What Is ASTM A182 F316?
F316 is the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless forging (16Cr-12Ni-2Mo) in ASTM A182. Molybdenum raises resistance to pitting and chloride attack compared with 304 — the standard choice for marine, coastal and chemical service.
Temperature Range
Rated up to 538°C in the ASME B16.5 Group 2.2 pressure-temperature tables.
Material Group (per ASME B16.5)
Per ASME B16.5-2025 Table 1A, F316 (16Cr-12Ni-2Mo) belongs to Material Group 2.2, together with F316H and F317.
Corrosion Resistance
The Schweitzer tables (Type 316/316 L row) rate F316 excellent to good across more media than F304, including better behavior in acetic acid, chloride-bearing and mildly reducing environments. It remains unsatisfactory in concentrated hydrochloric acid and strong fluoride media. It is the default upgrade whenever 304 shows pitting or stress-corrosion cracking.
Typical Applications
- ASME B16.5 flanges for coastal, marine and seawater-adjacent piping
- Chemical, pulp & paper and wastewater service
- Heat-exchanger and instrumentation components
- Food equipment requiring extra corrosion margin
Chemistry & Mechanical Properties
Composition (including molybdenum range) and mechanical properties per ASTM A182 — consult the standard for exact limits. 3.1 mill certificates supplied.
Related Standards
- ASME B16.5 — Pipe Flanges (NPS 1/2–24)
- ASME B16.11 — Socket-Welding & Threaded Fittings
- ASME B16.47 — Large-Diameter Flanges (NPS 26–60)
- ASTM A182 F316L — Low-Carbon 316
- ASTM A182 F304 — 18Cr-8Ni Stainless
- Our Flange Range
FAQ
Why is F316 better than F304?
The 2% molybdenum content improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride service — seawater, coastal atmospheres, brines and many chemical streams.
What temperature range does F316 cover?
Up to 538°C per the ASME B16.5 Group 2.2 tables.
Is F316 suitable for seawater?
Far better than 304, but full seawater immersion may still need duplex (F51) or higher alloys — send us your exact conditions.
F316 or F316L for welded flanges?
Use F316L when welded and post-weld annealing is not planned; it keeps the same corrosion performance without sensitization risk.
What does the ‘L’ in F316L mean?
Low carbon. F316L resists carbide precipitation in the weld heat-affected zone, keeping corrosion resistance after welding without annealing.
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