316/316L 2b Stainless Steel Plate In Stock
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Are you looking for 316 or 316L 2B stainless steel sheets for your industrial project? We offer fully certified sheets with a 2B cold-rolled finish, ready for immediate shipment worldwide. Whether you need standard 4×8 foot sheets for general fabrication or custom-cut dimensions for chemical processing equipment, our in-stock inventory includes a wide range of thicknesses and specifications to meet urgent requirements across the industrial, construction, and sanitary sectors.
What is 316/316L 2B stainless steel plate?
316/316L 2B stainless steel plate is a cold-rolled austenitic stainless steel product manufactured in accordance with ASTM A240. The 2B surface finish is produced through cold rolling, annealing, pickling, and a final light skin-pass rolling process. It offers excellent cleanability and workability while providing a suitable base for further brushing or polishing. 316L 2B stainless steel plate is a preferred choice for many industrial and hygienic applications due to its resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding and its ability to withstand saltwater exposure and mildly aggressive chemical environments. It is particularly suitable for manufacturing storage tanks, sanitary equipment, and structural components used in coastal environments.
What is the typical surface roughness (Ra) of 316L 2B sheet metal?
The surface roughness (Ra) of 316L 2B sheet metal typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 μm (depending on the sheet thickness and the condition of the rolling rolls) and rarely exceeds 0.8 μm. For applications requiring high levels of cleanliness-such as those in the pharmaceutical or semiconductor industries-further mechanical polishing or electropolishing (EP) is generally necessary.
316/316L Stainless Steel Plate Chemical Composition (ASTM A240, wt.%)
| Element | 316 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0% | 16.0–18.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0–14.0% | 10.0–14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–3.0% | 2.0–3.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00% | ≤ 2.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75% | ≤ 0.75% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties of 316/316L Stainless Steel Plate
Mechanical properties are important when selecting stainless steel plates for pressure vessels, fabricated structures, tanks, and industrial equipment.
| Property | 316 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa | ≥ 485 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa | ≥ 170 MPa |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 40% | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 217 HBW | ≤ 217 HBW |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | ≤ 95 HRB | ≤ 95 HRB |
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel plate?
The main difference is carbon content. 316 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while 316L has a maximum of 0.030%. The lower carbon content of 316L makes it particularly suitable for welded equipment.
316/316L 2B stainless steel sheets For Sale
Most of our inventory consists of 316/316L dual-certified stainless steel plates, meaning each product meets the chemical composition and mechanical property requirements of both grades. This eliminates the need to wait through a typical 4–8-week mill production cycle. Our 316/316L 2B stainless steel plates are stocked in our warehouse and ready for processing and prompt shipment, helping reduce your project lead time from several weeks to just a few days.
Available Specifications
Thickness: 0.5 mm – 6.0 mm (cold-rolled, 2B finish); custom thicknesses available upon request.
Standard Widths: 1000 mm, 1219 mm (4 ft), 1500 mm, 1800 mm
Standard Lengths: 2000 mm, 2438 mm (8 ft), 3000 mm, 6000 mm
Common Sheet Sizes: 1219×2438 mm (4×8 ft), 1500×3000 mm, 1219×3048 mm (4×10 ft)
Tolerances: Thickness tolerances comply with EN 10258 / ASTM A480 industry standards.
Our entire stock of 316 stainless steel sheets comes with full material traceability. We offer precision cutting, shearing, and laser-cutting services tailored to your specific requirements prior to shipment-with no minimum order quantity (MOQ) for standard stock items.
FAQ
Q: Is 316L 2B stainless steel sheet suitable for seawater and marine environments?
A: With a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) value of 23–26, it offers good resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion. It is widely used for architectural panels in coastal areas, seawater piping systems with low flow velocities, and auxiliary offshore equipment; however, long-term immersion in stagnant or high-temperature saline water is not recommended.
Q: What is the difference between 316 and 304 stainless steel plates?
A: The core difference lies in the molybdenum (Mo) content (2.0%–3.0%):
Superior resistance to chloride-ion corrosion: In coastal environments-or in the presence of salt spray, bleaching agents, seawater, or chloride solutions-316L offers significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 304.
Selection advice: For dry, inland environments or general food-contact applications, 304 2B is more cost-effective. For marine engineering, high-chloride chemical processing, or pharmaceutical production facilities, 316L 2B should be used.
Q: What precautions should be taken when welding 316L 2B sheets?
A: No heat treatment required: The "L" in 316L stands for "Low Carbon." During welding, this prevents the precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries, effectively eliminating the risk of intergranular corrosion; therefore, post-weld solution annealing is generally unnecessary.
Welding wire compatibility: It is recommended to use a matching low-carbon welding wire, such as ER316L.
Q: What is the maximum thickness available for 316L 2B sheets?
A: A 2B finish is specific to cold-rolled products. Due to the limitations of cold-rolling mill capacity, the thickness of 316L 2B sheets typically ranges from 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm, though some steel mills can supply thicknesses up to 6.0 mm or 8.0 mm.
Q: What are the requirements for the protective film (PE/laser film) when laser-cutting 316L 2B-finish stainless steel sheets?
A: 2B-finish sheets have a smooth surface and are typically covered with a protective film at the factory to prevent scratching. When performing laser processing:
If using a fiber laser machine for high-speed piercing and cutting, it is essential to specify the use of a dedicated laser film (often referred to as "laser film" or "fiber laser film").
