316 / 316L — Machining & Properties
Typical properties, what 316 / 316L is like on a machine tool, what it gets used for, and the tolerance and finishes we hold on it — from a shop that actually machines it, not a datasheet aggregator. Every figure here drives our own calculators.
Machining 316 / 316L
Machinability is rated moderate — machinable without drama, but it rewards proper tooling, feeds and speeds — cycle times sit above the easy-cutting grades. Austenitic grades (303, 304, 316) work-harden during cutting. Sharp tooling, correct feeds and speeds, and no dwelling are essential. Martensitic and PH grades should be machined in the annealed condition where possible, with final heat treatment applied post-machining to minimise distortion.
Our standard achievable tolerance on 316 / 316L is ±0.010mm under normal conditions, with tighter tolerances on critical features agreed at quotation. Standard finishes: Passivation (ASTM A967), electropolish (Ra ≤0.4µm). Full material traceability with MTR and CoC documentation on every order.
Typical applications
Medical instruments, marine hardware, surgical tools, pump valves.
Use 316 / 316L in our free tools
Other stainless steel grades we machine: 303 · 304 / 304L · 17-4 PH (630) · 15-5 PH — all 50 grades.
316 / 316L — FAQ
What is the density of 316 / 316L?
7.99 g/cm³ (typical). That is 7990 kg/m³ — our metal weight calculator uses exactly this figure for 316 / 316L.
What is the tensile strength of 316 / 316L?
Typically 485 MPa. Treat it as a typical value, not a specification — the Material Test Report supplied with your order states the actual certified figures for the batch.
Is 316 / 316L easy to machine?
Its machinability is rated moderate — machinable without drama, but it rewards proper tooling, feeds and speeds — cycle times sit above the easy-cutting grades.
What is 316 / 316L used for?
Typical applications: Medical instruments, marine hardware, surgical tools, pump valves.
What tolerance can be held when machining 316 / 316L?
Our standard achievable tolerance on 316 / 316L is ±0.010mm under normal conditions (ISO 2768-f general tolerancing). Tighter tolerances on critical features can be agreed at quotation for specific geometries.
Can Dalloway machine 316 / 316L?
Yes — we machine 316 / 316L in-house on 3, 4 and 5-axis milling and CNC turning, from single prototypes to production, with MTR and CoC documentation standard. Typical finishes: Passivation (ASTM A967), electropolish (Ra ≤0.4µm).
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