Stainless Steel 316
316L · 316H
Fasteners Manufacturer
Why Stainless Steel 316 316L · 316H Genuinely Changes the Corrosion Story
304’s chromium-nickel composition resists most general corrosion well, but chloride ions specifically attack its passive oxide layer — in seawater, de-icing salt exposure, or many industrial chemical environments, 304 can develop pitting and crevice corrosion at localized weak points in that protective film, even while the surrounding surface looks fine.
Adding roughly 2–3% molybdenum to the same base alloy is what actually fixes this — molybdenum measurably strengthens the passive film’s resistance to chloride attack, which is why 316 is the grade genuinely specified for marine hardware, coastal construction, and chemical processing equipment where 304 would corrode prematurely. This isn’t a marketing distinction; it shows up directly in standard pitting resistance testing.
316’s carbon variants follow exactly the same logic as 304’s — 316L drops carbon to 0.03% maximum to eliminate weld-decay risk in the same way, and 316H raises it to 0.04–0.10% deliberately for improved creep resistance at sustained high temperature, where 316L would again be the wrong choice.
Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. exports to over 50 countries, and our fastener range spans all three 316 carbon variants, verified by chemical composition and mechanical testing under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system.
Where This Material Genuinely Applies
Genuine Chloride & Pitting Resistance
Molybdenum content gives real, testable resistance to seawater and chloride-driven corrosion that 304 lacks.
Correct Carbon Variant for the Service
Choosing 316, 316L, or 316H by welding and temperature exposure avoids the wrong grade for the job.
Full Weldability Options Available
316L’s low-carbon composition resolves weld-decay concerns for fabricated marine and chemical assemblies.
Verified Chemical & Mechanical Properties
Batch testing confirms genuine molybdenum and carbon content for the ordered grade.
316, 316L, and 316H Side by Side
SS 316 — UNS S31600
Molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless with up to 0.08% carbon, suited to general marine and chloride-exposed corrosion-resistant fastening.
Carbon ≤0.08% →SS 316L — UNS S31603
Low-carbon variant with a 0.03% maximum, removing weld-decay risk for welded marine and chemical process assemblies.
Carbon ≤0.03% →SS 316H — UNS S31609
Controlled higher-carbon variant at 0.04–0.10%, deliberately improving creep strength for sustained elevated-temperature marine and process service.
Carbon 0.04–0.10% →316 vs 316L vs 316H — Quick Reference
Confirming chloride exposure, welding needs, and service temperature before ordering avoids specifying the wrong carbon variant. This table is the quick reference we use with buyers before quoting.
| Aspect | SS 316 | SS 316L | SS 316H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | ≤0.08% | ≤0.03% | 0.04–0.10% |
| Molybdenum Content | 2.0–3.0% | 2.0–3.0% | 2.0–3.0% |
| Weld Decay Resistance | Standard | Best | Not optimized for this |
| Elevated Temperature Strength | Standard | Lower than 316 | Best (creep resistance) |
| Typical Use | Marine, chloride exposure | Welded marine/chemical assemblies | Sustained high-temp marine/process |
SS 316 / 316L / 316H Specification Details
Nominal Composition
- Chromium 16.0 – 18.0%
- Nickel 10.0 – 14.0%
- Molybdenum 2.0 – 3.0%
- Carbon Grade-Dependent
Typical Mechanical Range
- Tensile Strength 515 MPa Min (Annealed)
- Yield Strength 205 MPa Min (Annealed)
- Hardness ≤217 HB
- Elongation 40% Min
Fastener Types We Manufacture
- Bolts & Studs Hex, Socket, Threaded Rod
- Nuts Hex, Hex Jam, Self-Locking
- Washers Flat, Lock, Spring
- Custom Sizes On Request
Application Areas
Wherever chloride exposure, welded assembly, or elevated-temperature marine/process stability genuinely matters.
Marine & Offshore Structures
chloride-resistant fastening
Chemical Processing Plants
corrosion-critical assemblies
Power & Process Piping
elevated-temperature service
Coastal Construction & Bridges
salt-resistant hardware
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Equipment
process fastening
Desalination & Water Treatment
fastening reliability
Naval & Shipbuilding Assembly
ship structural components
General Marine-Grade Assembly
everyday chloride-exposed needs
Standard Export Documentation
Prepared as standard practice for every SS 316 / 316L / 316H fastener shipment.
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
Heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical property verification for every lot.
Chemical Composition Report
Confirms actual molybdenum and carbon content fall within the specified grade range.
Certificate of Conformance
Confirms the shipment matches the purchase order grade/size specification in full.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
Confirms India as country of manufacture for destination customs purposes.
NABL Accredited Test Reports
Independent mechanical, dimensional, and pitting resistance testing available on request.
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Itemized value, Incoterm, and detailed carton/weight breakdown for customs clearance.
Internationally Recognised Standards Coverage
Related Fastener Grades & Materials
SS 304 / 304L / 304H Fasteners
Our companion grade page for the non-molybdenum 18/8 stainless family, and when 304 is sufficient instead.
View SS 304 Guide →ASTM A193 Grade B8LN
Our low-carbon, nitrogen-enhanced stainless bolting grade for additional strength at low carbon.
View Grade B8LN →Stainless Steel Fasteners Manufacturer India
Our broader stainless steel fastener manufacturing capability across all major grades.
View SS Manufacturer Guide →Stainless Steel Washers
Our dedicated stainless steel washer range, available across the 316/316L/316H family.
View SS Washers →Marine, Welded, or
High-Temperature — We’ll Confirm the Grade
Tell us whether the assembly faces chloride exposure, welding, or sustained elevated temperature — we’ll confirm the right carbon variant and quote with full documentation. Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. responds within 24 hours.
Sales: +91 724 0000 733 · Support: +91 800 9315 333 · sales@akbarfasteners.in