Everything You Need to Know About SS 316 Square Bars

In today’s industrial world, the demand for materials that combine strength, durability, and corrosion resistance continues to rise. One such material that fulfills these requirements is the SS 316 Square Bar. Made from stainless steel grade 316, these bars are widely recognized for their toughness, excellent resistance to harsh environments, and long-lasting performance.

SS 316 Square Bars are designed in a square shape, making them suitable for structural frameworks, machining, and fabrication. Their ability to withstand extreme conditions makes them highly valuable in industries like construction, marine, oil and gas, chemical processing, and food production.

This article provides an in-depth look into SS 316 Square Bars—their properties, advantages, applications, manufacturing process, standards, and pricing—to help you make informed decisions.

Composition of SS 316 Square Bars

The superior performance of SS 316 Square Bars lies in their composition. Stainless steel 316 is an austenitic alloy enriched with molybdenum, which gives it enhanced resistance against corrosion compared to SS 304.

Chemical Composition of SS 316:

• Chromium (Cr): 16–18%

• Nickel (Ni): 10–14%

• Molybdenum (Mo): 2–3%

• Carbon (C): ≤ 0.08%

• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2%

• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.75%

• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045%

• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.03%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

This unique combination ensures that the square bars remain resistant to chloride-induced corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion.

Key Properties of SS 316 Square Bars

SS 316 Square Bars possess a set of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties that make them suitable for diverse applications.

1. Mechanical Properties

• Tensile Strength: 515 MPa minimum

• Yield Strength: 205 MPa minimum

• Elongation: 40%

• Hardness: 217 Brinell max

2. Physical Properties

• Density: 8.0 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 1371–1399 °C

• Elastic Modulus: 193 GPa

• Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K at 100 °C

3. Corrosion Resistance

• Outstanding resistance to chloride environments

• Superior pitting resistance due to molybdenum

• Excellent performance in marine and chemical industries

4. Fabrication Qualities

• Easy machinability with standard tools

• Strong weldability with TIG and MIG processes

• Retains toughness even after welding

Advantages of SS 316 Square Bars

SS 316 Square Bars offer a wide range of advantages, including:

1. High Corrosion Resistance – Excellent resistance against seawater, acidic, and alkaline environments.

2. Long-Term Durability – Provides long service life in both structural and industrial applications.

3. High Strength – Withstands heavy loads and pressure conditions.

4. Versatility – Suitable for construction, chemical, marine, and automotive industries.

5. Heat Resistance – Maintains performance under elevated temperatures.

6. Hygienic Properties – Ideal for food and pharmaceutical equipment.

7. Aesthetic Finish – Polished surface makes it appealing for architectural use.

Applications of SS 316 Square Bars

The versatility of SS 316 Square Bars makes them widely useful across several industries:

Construction Industry

• Reinforcement for buildings, bridges, and railings

• Structural supports in high-rise projects

• Decorative and architectural frameworks

Marine Industry

• Shipbuilding and offshore platforms

• Components exposed to seawater

• Propeller shafts and marine fasteners

Chemical and Petrochemical Industry

• Heat exchangers

• Chemical storage tanks

• Pipelines for corrosive liquids

Food and Beverage Industry

• Processing equipment for dairy and breweries

• Conveyor systems

• Hygienic support structures

Automotive and Aerospace Industry

• Shafts and precision components

• High-performance fasteners

• Exhaust and engine systems

Medical Industry

• Surgical instruments

• Orthopedic supports and implants

• Medical equipment parts

Manufacturing Process of SS 316 Square Bars

The production of SS 316 Square Bars follows a systematic process to ensure durability and precision:

1. Raw Material Selection – Stainless steel grade 316 alloy is carefully chosen.

2. Melting and Casting – Raw materials are melted in a furnace and cast into billets.

3. Hot Rolling – Heated billets are rolled into square sections.

4. Heat Treatment – Bars undergo annealing to improve strength and corrosion resistance.

5. Cold Finishing – Surface finishing such as pickling or polishing is applied.

6. Quality Testing – Mechanical, dimensional, and corrosion tests are conducted.

7. Cutting and Packaging – Bars are cut to required lengths and packaged for dispatch.

Surface Finishes of SS 316 Square Bars

Different industries require specific surface finishes. Common options include:

• Bright Finish – Polished and shiny, suitable for decoration.

• Black Finish – As-rolled finish with a dark look.

• Pickled Finish – Acid-treated for enhanced resistance.

• Mirror Finish – High reflectivity for hygienic and aesthetic applications.

Standards and Specifications

SS 316 Square Bars are manufactured to international standards for reliability and quality.

• ASTM A276, ASTM A479

• ASME SA276, ASME SA479

• DIN 1.4401 / 1.4436

• JIS SUS 316

Available Sizes: From 4 mm to 150 mm, with lengths up to 6 meters or customized as per need.

SS 316 vs SS 304 Square Bars

Factors to Consider Before Buying

1. Confirm dimensions and tolerance according to your project.

2. Choose the right surface finish for durability or appearance.

3. Ensure compliance with ASTM/ASME/DIN/JIS standards.

4. Select a trusted SS 316 Square Bar manufacturer and supplier.

5. Compare pricing and availability before finalizing.

6. Ask for Mill Test Certificates (MTC) for quality assurance.

SS 316 Square Bar Price in India

The price of SS 316 Square Bars depends on size, surface finish, and supplier. On average:

• Small sizes: ₹250 – ₹300 per kg

• Medium sizes: ₹280 – ₹350 per kg

• Large sizes: ₹300 – ₹400 per kg

For bulk orders, buyers should always request a quotation to get accurate pricing.

Maintenance of SS 316 Square Bars

To extend the service life of SS 316 Square Bars:

• Clean surfaces regularly to remove contaminants.

• Use passivation for enhanced resistance.

• Avoid unnecessary contact with harsh chemicals.

• Store in a dry environment to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

SS 316 Square Bars are a trusted material for industries that require corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. Their superior properties make them suitable for diverse applications, from construction and marine engineering to chemical processing and medical equipment.