In this study, a numerical approach has been developed to predict the near surface residual stresses and plastic strain resulting from turning in orthogonal cutting configuration. This approach is based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation using the commercial finite element code Abaqus-Explicit. The coefficients of the used material behavior law and friction model required for the simulation are identified experimentally in this study. The simulated results are validated by experiments carried out on AISI 316L stainless steel. Using this method, the effect of the depth of cut (Doc) and the cutting speed (Vc) on the surface properties has been established. The simulated residual stress gradient resulting from machining has been experimentally validated by X-ray diffraction measurements. The simulated plastic strain gradient has been validated by an experimental microhardness-strain relationship established in this study.