316 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel steel containing between 2 and 3% molybdenum. The molybdenum content increases corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting in chloride ion solutions and increases resistance to high temperatures.
Additionally, it is particularly effective in acidic environments and serves to protect against corrosion caused by sulphuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and tartaric acids, as well as acid sulphates and alkaline chlorides.
Known as marine grade, grade 316 has many variants. The most common are given the letters L, F, N and H; each is slightly different and used for different purposes. Here, the designation "L" means that 316L steel has less carbon than 316.