316 stainless steel flat washers offer superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 grade, thanks to the addition of molybdenum, which provides enhanced protection against chlorides, seawater, and acidic environments. They are the preferred choice for marine, offshore, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical fastener applications.
Superior Washer & Gasket Corp manufactures 316 stainless steel flat washers in standard and custom sizes with ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management. We maintain inventory of 316 stainless washers for fast delivery and produce custom sizes to your dimensional requirements-all made in the U.S.A. with material certifications available.
316 stainless steel with molybdenum for superior chloride resistance
Preferred grade for marine and chemical applications
Standard and custom 316 stainless flat washer sizes
ISO 9001:2015 certified quality control
Made in the U.S.A.; material certifications available
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about 316 stainless steel flat washers.
What are 316 stainless steel flat washers?
316 stainless steel flat washers are manufactured from Type 316 austenitic stainless steel, which contains 2-3% molybdenum in addition to the nickel and chromium found in standard 304 stainless. The molybdenum addition provides significantly improved resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion, making 316 the preferred stainless grade for marine, chemical processing, and coastal outdoor applications.
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel washers?
The key difference is chloride resistance. Standard 304 stainless can pit and crevice corrode in chloride-rich environments such as seawater, road salt, and some chemical processing streams. The molybdenum in 316 significantly increases resistance to chloride-induced corrosion. In freshwater and mild atmospheric environments, 304 performs comparably to 316. For saltwater, chemical processing, or high-chloride exposure, 316 is the correct choice.
What is 316L stainless steel and do you offer it?
316L is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, compared to 0.08% for standard 316. The lower carbon content reduces the risk of carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone during welding. For washer applications not involving welding, 316 and 316L perform identically. Contact us if 316L is specifically required for your application.
Can you make custom 316 stainless steel flat washers?
Yes. Superior Washer manufactures custom 316 stainless steel washers to your OD, ID, and thickness specifications. Contact us via the Quick Quote form or by phone.
Are your 316 stainless steel flat washers made in the USA?
Yes. All 316 stainless steel flat washers are manufactured in the United States under our ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System. Material certifications are available upon request.
Looking for a different corrosion resistance level? We also stock 301, 302, and 304 grades. Browse the full flat washers lineup to compare all stainless steel and other material options.