316 Stainless Steel
The medical and marine grade — better chloride resistance than 304, and harder to cut because of it.
Work-hardens quickly. Sharp tools, constant feed and no dwell on the tool are what keep it from tearing out.
Quote a 316 Stainless Steel partWhat we hold and what we can hold
Figures below are what our shops achieve on prototype quantities. A production order may justify tighter — or looser — tolerances, and that is a conversation, not a default.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Medical instruments, marine fittings, chemical parts |
| Machinability | Fair |
| Achievable tolerance | ±0.05 mm achievable with care |
| Typical lead time | 5–9 working days |
| Common grades | 316L · 316 · 303 (free-machining alternative) |
| Recommended finishes | Passivation · Bead blasting · Electropolishing |
| Suitable processes | 3-axis milling · 5-axis milling · CNC turning · Swiss turning |
What engineers ask about 316 Stainless Steel
These are the questions that come up on almost every 316 Stainless Steel drawing. If your question is not here, send it with the drawing and we will answer it in the quote.
Should I use 316L instead of 316?
For welding or parts that will be stress-relieved, 316L is the better choice because of its lower carbon content. For a machined prototype with no welding, the difference is minor.
Why are my stainless parts showing burrs and a rough finish?
Stainless gummy at the cut. Feeds and speeds that work on aluminium will produce tearing on stainless, so the process window is narrower and the setup is different.
Where this material fits
Surface finishes for 316 Stainless Steel
When not to use 316 Stainless Steel
We would rather tell you on day one than ship you a part that was never the right answer. If one of these applies to your project, say so in the enquiry.
- Dry indoor service where 304 is sufficient
- Mostly-turned parts, where 303 free-machining stock is the cheaper route
- High-volume work that is better served by a different alloy entirely