What Are the Benefits of Type 316 Stainless Chain for Harsh Environments?

When selecting chain products for use in corrosive environments, industrial buyers face a critical purchasing decision. Not all types of stainless steel chain are suitable for all use-cases, and selecting the wrong chain for harsh conditions such as saltwater or chemical environments can lead to costly and dangerous equipment failures. 

Type 316 stainless steel chain is a marine-grade solution that contains a higher level of molybdenum than other types of stainless steel, which enhances its corrosion resistance as well as increasing its strength and toughness. 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of type 316 stainless chain for high-corrosion applications. 

What Makes Type 316 Stainless Chain Different from Other Grades?

Like all steels, type 316 stainless steel is an iron-based alloy. In addition to iron, it comprises chromium (typically 16-18%), nickel (typically 10-14%), and molybdenum (2-3%.) It is the addition of molybdenum that primarily distinguishes 316 stainless steel from 304 and other grades. 

Molybdenum (Mo) is a silver-grey metal that has the sixth-highest melting point of all elements. The addition of molybdenum enhances the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. This reduces the risk of pitting and crevice corrosion, two types of surface corrosion in which the metal’s protective outer layer begins to break down. Pitting corrosion creates small holes, or “pits”, on the surface of the metal, while crevice corrosion occurs in the hidden gaps or tight spaces such as around bolts, inside cracks and seams, and in the overlap between materials. If left undetected and untreated, these types of corrosion can lead to critical equipment failures. 

The Role of Molybdenum in Corrosion Resistance

Molybdenum works by strengthening stainless steel’s passive film, a thin oxide layer that forms on the surface of a metal. This creates a protective barrier which guards the steel against chlorides and acidic environments, promotes repair and thickening of the passive film (repassivation), and slows the growth rate of any pits that may form. 

316 vs. 304 Stainless Steel: Key Differences

The ASTM A240/A240M standards set out the specifications for various steel products including type 304 and type 316 stainless steel, two of the most commonly utilized forms of stainless steel for manufacturing and industrial applications. 

Type 304 stainless steel is cheaper than 316 due to the additional cost associated with adding molybdenum to the latter. Type 304 is perfectly sufficient for many applications, and tends to be favored for general use due to its relative affordability. It offers good corrosion resistance under ordinary conditions. 

Type 316 stainless steel comes into its own for use in harsh environments due to the superior pitting corrosion resistance and chloride resistance offered by its molybdenum content. This is why chain type 316 is sometimes referred to as marine-grade stainless steel chain. 

Side-by-Side Comparison:

	Type 304	Type 316
Typical Composition (Key Alloying Elements)	Chromium (~18%), nickel (~8%)	Chromium (16-18%), nickel (10-14%), molybdenum (2-3%.)
Corrosion Resistance	Good corrosion resistance for general use, less resistant in harsh environments	Excellent corrosion resistance even in harsh environments
Cost	Less costly	More costly due to the additional cost of adding molybdenum
Tensile Strength (MPa)	~500-700	~500-750
Best For	General use in ordinary conditions	Harsh environments such as marine conditions, chemical exposure, and saltwater

Core Benefits of Type 316 Stainless Chain in Industrial Applications 

Type 316 offers numerous benefits in various industrial applications due to its corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, temperature performance, strength retention, and long lifespan. In this section, we will look at some of the key benefits of 316 stainless steel corrosion-resistant roller chain. 

Superior Corrosion Resistance in Saltwater and Marine Applications

Type 316 stainless steel is often considered the minimum grade required for marine environment chain, finding use in applications such as: 

• Docks and marinas
• Offshore oil and gas
• Coastal infrastructure
• Shipbuilding
• Pipelines
• Waste water processing 

It is highly resistant to corrosion from the salt found in chloride-heavy ocean and brackish water, and can often be submerged in water for extended periods without significant corrosion. Under ASTM B117 testing, 316 stainless steel displayed excellent resistance to salt spray, making it a great choice for saltwater chain. The Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number for 316 stainless steel typically sits in the 23-30 range, indicating good resistance to pitting corrosion. 

Chemical and Acid Resistance

Type 316 stainless steel is the ideal material for chemical-resistant chain, offering excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals commonly found in industrial settings, including:

• Sulfuric acid
• Chlorine
• Phosphoric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Many organic solvents

High Temperature Performance and Strength Retention

Type 316 stainless steel maintains structural integrity and load capacity across a wide temperature range, from as low as -196°C/321°F up to around 870°C/1598°F. This makes it particularly useful in environments such as:

• Metallurgy
• Heavy industry
• Energy production
• Food and beverage processing
• Automotive
• Petrochemicals

Extended Service Life and Reduced Maintenance Costs

Type 316 stainless steel offers an excellent return on investment due to its lengthy potential service life. Depending upon the environment, it can last up to 100 years. It is a generally low-maintenance material and should be cleaned between once per month and twice per year, depending on conditions.

