Stainless steels are alloys based on iron that contain at least 10.5% chromium. They achieve their stainless characteristics through the formation of an invisible and adherent chromium-rich oxide film.

The alloy 316 is an austenitic stainless steel of general use with a cubic structure. It is essentially non-magnetic in the annealed condition and can only be hardened by cooling.

Molybdenum has been added to enhance corrosion resistance, particularly in environments containing chloride, and the lower carbon content of the 316L alloy provides even better corrosion resistance.