316/316L Stainless Steel

General Properties

316/316L stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains molybdenum, and it\\\\'s recognized for its great resistance to corrosion, especially in areas with a lot of chloride. Thanks to its higher nickel and molybdenum content, this grade resists pitting and crevice corrosion better than 304 stainless steel. Additionally, 316/316L stainless steel offers outstanding tensile, creep, and stress-rupture strength at elevated temperatures, along with excellent formability and weldability.

The 316L stainless steel variant contains lower carbon, which prevents sensitization, making it particularly useful for heavy gauge welded components. This characteristic enhances its durability and longevity in harsh industrial settings.

Specifications:

UNS S31600 / S31603

Applications of 316/316L Stainless Steel

316/316L stainless steel is used across multiple industries because of its superior corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. Common applications include:

• Food Preparation Equipment – It\'s ideal for equipment exposed to chlorides, ensuring hygienic and corrosion-resistant surfaces.
• Chemical Processing Equipment – It withstands exposure to harsh chemicals and corrosive substances.
• Laboratory Benches & Equipment – 316/316L stainless steel ensures cleanliness and resistance to corrosive agents used in lab settings.
• Rubber, Plastics, Pulp & Paper Machinery – It maintains structural integrity in processing applications involving chemicals and moisture.
• Pollution Control Equipment – 316/316L steel resists corrosion in equipment exposed to industrial pollutants and harsh environmental conditions.
• Boat Fittings, Valves & Pump Trim – 316/316L stainless steel provides excellent resistance to saltwater and marine environments.
• Heat Exchangers – It performs well under high temperatures and corrosive conditions in thermal applications.
• Pharmaceutical & Textile Industries – It ensures compliance with strict sanitary and material durability requirements.
• Condensers, Evaporators & Tanks – It\'s suitable for applications requiring both corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.

With its superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, 316/316L stainless steel remains a top choice for industries requiring durability in harsh conditions.

Standards:

• ASTM/ASME: UNS S31600 / S31603
• EURONORM: X1 CrNiMo 17 12 2 / X3 CrNiMo 17 12 2
• AFNOR: Z 6 CND 17-11 / Z 2 CND 17-12
• DIN: 1.4401 / 1.4404

Corrosion Resistance:

• Generally more resistant than 304 in range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media due to the increased chromium
  and molybdenum content.
• Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 122°F (50°C).
• Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500mg/L at
  140°F (60°C).
• Usually regarded as the “marine grade stainless steel” – but is not resistant to warm sea water.

Heat Resistance:

• Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 1600°F (870°C) and in continuous service to 1700°F (925°C)
• Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation.

Welding Characteristics:

• Excellent weldability by all standard fusion methods, both with and without filler metals.
• Heavy welded sections in Grade 316 require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance, this is not required for grade 316L.

Heat Treatment:

• Annealing temperature range is 1900 to 2100°F (1038 to 1149°C).
• Cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
• Special consideration is needed to compensate for a higher coefficient of thermal expansion to avoid warping and distortion.

Processing – Hot Forming:

• Most producers recommend a maximum forging temperature between 2100°F and 2300°F
• Do not forge below 1700°F (927°C) Best
• Corrosion resistance is obtained if the forgings are given a final anneal.

Processing – Cold Forming:

• 316/316L types being extremely tough and ductile, can be readily cold worked such as roll form, swaging, cold heading, deep drawing,
  bent, etc., without difficulty
• Severely cold formed parts should be annealed to remove stresses.

Machineability:

• Type 316/316L is somewhat more difficult to machine than Type 304 because of its toughness.
• 316/316L machines with chip characteristics that are tough and strong.
• Chip breakers and curlers are advised.
• As large a tool as possible and great amounts of cutting fluid should be used.
• Heavy positive feeds at low speeds should be considered since 316/316L work hardens rapidly.

Chemical Properties:

Mechanical Properties:

Physical Properties: