AMS Specification 316 Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistant Steel

AMS 5524

316 Stainless Steel – Sheet, Strip, and Plate, Corrosion and Heat Resistant, Solution Heat Treated

Steel, Corrosion and Heat Resistant, Sheet, Strip, and Plate – 18Cr 13Ni 2.5Mo – Solution Heat Treated per AMS 5524 (SAE International)

AS9100D / ISO 9001

Mill Test Reports

2–4 Week Delivery

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Quick Specification Facts

Spec Number AMS 5524

Material 316 Stainless Steel (Corrosion and Heat Resistant)

Spec Type AMS Specification (SAE International)

Category Stainless Steel / 316 Series

Composition 18Cr 13Ni 2.5Mo

Also Known As Type 316, UNS S31600

Product Forms Sheet, Strip, Plate

Condition Solution Heat Treated

Certification AS9100D / ISO 9001 with full MTR traceability

Specification Overview

AMS 5524 is an SAE International AMS specification covering Type 316 corrosion and heat resistant stainless steel in the form of sheet, strip, and plate in the solution heat treated condition. The nominal alloy composition is 18% Chromium, 13% Nickel, and 2.5% Molybdenum (18Cr-13Ni-2.5Mo), also designated UNS S31600. The molybdenum addition is the defining feature that distinguishes Type 316 from the more common Type 304 stainless steel, providing significantly enhanced resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-containing environments such as marine, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical applications. Type 316 also offers excellent resistance to a wide range of organic and inorganic chemicals and maintains good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

The solution heat treated condition specified by AMS 5524 ensures the material is in its optimal microstructural state for corrosion resistance and formability. In this condition, the alloy is heated to approximately 1900–2100°F (1038–1149°C) and rapidly quenched to dissolve carbides and achieve a fully austenitic microstructure. This treatment maximizes corrosion resistance and ductility. The austenitic microstructure renders the alloy non-magnetic in the annealed condition (it may become slightly magnetic with cold work), and provides excellent toughness at both elevated and cryogenic temperatures. The molybdenum content (2.00–3.00%) is key to the enhanced corrosion resistance of 316 over 304, particularly in marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications where chloride exposure is a concern. AMS 5524 sheet, strip, and plate is used across aerospace, defense, medical, chemical processing, and marine industries.

Available Product Forms

Sheet

Strip

Plate

AMS 5524 material is supplied as Sheet, Strip, and Plate in the solution heat treated condition per specification requirements. Standard mill widths and custom-cut sizes are available. Sheet and strip are available in a wide range of thicknesses and widths; plate is available in heavier gauges. Custom shearing, laser cutting, and waterjet cutting to customer-specified dimensions is available through our in-house processing facility. Contact our materials specialists for non-standard sizes or large quantity requirements.

Nominal Chemical Composition

Element	Symbol	Nominal %	Notes
Carbon	C	0.08% max	Controlled to low level to minimize carbide precipitation and sensitization
Chromium	Cr	~18% (16.00–18.00%)	Primary element for corrosion resistance; forms passive oxide layer on surface
Nickel	Ni	~13% (10.00–14.00%)	Stabilizes austenitic structure; improves toughness, ductility, and formability
Molybdenum	Mo	~2.5% (2.00–3.00%)	Enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance; key differentiator from Type 304
Manganese	Mn	2.00% max	Deoxidizer; contributes to austenite stability
Silicon	Si	1.00% max	Deoxidizer; improves oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures
Phosphorus	P	0.045% max	Impurity; controlled to minimum levels
Sulfur	S	0.030% max	Impurity; controlled to minimum for corrosion resistance
Nitrogen	N	0.10% max	Strengthener; improves pitting corrosion resistance
Iron	Fe	Balance	Base metal

Chemical composition ranges are nominal. Consult the current issue of AMS 5524 for precise minimum/maximum requirements. Aero-Vac provides full mill test reports (MTRs) with certified chemistry for every order.

Key Properties & Specification Details

Property / Attribute	Details
Specification Number	AMS 5524
Issuing Organization	SAE International
Material Type	Corrosion and Heat Resistant Stainless Steel – Sheet, Strip, and Plate
Alloy Name	Type 316 – also known as UNS S31600
Nominal Composition	18Cr 13Ni 2.5Mo
Condition	Solution Heat Treated
Available Forms	Sheet, Strip, Plate
Tensile Strength (typical)	75 ksi (517 MPa) minimum – good mechanical properties combined with outstanding corrosion resistance
Yield Strength (typical)	30 ksi (207 MPa) minimum – high ductility and formability in solution heat treated condition
Elongation	40% minimum in 2 inches – excellent ductility for forming and fabrication operations
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent – superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance due to molybdenum addition; resistant to chlorides, acids, and alkaline solutions
Machinability	Fair – work hardens rapidly; use sharp tools, slow speeds, and adequate coolant
Weldability	Excellent – all standard welding methods applicable; no pre- or post-weld heat treatment required for most applications
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic (austenitic) in solution heat treated condition; may become slightly magnetic with cold work
Certification Available	AS9100D / ISO 9001, Certificate of Conformance, MTR

Typical Applications

Aerospace & Defense Components: Aircraft structural panels, brackets, fairings, and hardware where corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and light weight are required. Used in exhaust systems, equipment housings, and components subject to high-temperature or corrosive environments.

