316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is a type of stainless-steel alloy that contains additional molybdenum compared to 304 type tot increases its pitting corrosion resistance and strength. It is commonly used in the food and medical industries due to its ability to resist corrosion from various acids and other harsh chemicals.
This type of steel offers excellent mechanical properties, making it the perfect material for many applications. Known for its excellent formability and weldability, 316L stainless steel provides exceptional performance even under extreme conditions. In addition to its durability and flexibility, this grade of stainless steel also offers superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by exposure to chloride solutions.
316 Stainless Steel Material Specification
The UNS Number of 316 Stainless steel is S31600. The EN Number of 316 steel is 1.4401.
316 Stainless Steel Material Standard & Specification are:
- ASTM A182,
- ASTM A193,
- ASTM A194,
- ASTM A213,
- ASTM A217,
- ASTM A240,
- ASTM A249,
- ASTM A 312,
- ASTM A351,
- EN10088-3
316 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
316 stainless steel is an alloy that contains molybdenum, a chemical element that increases its corrosion resistance and strength. It also contains a high percentage of chromium and nickel, which give it its stainless-steel properties.
The exact chemical composition of 316 stainless steel may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but it typically contains:
- 16.5-18.5% chromium
- 10-14% nickel
- 2-2.50% molybdenum
- 2% manganese
- 0.03% carbon
- trace amounts of other elements
Detailed chemical compositions of AISI 316, 316L and 316H are given in the below table.
| Element (%) | AISI 316 | AISI 316L | AISI 316H |
| Carbon | 0.07 max. | 0.03 max. | 0.04 to 0.08 |
| Manganese | 2.0 max. | 2.0 max. | 2.0 max. |
| Silicon | 1.0 max. | 1.0 max. | 1.0 max. |
| Chromium | 16.5 to 18.5 | 16.5 to 18.5 | 16.5 to 18.5 |
| Molybdenum | 2.0- to 2.5 | 2.0 to 2.5 | 2.0 to 2.5 |
| Nickel | 10 to 13 | 10 to 13 | 10 to 13 |
| Sulfur | 0.02 max. | 0.02 max. | 0.02 max. |
| Phosphorus | 0.05 max. | 0.05 max. | 0.04 max. |
| Titanium | – | – | – |
| Iron | Reminder | Reminder | Reminder |
316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties
316 stainless steel is known for its strength and durability. It has a high tensile strength and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in a variety of industrial applications. Other mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel include:
- 316 stainless steel Yield strength: 205 MPa
- 316 stainless steel Ultimate tensile strength: 515 MPa
- 316 stainless steel Elongation: 40%
| Grade | AISI 316 | AISI 316L |
| Yield Strength, Minimum | 30 Ksi (205 MPa) | 25 Ksi (170 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength, Minimum | 75 Ksi (515 MPa) | 70 Ksi (485 MPa) |
| Elongation, min% | 40 | 40 |
| Hardness, Maximum | 217 HBW (95HRBW) | 217 HBW (95HRBW) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 21.5 W/m·K @ 500 °C/ 932 °F | 21.5 W/m·K @ 500 °C/ 932 °F |
| Thermal Expansion | 17.5 µm/m/°C | 17.5 µm/m/°C |
| Density | 8g/cm3 | 8g/cm3 |
| Young Modulus | 193 GPa | 193 GPa |
| Melting Temperature | 2500 to 2590 °F (1371 to 1421 °C) | 2500 to 2590 °F (1371 to 1421 °C) |
316 Stainless Steel Applications
Due to its corrosion resistance and strength, 316 stainless steel is used in a variety of industries and applications. Some common examples include:
- Marine environments: 316 stainless steel is resistant to corrosion from saltwater, making it a popular choice for use in marine environments.
- Food industry: The non-toxic nature of 316 stainless steel makes it safe for use with food. It is often used in the manufacturing of food processing equipment, kitchen appliances, and other food-related products.
- Medical industry: The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel makes it a popular choice for use in medical equipment, such as surgical instruments and medical implants.
- Chemical processing: 316 stainless steel is resistant to corrosion from a variety of acids and other chemicals, making it suitable for use in the chemical processing industry.
The strength and durability of 316 stainless steel make it a popular choice for use in construction, particularly for structural steel and outdoor railings.
Conclusion
In summary, 316 stainless steel is a versatile and durable alloy that is widely used in a variety of industries due to its corrosion resistance and strength. Its non-toxic nature makes it suitable for use in the food and medical industries, and its high resistance to corrosion makes it a popular choice for use in marine environments and other harsh environments.
FAQS
How to tell the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Is 316 stainless steel magnetic?
The presence of ferrite in the microstructure of certain grades of 316 stainless steel can cause magnetism when exposed to a magnetic field.
Does 316l stainless steel rust?
Does 316l stainless steel contain nickel?
Does 316l stainless steel tarnish?
Read more:
- 316 Stainless Steel welding Guide.
- 316 vs 316L Stainless Steel, What’s the difference?
- The Properties of 316 and 316L Stainless Steel Explained
- AISI 304 Stainless Steel (18-8 stainless steel): The Facts You Need to Know
