Structural brackets and mounting plates
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
AIHFABS MATERIAL GUIDE
Stainless Steel 316 CNC Machining
Marine-grade stainless
Molybdenum-bearing stainless for marine, chemical, and medical-adjacent CNC parts that need extra corrosion resistance versus 304.
START WITH THE APPLICATION
Where this material family fits
Use the application to shortlist a grade, then confirm the exact requirements against the part design and operating conditions.
Shafts, sleeves and threaded parts
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
Housings and precision mating interfaces
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
What to review before selecting a grade
- Identify the exact alloy and condition. Review strength, corrosion exposure, mass and machinability against the application.
- Apply tight tolerances to functional features and define datums. Tool access and slender geometry influence the achievable result.
- Consider finish effects on dimensions and contact surfaces. State masking, coating and inspection requirements with the drawing.
CATALOG MATERIAL DETAILS
Stainless Steel 316: process and finishing
- Manufacturing process
- CNC
- Catalog dimensional reference
- ±0.05 mm
- Grade / variant
- Marine-grade stainless
Catalog characteristics
- function
- durable
- waterproof
- heat-resistant
Finishing options to review
- Bead Blasting
- Polishing
- Passivation
- Electropolishing
- Tapping
These catalog details help you compare options. Confirm the exact material condition, feature tolerances and compatible finishing operations for your part before placing an order.
COMPARE THE AVAILABLE GRADES
Related materials in this family
CNC
Aluminum 6061
The workhorse CNC aluminum for brackets, plates, housings, and general-purpose machined parts. Easy to mill, anodize, and tap.
View material details →
CNC
Aluminum 7075
Higher strength than 6061 for aerospace fittings, jigs, and load-bearing CNC parts. Slightly slower to machine; anodize well.
View material details →
CNC
Stainless Steel 304
Corrosion-resistant CNC stainless for food equipment, enclosures, shafts, and hardware that will see moisture.
View material details →MATERIAL QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What should I include when quoting Stainless Steel 316?
Send the current CAD, quantity and intended use. Add a drawing for critical fits, the required material condition and any finish or inspection requirements. Confirm availability and the delivered specification in the quotation.
Can I use catalog properties as acceptance criteria?
Use the catalog to shortlist a material. Ask for the exact grade data and agreed test conditions before specifying acceptance limits. Geometry, processing and finishing may affect the delivered part.
Can I request a metal grade that is not listed?
Submit the required specification, stock form and quantity for review. Availability and material documentation need confirmation before order release.
Is the listed tolerance guaranteed on every feature?
Catalog tolerance is a starting reference. Feature geometry, dimensions, setups and inspection method must be agreed against the drawing.
FROM THE AIHFABS BLOG
Recommended reading for material selection
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Precision in metal 3D printing depends on multiple factors, not just a single metric. For strict assembly requirements, combining 3D printing with CNC machining is the ideal soluti
Read article →SLM vs CNC for Low-Volume Complex Metal Parts: A Geometry, Cost, and Risk Framework
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Read article →SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
Read article →Compare other material families
Choose a material around your part
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