Stainless Steel 316

What is Stainless Steel 316?

316 stainless steel (also written SS316, Grade 316, or in Ferracut's range as SS G316) is an austenitic stainless steel with a composition of approximately 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum is the key difference from 304 stainless — it dramatically improves resistance to pitting corrosion caused by chlorides (salt), making 316 the preferred grade for any application near the ocean, in chemical processing, or in aggressive industrial environments.

316 is also specified in pharmaceutical and food processing due to its cleanability and resistance to acidic cleaning chemicals. It is the standard material for medical implants and surgical instruments requiring long-term biocompatibility.

316 vs 304: When to Specify 316

In Australia's coastal climate, the rule of thumb is: within approximately 1km of the coast, specify 316. For harsh chemical environments, salt spray, or permanently wet conditions, always use 316. For dry indoor applications away from the coast, 304 is typically adequate and more cost-effective.

316 stainless is approximately 20–30% more expensive than equivalent 304, so the specification should be deliberate. Ferracut stocks both grades to give you the right material at the right price.

Why Laser Cut 316 Stainless?

Fibre laser cutting with nitrogen assist is ideal for 316 stainless, producing clean, oxide-free edges that maintain the alloy's corrosion resistance. Using oxygen assist would create a thin oxide layer on cut edges that can accelerate local corrosion in marine environments — nitrogen assist avoids this entirely.

Available Thicknesses

316 stainless is available in: 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 10.0mm, 12.0mm, 16.0mm, and 20.0mm. Maximum sheet size 3000mm × 1500mm. Standard finish is 2B (mill finish).

Tolerances and Edge Quality

Cut tolerances are ±0.1mm to ±0.2mm. Nitrogen-assisted cutting ensures no heat tint or oxidation on cut edges, critical for marine and medical applications where edge passivation may be required. For medical or pharmaceutical applications, passivation of the entire assembly can be performed as a post-cut service — contact us to discuss.

Common Applications

• Coastal and marine architectural components
• Boat hardware, cleats, and deck fittings
• Pool equipment, ladders, and surrounds
• Chemical plant and processing equipment
• Food and beverage processing machinery
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing components
• Medical device fabrication
• Outdoor signage in coastal environments

File Preparation Tips

Submit DXF or DWG. For marine and food processing applications, avoid blind holes and crevices in your design where possible — these trap moisture and chlorides that can cause localised corrosion even in 316. All cut paths should be closed vectors on a single layer.

Additional Services

Laser cutting and press brake bending available online. For welding, passivation, polishing, or assembly, email store@magaholdings.com.au with your specifications.

Get an Instant Quote

Upload your DXF or DWG to the Ferracut instant quote tool for instant pricing — no minimum order, ship anywhere in Australia.

Stainless Steel 316 thickness guides

Tolerances, minimum feature sizes and typical uses for each thickness we cut:

• 1.5mm Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cutting
• 2mm Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cutting
• 3mm Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cutting
• 4mm Stainless Steel 316 Laser Cutting