Type 316 steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel which contains 2 to 3 % molybdenum. The molybdenum content increases corrosion resistance, enhances resistance to pitting in chloride ion solutions and augments strength at high temperatures.

It is particularly effective in acidic environments and in defensive against corrosion caused by the sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and tartaric acids and as well as acid sulfates and alkaline chlorides.

It is very durable in nature, easy-to-fabricate, clean, weld and finish. It is significantly more resistant to solutions of bromides, chlorides, sulfuric acid, iodides and fatty acids at high temperatures.

Stainless steels which contain the element molybdenum are even needed in the manufacturing of precise pharmaceuticals so as to prevent excessive metallic contamination.

Uses of 316 stainless steel:

The most familiar uses of type 316 stainless steel are in the construction of exhaust manifolds, furnace parts, heat exchangers, jet engine parts, evaporators, chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical and photographic equipment, valve and pump parts, tanks, pulp and paper and textile processing equipment and parts that are exposed to marine environments.

Types of 316 stainless steel:

The types of 316 stainless steel include Type 316L.

Type 316L:

Type 316L stainless steel is an extra-low carbon version of the 316 steel alloy. The lower carbon content in this type reduces harmful carbide precipitation as a result of welding. Therefore, it is even utilized when welding is needed in order to make sure that there is maximum corrosion resistance.

While similar to Type 304, both Type 316 and 316L show signs of advanced corrosion resistance and are stronger and further temperatures. They too are non-hardenable by heat treatment and can be promptly formed and drawn.

Properties of 316 Stainless Steel

Some properties of 316 stainless steel include:

• It is a molybdenum-bearing grade & can be categorized under the austenitic steel category.
• It is extensively used in the marine sector, as it is corrosion resistance and can even be utilized in the harsh marine conditions as well.
• It is resistant to carbide precipitation when used in temperatures ranging from 425ºC to 860º
• As it is corrosion resistance, it is very used in various commercial and industrial applications and as well as in high-chloride environments.