Chemical Processing Equipment: Tanks, vessels, piping, heat exchangers, and process equipment handling corrosive chemicals, acids, and chloride-bearing solutions where the molybdenum content of 316 provides superior pitting resistance compared to Type 304.

Marine & Offshore Applications: Marine hardware, fittings, deck equipment, submersible components, and offshore platform structures where resistance to seawater, salt spray, and chloride-induced corrosion is critical for long-term performance.

Medical & Pharmaceutical Equipment: Surgical instruments, pharmaceutical processing vessels, laboratory equipment, and cleanroom components where biocompatibility, superior corrosion resistance, and cleanability to the highest standards are essential.

Food Processing & Architecture: Food processing equipment, commercial kitchen surfaces, countertops, architectural cladding, and decorative panels where hygiene, corrosion resistance, aesthetic appearance, and ease of cleaning are required.

Frequently Asked Questions – AMS 5524

What is AMS 5524 and what does it cover?

AMS 5524 is an SAE International AMS specification covering Type 316 corrosion and heat resistant stainless steel in the form of sheet, strip, and plate in the solution heat treated condition. The alloy designation is UNS S31600, with a nominal composition of 18% Chromium, 13% Nickel, and 2.5% Molybdenum (18Cr-13Ni-2.5Mo). The specification defines the chemical composition limits, mechanical property requirements, heat treatment requirements, and quality assurance provisions for sheet, strip, and plate product forms. AMS 5524 material is used in aerospace, defense, medical, chemical processing, marine, and general industrial applications where superior corrosion resistance combined with good mechanical properties are required. The solution heat treated condition ensures maximum corrosion resistance and optimal microstructure for fabrication and service.

What makes 316 Stainless Steel different from 304 Stainless Steel?

The primary difference between Type 316 and Type 304 stainless steel is the addition of 2.00–3.00% Molybdenum in Type 316. This molybdenum addition significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-containing environments such as seawater, salt spray, and chemical process streams. Type 316 also contains slightly higher nickel content (10–14% vs. 8–10.5% for 304), which further improves corrosion resistance and austenite stability. As a result, Type 316 is preferred over 304 in marine environments, chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and any application involving exposure to chlorides or aggressive chemicals. Both grades are austenitic, non-magnetic in the annealed condition, and offer excellent formability and weldability, but 316's molybdenum content makes it the superior choice for demanding corrosive environments.

Does Aero-Vac supply AMS 5524 with full mill test reports and certifications?

Yes. All AMS 5524 material supplied by Aero-Vac is fully traceable to mill test reports (MTRs) confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties per the specification. We are AS9100D/ISO 9001 certified with a 99.6% quality rating. Every order ships with certificates of conformance, material certifications, and chemical/mechanical test reports. Electronic delivery of all documentation is available for fast turnaround. If your program requires additional special process certifications or customer-specific documentation requirements, our quality team can coordinate as needed.

What sizes of AMS 5524 sheet, strip, and plate does Aero-Vac stock?

Aero-Vac maintains inventory of AMS 5524 (316 Stainless Steel) sheet, strip, and plate across a range of thicknesses and widths. We carry standard mill widths and can provide custom-cut sheets, strips, and plates from our in-house processing facility at the Port of Kalama. Sheet is available in standard gauges and custom thicknesses; plate is available in heavier gauges for structural applications. For non-standard dimensions or special requirements, our team can source through our global supplier network and provide custom cutting and processing. Contact us with your specific thickness, width, length, quantity, and required condition and we will provide a prompt quote with availability and lead time.

What are the typical lead times for AMS 5524 material?

In-stock AMS 5524 material is typically available for same-day or next-day shipment. For custom-cut or specially processed orders, our standard lead time is 2–4 weeks—significantly faster than the industry average of 8–12 weeks. Specialty sizes or items requiring mill production may require 4–8 weeks depending on quantity and dimensions. We prioritize urgent aerospace and defense requirements and will always provide honest, upfront delivery estimates. Rush processing is available on select items. Contact us with your requirement and we will give you a straight answer on availability.

Can Aero-Vac provide value-added processing for AMS 5524 316 stainless steel?

Yes. Aero-Vac operates a complete in-house processing facility at our Port of Kalama location. For AMS 5524 (316 Stainless Steel) sheet, strip, and plate, we offer precision saw cutting, shearing, laser cutting, surface grinding, and heat treatment services. We also provide comprehensive mechanical and non-destructive testing services in-house. Having all capabilities under one roof allows for faster turnaround, tighter quality control, and reduced overall cost compared to using multiple vendors. Our team is experienced with the specific machining and processing requirements of austenitic stainless steels, including managing work hardening during cutting and machining operations. Contact us to discuss your specific processing and testing requirements for AMS 5524 material.

Need AMS 5524 material or a custom quote?

Our stainless steel specialists can provide fast pricing, availability, and technical guidance for your AMS 5524 / 316 Stainless Steel requirements.