950°C. The material must then be quickly heated in water. The material must then be cooled quickly in water or air. Corrosion resistance is negatively affected by the formation of scale and tarnish colours, so these should be removed. The material is suitable for open-die forging and drop forging.
Machinability and machining
Stainless steel AISI 316 / 1.4401 has moderate machinability. Owing to its high toughness and pronounced work hardening, machining requires sharp carbide tools with low wear rates. The risk of work hardening increases if adequate cooling is not ensured during machining, if friction occurs, or if the cutting speed is set too low. The material can be used for turning, milling, drilling and thread cutting. To avoid compromising corrosion resistance, surface discolouration and machining residues should be completely removed from the surface after machining.
Cold forming and cold heading
Cold forming: The austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 (1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2) is well suited to cold forming. It can be processed by bending, edging, drawing and similar forming processes. Due to its austenitic microstructure, the material exhibits significant work hardening. Higher forces are therefore required for more severe forming operations.
Cold heading: The material AISI 316 (1.4401) is well suited to cold heading and cold extrusion processes, and can also be used for standard cold heading processes. In the case of very high degrees of forming, the significant work hardening must be taken into account.
FAQ on stainless steel AISI 316
The data provided in this data sheet or material information sheet has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and is based on the current version of the relevant standard. We do not accept any liability for any errors.
Please note
