What Is 316 SS?
Type 316 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel that contains molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum increases its corrosion resistance and provides increased strength at high temperatures. It has outstanding forming and welding characteristics. It is the second most popular grade of stainless steel and accounts for about one-fifth of stainless steel production.
316 SS is more or less similar in properties to 304 grade. However, the key difference is the addition of molybdenum in 316 SS. In simple terms, 316 Stainless Steel contains molybdenum, whereas 304 SS does not. In other words, 18%-8% combination of chromium and nickel in 304 SS is replaced with 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum in 316 SS.
It is mainly used in food processing equipment, mainly in chloride environments. The other applications include pollution control equipment, chemical containers, boat fittings, laboratory benches and equipment etc. It is the ideal stainless steel of choice for high moisture environments, as it is highly unreactive under such conditions.
Like other austenitic stainless steel grades, 316 SS also could be hardened only by cold working.
316 SS is often described as the ‘marine grade’, on account of its resistance to chloride attack.
316 SS Price
316 SS scrap are generally priced higher than 304 SS, but lower when compared with 330 SS.
The prices listed below are country averages paid by recycling centers in the United States
| Scrap Material | National Average | High Price | Low Price | Unit | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irony Stainless Steel Scrap | $0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | USD/LB | 2021-12-20 |
| 316 Stainless Steel Scrap | $22.56 | 22.57 | 22.56 | USD/LB | 2019-09-04 |
| 316 Stainless Steel Turning Scrap | $35.18 | 35.18 | 35.18 | USD/LB | 2019-08-19 |
| 316 Prepared Stainless Steel Scrap | $0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 | USD/LB | 2019-08-19 |
| 316 Stainless Steel Solid Scrap | $0.63 | 0.63 | 0.63 | USD/LB | 2019-07-31 |
Where can we sell 316 SS?
Instead of throwing away the 316 SS scrap with you, you can take it to any authorized scrap yard in your locality that deals with metal recycling. By doing so, you are not only making significant contribution to environmental protection, but also ensuring that you are paid for the materials which would otherwise be of no use to you.
Have large quantities of 316 SS to sell?
Many scrap yards may specify minimum order quantity to get the sale transaction classified as ‘bulk’ trade, in which case containers will be arranged for free pickup of the scrap material from the site. It may be worth to sell to a distant dealer who offers better price than nearby yards.
You need to have a clear idea of competitive market price for the scrap grade, in order to bargain for the best price. There are chances that prices displayed by some online sites are old and not up to date. It is better to make direct enquiry of prices by calling a few nearby reputed scrap yards.