316 Stainless Steel

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Introducing molybdenum in the alloying process improves the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel.

It is very similar to Type 304 and is almost as commercially popular – the main differences are that the alloy is stronger at elevated temperatures, and corrosion resistance is better, especially in chloride environments. The alloy offers excellent weldability, machinability and pitting resistance. Typical use includes the fabrication of pressure vessels and heat exchangers.

Benefits:

Typical commercial applications include:

• Improved corrosion resistance when compared to 304
• More suitable for chloride environments
• Good machinability
• 316 is stronger than 304 at elevated temperatures

About Type 316L

Type 316L is a low-carbon version of Type 316 which minimizes carbide precipitation due to welding. While 304 is non-magnetic, 316L has a degree of susceptibility to magnetism. 316L is more readily weldable as the material does not suffer from weld decay around joints and is, therefore, more suitable for welding applications.

Differences

316 and 316L stainless differ in the amount of carbon in the alloying process (the same when comparing 304 and 304L). As 316L possesses lower carbon content, it provides improved intergranular corrosion resistance. Material costs for these alloys are similar.

Applications

Type 316 & 316L find use in applications including pressure vessels, chemical containers, food preparation equipment, furnace parts, valves and pumps and heat exchangers.

Availability

We stock 316 & 316L stainless steel alloy in round bars, flat bars, plates, sheets, wires, hexagons and tube.