316L (UNS S31603) Stainless Steel Reinforcement Bars
When structures face the harshest chloride-laden environments, only the most resilient reinforcement will do. FUSHUN METAL (Hunan Fushun Metal Co., Ltd.), a global manufacturer and exporter of specialty steel products, produces 316L (UNS S31603) deformed and plain stainless steel reinforcement bars in full conformance with ASTM A955/A955M — the standard specification for deformed and plain stainless steel bars for concrete reinforcement. With manufacturing disciplines certified to ASTM, EN, DIN, and JIS standards, our 316L reinforcement bars deliver the ultimate in corrosion protection for critical infrastructure exposed to marine, de-icing, or industrial conditions.
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Chemical Composition
The exceptional pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of 316L is achieved through its molybdenum-enhanced, low-carbon chemistry. FUSHUN METAL performs a heat analysis from test samples taken during the pouring or casting of every heat, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of ASTM A955/A955M Table 2 for UNS S31603.
| Element | Composition % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.03 max. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 max. |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max. |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max. |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 max. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max. |
This molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade is recognized in ASTM A955/A955M among the typical alloys that have found the most use in North America. The addition of molybdenum significantly enhances resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion, making 316L the preferred choice for marine structures and coastal infrastructure. The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, preserving intergranular corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition — a critical advantage over standard nickel-based alloys that may require post-weld treatment. When specified, a product analysis can be performed and will conform to the tolerances of ASTM A484/A484M.
Heat Treatment Condition
The mechanical properties of 316L reinforcement bars are directly governed by the heat treatment condition at the time of manufacture. FUSHUN METAL supplies bars in the following conditions, as defined in ASTM A276 and referenced by ASTM A955/A955M:
- Annealed (A)
- Hot Rolled (HR)
- Strain Hardened (B)
The selection of heat treatment condition is a critical design decision, as it determines the baseline strength and ductility of the finished product. Any subsequent heat treatment applied after delivery may alter the as-supplied properties. As referenced by the standard, no re-treatment should be performed without retesting to the full requirements of ASTM A955/A955M.
Size
FUSHUN METAL manufactures 316L deformed bars across the complete range of standard bar designation numbers listed in ASTM A955/A955M Table 1. The nominal dimensions of a deformed bar correspond to a plain round bar of equal weight per foot.
| Bar Designation No. | Nominal Diameter, in. [mm] | Nominal Weight, lb/ft [kg/m] (300 Series) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 [10] | 0.375 [9.5] | 0.378 [0.562] |
| 4 [13] | 0.500 [12.7] | 0.686 [1.021] |
| 5 [16] | 0.625 [15.9] | 1.058 [1.575] |
| 6 [19] | 0.750 [19.1] | 1.511 [2.248] |
| 7 [22] | 0.875 [22.2] | 2.059 [3.064] |
| 8 [25] | 1.000 [25.4] | 2.713 [4.037] |
| 9 [29] | 1.128 [28.7] | 3.341 [5.106] |
| 10 [32] | 1.270 [32.3] | 4.358 [6.484] |
| 11 [36] | 1.410 [35.8] | 5.352 [7.964] |
| 14 [43] | 1.693 [43.0] | 7.72 [11.49] |
| 18 [57] | 2.257 [57.3] | 13.72 [20.43] |
Plain rounds in diameters up to and including 2 in. [50.8 mm] are also available for use as dowels, spirals, and structural ties. Bars are supplied in standard or custom-cut lengths to meet project requirements.
Grade (Strength Level)
316L bars are produced in three minimum yield strength grades, as prescribed in ASTM A955/A955M. Tensile properties are verified on full-section specimens, with unit stress calculated on the nominal cross-sectional area.
| Grade | Tensile Strength, min | Yield Strength, min |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 40 [300] | 70,000 psi [500 MPa] | 40,000 psi [300 MPa] |
| Grade 60 [420] | 90,000 psi [620 MPa] | 60,000 psi [420 MPa] |
| Grade 75 [520] | 100,000 psi [690 MPa] | 75,000 psi [520 MPa] |
Yield strength is determined at 0.35% strain using the autographic diagram method or with an extensometer, in accordance with ASTM A370. Elongation requirements vary by bar size and grade, as defined in ASTM A955/A955M Table 3. The desired grade must be clearly specified at the time of order.