Given that downtime can be tremendously costly in industrial settings, with one source suggesting that an hour of downtime in a food and beverage facility can cost up to $260,000, this reliability and low maintenance requirements are critical. 

Examples of Expected Type 316 Stainless Steel Lifespan:

Environment	Typical Lifespan of Type 316 Stainless Chain
Saltwater environment with high salinity	50-100 years
Submerged or close to seawater	70-100 years
Acidic chemical processing	40-80 years
Sterile environment with frequent cleaning	20-50 years
Chlorinated water	Up to 40 years

Critical Applications Where Type 316 Stainless Chain Excels 

Type 316 stainless chain finds use across an array of industries. Just some of the industries for which Fehr provides type 316 chain products include: 

Marine and Offshore Applications

Due to its excellent corrosion resistance in water and high performance against saltwater and salt spray, type 316 stainless chain is ideal for cover boat lifts, dock equipment, offshore platforms, aquaculture systems, and desalination plants. Choosing the wrong grade of stainless steel for marine chain applications can result in rapid and dangerous equipment failure. 

Food and Beverage Processing

Food and beverage processing facilities are high washdown environments in which equipment is regularly cleaned with high-pressure water sprays and sometimes harsh chemicals. Type 316 stainless steel is regarded as a gold standard for food-grade chain and is compliant with USDA and FDA regulations due to its non-toxicity and low corrosion potential when exposed to cleaning chemicals, brines, and salt. 

Chemical Processing and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes bring equipment into contact with harsh and dangerous chemicals including acids and caustic solutions. They are also environments in which sterility is essential. Type 316 stainless steel is ideal for chemical processing and pharmaceutical chain due to its low corrosion even after extended chemical exposure. 

Wastewater Treatment and Water Processing

Type 316 stainless steel can withstand chlorine exposure, humid environments, and continuous contact with water, making it the steel material of choice for water processing and wastewater treatment chain. 

Suggested visual: Infographic showing applications by industry

How to Select the Right Chain For Your Needs: Key Stainless Steel Chain Specifications

There are many different varieties of type 316 stainless chain on the market. In this section, we will look at the criteria you will need to consider as you make your selection. If you have any questions or would like some support in choosing the right chain for your application, Fehr’s experienced team and robust quality assurance processes are here to support you. 

Working Load Limit (WLL) and Safety Factors

To calculate the working load limit for your chain, determine the maximum load weight for which you expect to use it. Don’t forget to account for not only static load but also dynamic forces and environmental factors. You will then need to account for a safety factor (SF), a built-in margin for error expressed as a factor. The minimum breaking load (MBL) of your equipment divided by the required chain working load limit is your safety factor. 

Safety factors of 4:1 to 7:1 are typical in material lifting, while operations in which a breakage would result in a threat to life can involve safety factors as high as 10:1. 

Chain Pitch, Size, and Configuration Options

Pitch is the most critical chain measurement, which measures the distance between the center of one pin in the chain to the center of the next. Larger pitch chains are designed to handle larger loads and greater forces. The pitch must match the sprockets, attachments, and other components you intend to use. You will also need to select the most appropriate attachment option for your application and, if your chain is to be used with existing equipment, check the manufacturer’s chain sizing guide. 

Certifications and Quality Standards to Verify

There are various different certifications and quality standards which can help to verify the quality of the 316 stainless chain you are considering. They include: 

• ANSI/ASME chain ratings: these refer to grades of chain, indicating their strength and intended use
• ISO chain ratings: this system classifies chains by strength and safety 
• ASTM ratings: ASTM ratings classify chains according to their material, strength, and intended use 
• Mill test reports: a mill test report is a document from the material manufacturer that certifies a product’s chemical composition, mechanical properties, and compliance with relevant standards

If information about adherence to relevant standards is not available, be very cautious. We recommend choosing only certified stainless chain and avoiding products for which this information and technical data sheets are not provided. 

Surface Finish Considerations (Polished vs. Standard)

Chain surfaces can be electropolished or have a standard mill finish. Electropolishing increases the surface smoothness by removing a microscopic layer of material from the surface. It enhances corrosion resistance, improves the cleanability and hygiene of the chain, and reduces friction. Electropolished chain can offer an advantage in harsh environments, industries in which hygiene is of particular concern (such as food and pharmaceutical production), machinery with a lot of moving parts, and contexts in which aesthetics matter. 

Quick Checklist for Chain Selection Criteria

• Does the chain have an appropriate WLL with the relevant safety factor built in?
• Is the chain of the correct pitch, size, and configuration for your application?
• Does the chain adhere to recognized, independent quality standards and have the appropriate certifications? 
• Does the chain have the correct finish?

If you cannot confidently answer all of these questions with a “yes,” look elsewhere. 

Suggested visuals: Decision tree or flowchart for chain selection, chain sizing chart or specification table

Common Questions Industrial Buyers Ask About Type 316 Stainless Chain

Here are some of the most common questions buyers ask us about type 316 stainless steel chain. If you still have questions, please contact our team and we will do our best to help. 

Q: Is Type 316 Stainless Chain Worth the Higher Cost?

A: Absolutely. Choosing the wrong type of chain can cause equipment failures, which can be costly and dangerous. In addition, choosing the correct chain means you will need to replace it far less often. While a stainless chain cost comparison will show that type 316 stainless chain is more expensive upfront, the total cost of ownership is far lower. In a saltwater or chemical environment, type 316 stainless chain can last up to 100 years, whereas cheaper chain may last only 4-5 years before damage necessitates replacement. 

Q: Can 316 Stainless Chain Be Used in High-Temperature Applications?

A: Yes. Type 316 stainless chain is suitable for use in temperatures up to  870°C/1598° in some circumstances. For extreme heat applications, however, other grades such as 309 or 321 may be more appropriate. 

Q: How Do I Maintain and Inspect Type 316 Stainless Chain?

A: Stainless steel chain maintenance is essential. Inspect the chain at regular intervals (monthly to annually, depending upon the environment and use frequency.) Look out for signs of wear, deformation, corrosion, rust, and damaged pins, as well as ensuring that all fittings are secure and in good working order. Clean chains periodically to remove the build-up of grime and debris, always following the manufacturer’s instructions. Frequent lubrication will also extend the lifespan and enhance the performance of your chain. 

A: What Happens When the Wrong Grade Is Selected?

Q: Choosing the wrong grade of stainless steel chain can result in common failures such as stress corrosion cracking, pitting, and premature wear. Any of these failures can cause equipment damage, injury, and costly downtime. Selecting the right chain is the first and most crucial step in chain failure prevention. If you’re not sure when to use 316 chain and when another grade will do, the Fehr team can advise you. 

Suggested visuals: Before/after photos of chain failure (if available), maintenance checklist infographic

Sourcing Type 316 Stainless Chain: What to Look for in a Supplier 

Choosing the right supplier for your 316 stainless chain and other industrial products is crucial. At Fehr, we pride ourselves on being not only a supplier, but a knowledgeable partner who can advise and support you through every sourcing decision. In business for over 80 years, we are a certified chain supplier and have assisted countless clients across numerous industries. 

Here are some things to look for as you evaluate prospective suppliers. 

Technical Expertise and Application Support

The right supplier should provide you with not only products, but engineering guidance and technical expertise to help ensure you are selecting the best possible solutions for your application. 

Quality Documentation and Traceability

Transparency is essential, and a reputable industrial chain distributor will be happy to explain mill test reports and provide material certifications and chain of custody documentation. You should also be able to understand the quality assurance process. 

Inventory Availability and Custom Solutions

For industrial clients and manufacturers, time is money. Even a small amount of downtime can be tremendously costly. That’s why it is essential to choose a supplier with both good stock availability for common products and custom fabrication capabilities. A reliable supplier should be able to ship products quickly and offer a range of shipping options to accommodate your specific needs.

At Fehr, we keep most standard chain assemblies in stock for immediate shipment and, if none of our products meet your requirements, simply contact the support team and we will work with you to craft a custom solution. 

Quick Checklist for Supplier Selection Criteria

• Does the supplier have a team of technical experts who can provide you with bespoke guidance on the best products for your needs? 
• Does the supplier have an easy-to-understand quality assurance process? 
• Is the supplier transparent around documentation and traceability? 
• Does the supplier keep standard products in stock for rapid shipment? 
• Is the supplier able to provide custom chain fabrication solutions for your needs if required?

If a stainless steel chain supplier does not meet all of these criteria, we advise you to proceed with caution. 

Suggested visual: Quality documentation examples

Choosing the Right Chain Products With Confidence 

Selecting the right industrial chain for your application is crucial in ensuring good performance and avoiding costly and dangerous failures. Fehr clients can benefit from our extensive expertise and commitment to customer success as well as quality, reliable, and certified products. Please contact our team to book a technical consultation or request a quote, check out our product catalog, or download a specification guide to our various type 316 stainless chain products.