316 Stainless Steel Round Bar

Circle H Steel is a leading supplier of 316 stainless steel bar, specializing in long-length bar. 

View Properties

What is 316 stainless steel?

Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel, second in importance to 304. The 2-3% molybdenum content gives 316 superior corrosion resistance, particularly against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It also offers excellent forming and welding characteristics.

Common variants include 316L (low-carbon for welding heavy sections), 316H (high-carbon for elevated temperatures), and 316Ti (stabilized grade). Many suppliers stock "Dual Certified" 316/316L material that meets both specifications.

Contact our team today to learn more about how our 316 SS bar can fit your application.

Request a Quote

316 Bar Specifications

Diameters

3/8" 7/16” 1/2” 9/16” 5/8”
11/16” 3/4” 13/16” 7/8” 15/16”

 

1 1/8” 1 3/16” 1 1/4” 1 5/16” 1 3/8”
1 7/16” 1 1/2” 1 9/16” 1 5/8” 1 11/16”
1 3/4” 1 13/16” 1 7/8” 1 15/16”  

 

2 1/8” 2 3/16” 2 1/4” 2 5/16” 2 3/8”
2 7/16” 2 1/2” 2 9/16” 2 5/8” 2 11/16”
2 3/4” 2 13/16” 2 7/8” 2 15/16”  

 

Lengths

Circle H Steel provides 316 round bars in a variety of lengths and provides cut-to-length sawcutting services for custom bar lengths.

Unlike other suppliers, Circle H Steel can provide over 20 ft bars, providing additional feet of usable material and more efficient storage. 

Request a Quote

Properties of 316 Stainless Steel

  • Chemistry: 16-18% Chromium, 10-14% Nickel, 2-3% Molybdenum austenitic stainless steel. Low carbon (316L) and high carbon (316H) variants available for welding and high-temperature applications.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Superior to 304 in most environments due to molybdenum content. Subject to pitting/crevice corrosion in warm chlorides and stress corrosion cracking above 60°C. Tolerates up to 1000mg/L chlorides in potable water at ambient temps (500mg/L at 60°C). Standard "marine grade" but shows brown surface staining in warm seawater, especially in crevices.
  • Heat resistance: Good oxidation resistance to 870°C (intermittent) and 925°C (continuous). Avoid the 425-860°C range if aqueous corrosion resistance is needed. 316L resists carbide precipitation better; 316H offers higher strength above 500°C.
  • Machining: "Ugima" improved machinability variant available in bar products, offering higher machining rates and lower tool wear than standard 316/316L.
  • Welding: Excellent weldability with all standard fusion methods. Heavy sections require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance (not needed for 316L). 316Ti is an alternative for heavy-section welding.
  • Heat treatment: Solution annealing at 1010-1120°C with rapid cooling. Cannot be hardened by thermal treatment.

Chemical Formula

  • Fe
    Balance
  • C
    < .08%
  • Cr
    16 - 18%
  • Ni
    10 - 14%
  • Mn
    < 2%
  • Si
    < .75%
  • P
    < .045%

316 vs 304 Stainless Steel Comparison

While both are austenitic stainless steels with excellent corrosion resistance, key differences include:

Composition

  • 304: 18-20% Chromium, 8-10.5% Nickel
  • 316: 16-18% Chromium, 10-14% Nickel, 2-3% Molybdenum

Corrosion Resistance:

  • 304: Good general corrosion resistance; suitable for most indoor and mild outdoor environments
  • 316: Superior resistance due to molybdenum; better performance in marine, chemical, and chloride environments

Cost:

  • 304: More economical option
  • 316: Higher cost due to molybdenum content

When to Choose 316:

Select 316 when your application involves exposure to saltwater, chemicals, or chlorides above 500mg/L, or when maximum corrosion resistance is critical.

 

Applications for 316 Round Bar

Typical applications include:

  • Food preparation equipment 
  • Laboratory benches & equipment.
  • Coastal architectural panelling, railings & trim.
  • Boat fittings
  • Chemical containers, including for transport
  • Heat Exchangers.
  • Higher strength and hardness
  • Woven or welded screens for mining

 

Get a Quote on 316 Stainless Steel Today

At Circle H Steel, we provide 316 stainless steel bar in the diameter, length, and amount you need. Contact our team today to get a quote on 316 SS for your industrial application.

Request a Quote

quote

Need a Customized Quote?

Contact our team of specialists today.

Request a Quote

800.382.7748

8261 Monroe Rd,
Houston, TX 77061

Get in Touch