Packaging
FUSHUN METAL ensures that all 316L reinforcement bars are properly separated and tagged with the manufacturer's heat or test identification number at the time of mill shipment. Each bundle is tagged with the following information:
- Stainless steel alloy (316L / UNS S31603)
- Heat treatment condition
- Grade (minimum strength level)
- Supplementary requirement status (S1, if applicable)
When packaging procedures are specified in the purchase order, they conform to ASTM A700. For U.S. Government procurement, packaging complies with MIL-STD-163, and marking for shipment meets Fed. Std. No. 123 for civil agencies or MIL-STD-129 for military agencies. Every deformed bar is legibly marked on one side with the manufacturer's mill designation and the bar size designation. Plain rounds do not require rolled-on symbols; all required information is provided on the bundle tag.
Inspection
The purchaser's inspector is granted free entry at all times during contract execution to all areas of the manufacturer's works related to the production of the ordered material. FUSHUN METAL provides access to all reasonable facilities to verify that the material conforms to ASTM A955/A955M. All inspection and testing are performed at the manufacturing site prior to shipment and are conducted in a manner that does not unnecessarily interfere with plant operations.
Test
For each heat, bar size, and heat treatment condition, FUSHUN METAL performs the following tests as a minimum:
- One tension test — conducted on the full bar section, evaluated against the specified grade requirements for tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.
- One bend test — performed on the full bar section, with the specimen bent around a pin to the degree and pin diameter prescribed in ASTM A955/A955M Table 4, without cracking on the outside radius.
- One set of dimensional property tests — including bar weight, and measurements of deformation spacing, average height, and gap, all verified against the limits in ASTM A955/A955M Table 1.
Deformation spacing is averaged from a minimum of ten spaces. Average height is determined from three measurements per deformation on at least two typical deformations. The measured weight of any deformed bar shall be at least 94% of the value specified in Table 1. If a test specimen fails due to mechanical reasons or inherent flaws, a replacement specimen is permitted. When a failure meets the retest provisions, two additional random specimens are tested. In accordance with ASTM A955/A955M, austenitic stainless steels shall be tested for susceptibility to intergranular attack using Practice E of ASTM A262. When Supplementary Requirement S1 is invoked for controlled magnetic permeability, testing is performed per ASTM A342 with limits agreed between manufacturer and purchaser.
Report
FUSHUN METAL issues a Material Test Report, Certificate of Inspection, or equivalent document for every order. Reports are generated on a per-heat or per-lot basis and contain:
- Stainless steel type and designation (316L / UNS S31603)
- Chemical composition (heat analysis, and product analysis if performed)
- Heat treatment condition
- Bar size
- Tensile properties (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation)
- Bend test results
- Intergranular corrosion test results (ASTM A262 Practice E)
- Magnetic permeability results (when Supplementary Requirement S1 is invoked)
Documents transmitted via electronic data interchange (EDI) carry the same validity as printed versions. The EDI-transmitted document meets all requirements of ASTM A955/A955M, and the organization submitting the transmission is responsible for its content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 316L the preferred choice for marine and coastal concrete structures?
316L contains 2.00–3.00% molybdenum, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion compared to standard 304 stainless steel. In marine splash zones, tidal areas, or structures exposed to de-icing salts, this molybdenum addition provides a decisive performance advantage, extending service life and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
How does the low carbon content of 316L benefit welded reinforcement assemblies?
The 0.03% maximum carbon content minimizes the risk of chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding. This means that 316L can typically be welded without post-weld annealing while still maintaining excellent intergranular corrosion resistance in the weld zone — a critical advantage for fabricated reinforcement cages and assemblies.
Is 316L significantly more expensive than other stainless steel reinforcement options?
316L carries a premium over 304 or manganese-stabilized grades due to its higher nickel content and molybdenum addition. However, in severely corrosive environments where other grades may experience premature deterioration, the lifecycle cost advantage of 316L — achieved through extended service life and reduced repair frequency — often far exceeds the initial material cost differential.
Can 316L reinforcement bars be supplied with controlled magnetic permeability?
Yes. When low magnetic permeability is required for specialized applications such as medical imaging facilities or sensitive electronic installations, Supplementary Requirement S1 can be invoked in your purchase order. FUSHUN METAL will produce and test the bars in accordance with ASTM A342, with specific permeability limits established by mutual agreement prior to production.
Source 316L Reinforcement Bars from FUSHUN METAL
FUSHUN METAL (Hunan Fushun Metal Co., Ltd.) is a trusted global manufacturer of alloy steel, nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, and tool steel. Our products serve demanding industries worldwide, backed by full compliance with international standards including ASTM, EN, DIN, and JIS. Our dedicated team stands ready to provide customized solutions, rapid quotations, and seamless logistics support — ensuring your project meets exact specifications and timeline requirements. For inquiries and technical support on 316L (UNS S31603) reinforcement bars, Request a Quote today.
