316/316L

Applications

•  Food preparation equipment, especially in chloride environments
•  Chemical processing, equipment
•  Laboratory benches and equipment
•  Rubber, plastics, pulp & paper machinery
•  Boat fittings, value and pump trim
•  Heat exchangers
•  Condensers, evaporators and tanks

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 Traetment

•  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

•  Grade 316/316L is somewhat more difficult to machine than Grade 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