---
title: "AISI 316 / 316L stainless"
description: "AISI 316 (and the low-carbon variant 316L) is the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that serves as the workhorse construction material for industrial sonic horn bells, diaphragms and mounting flanges in moderate-temperature service."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/aisi-316-316l-stainless"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:34.669Z"
---

**AISI 316** (and the low-carbon variant **316L**) is the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that serves as the workhorse construction material for industrial [sonic horn](/glossary/sonic-horn) bells, [diaphragms](/glossary/diaphragm-horn) and mounting flanges in moderate-temperature service.

## Key properties

- **Molybdenum** (~2–3%) provides improved corrosion resistance over [AISI 304](/glossary/aisi-304), particularly against chloride pitting
- **Continuous service temperature** typically up to 870 °C (intermittent), 450–550 °C (continuous mechanical)
- **316L** has reduced carbon content (≤0.03%) — preferred where welding is involved to avoid carbide precipitation
- **Cost premium** of 30–60% over 304, modest in absolute terms for sonic-horn manufacture

## Where 316 is the right choice

- Cement, [WtE](/glossary/waste-to-energy), [biomass](/glossary/waste-to-energy) duty — chloride-bearing environments where 304 would pit
- Food-and-beverage process applications
- Cold-end boiler service where mild sulphuric-acid condensation occurs
- General hazardous-area dust-handling applications

For higher temperatures or aggressive chloride corrosion, [Inconel 625 or 718](/glossary/inconel-625-718) is the next step up.

## Related terms

- [AISI 304](/glossary/aisi-304)
- [Inconel 625 / 718](/glossary/inconel-625-718)
- [Bell horn](/glossary/bell-horn)
- [Diaphragm horn](/glossary/diaphragm-horn)