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Stainless Steel 316

316-grade stainless steel is a precision alloy that has a high grade of molybdenum. This feature allows the metal to be used in more extreme conditions. It is also referred to in the marine industry, chemical industry, and food ore processing because of its great tensile strength, especially its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion-induced corrosion.

Material Type

Stainless Steel 316 austenitic is an austenitic steel. The main reason as to why it is classified here is the presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) grains in the microstructure of the material that accounts for excellent toughness and ductility.

Material Name

As for 'Stainless Steel 316', it is a grade of stainless steel that contains useful alloys, molybdenum (2-3% by weight) for instance, which helps in preventing further attack in chlorinated service in it.

Process Compatibility

Stainless Steel 316 is an engineering material that has no limitations in terms of being welded both using standard processes such as TIG and MIG though, it requires a weldable corrosion-resistant filler material. The material can be bent into complicated shapes. It does not harden under heat treatment, however, the process of annealing can increase their structural strengths. Corrosion resistance in these treatments is achieved by utilizing passivation techniques which improve the oxide layer cover.

Stainless Steel 316
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Jason xue

Kingsun's senior machining engineer

Stainless Steel 316 Properties

Stainless Steel 316 is appreciated because of its excellent resistance to corrosion, high strength and durability. These features make it suitable for marine and industrial environments. Investigate why and how Stainless Steel 316 can be utilized in your next project!
1

Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile Strength: Approximately 515 MPa.
    Yield
  • Strength: Around 205 MPa.
  • Hardness: Typically about 95 HRB (Rockwell B).
2

Physical Properties

  • Density: 7.99 g/cm³.
  • Modulus of Elasticity: Approximately 193 GPa.
3

Thermal Properties

  • Thermal Conductivity: About 16.2 W/m·K.
  • Thermal Expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 16.0 µm/m·°C.
4

Electrical Properties

Resistivity: Approximately 740 nΩ·m at 20°C.

5

Post Treatments

  • Annealing: The process involves heating the material workpiece to the temp range 1010-1120°C respectively and cooling it rapidly in the water.
  • Passivation: Involves treatment in nitric acid or other oxidising agents for increased resistance to corrosion.
6

Common Applications

  • Marine Environments: Apply where excellent resistance to chloride environments is required.
  • Industrial plants: Oriented to the use of materials having a resistant erosion.
  • Medical devices: Made from biocompatible polymer materials which do not react with body fluids and are used for surgery and implants.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is stainless steel 316 and how is it different from all other types of stainless steel grade?

A: Stainless steel 316 is an austenitic alloy that exhibits great resistance to corrosion especially in salty conditions. In this alloy, there is molybdenum present which increases the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than that of 304 stainless steel which is not alloyed with this component.

Q: What are the physical properties of stainless steel 316?

A: As to the physical properties of stainless steel 316, it has high tensile strength, ductility, and chloride attack resistance, among others. Its density is within the range of 8.0 GC/cm3 and has a melting point of about 1375-1400(2500-2550).

Q: How does the alloy composition of 316 stainless steel influence its performance?

A: The alloy composition of 316 stainless steel consists of chromium, molybdenum, and nickel. This combination makes it stronger, more corrosion resistant, and suitable for higher temperature applications than the standard grade 304 stain steel.

Q: What is the significance of 316L Stainless Steel?

A: 316L stainless steel is a low carbon type of 316 that enhances the weldability of the austenitic steel grade while reducing the carbon effect during welding. This particular grade is very much applicable in areas that require welding and also those that are hostile to corrosion.

Q: Is it possible to heat treat stainless steel 316?

A: Some alloys such as stainless steel 316 cannot be heat treated to harden the material as it is alloyed. Instead the material can be solution annealed to increase resistance to corrosion and also relieve stress. The heating is generally performed within a temperature range of 1010 to 1120C (1850 to 2050F), at which point the sample is then cooled down pretty quickly.

Q: What are the mechanical properties of stainless steel 316?

A: The mechanical properties of stainless steel 316 are dominating a tensile strength of about 515 MPa (75,000 psi) and yield strength of approximately 205 MPa (30,000 psi). It also has high ductility which makes it suitable for stress and strength requiring structures and components.

Q: How do 316 and 304 stainless steels differ in terms of corrosion resistance?

A: When compared to 304, stainless steel 316 is much more suitable for corrosive environments such as seawater because it has a higher corrosion resistance. It is the molybdenum in 316 that helps resist pitting and stress corrosion cracking.

Q: What is the performance of stainless steel 316 in relation to its intended purpose?

A: Owing to its remarkable resistance to corrosion and antibacterial qualities, good-grade stainless steel 316 is often found in applications within marine, food, chemicals, and pharmaceutical industries. Other uses include construction and other architectural applications where there is the need for strong materials.

Q: Is it that difficult to machine stainless 316 compared to other types of stainless steel?

A: Whereas a common form of 316 has striking similarities to 304, machining of the former can be quite difficult because of its enhanced strength as well as high work-hardening rates. However, this can be controlled through the use of appropriate tools or techniques, including correct cutting speeds and feeds.

Q: What are the properties of stainless steel 316 in high temperatures?

A: 316 stainless steel exhibits oxidation resistance at intermediate temperatures. It is capable of standing in extreme temperatures; however, very long exposure tends to make it prone to scaling, thereby making it less corrosion-resistant. However, the synthesis of materials should be such that suitability for the intended activity is appreciated.

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