What is 316 steel ? It is a high-grade stainless steel with comparatively high corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments. This article will explain why 316 steel is a premium choice for stainless steel pipe and fittings.
What is 316 Steel? The Marine-Grade Advantage!
What is 316 steel? It is an austenitic stainless steel, similar to 304 steel. However, it contains molybdenum, the addition of which greatly increases its corrosion resistance. It also performs well in chloride-rich environments, including seawater and many chemical processes. It has good strength and excellent formability.
Core Advantages
Molybdenum in 316 steel prevents pitting corrosion. It also resists crevice corrosion.
It has excellent mechanical properties and performs well at high temperatures. Compared to 304 steel, it resists creep more effectively. Ensures stability in hot working applications.
It can withstand a wider range of chemicals, including sulphuric acid, bromide and iodide. Making it ideal for chemical processing.
316 steel is easy to form, machine and weld, allowing for complex designs of pipes and fittings.
Its smooth, corrosion-resistant surface minimises bacterial growth. Ideal for hygienic applications such as food, pharmaceutical and medical systems.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Cr | Ni | Mo | Mn | Si | C | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 |
What We Do
Typical Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation | Hardness (HRB) | Density | Melting Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥515MPa(75ksi) | ≥205MPa(30ksi) | ≥40 | ≤95 | 8.0g/cm³ | 1370−1400°C |
316 Steel in Stainless Steel Pipe and Fittings
- Marine Environment: Resistant to salt spray and seawater corrosion, used for offshore platforms and ship fittings.
- Chemical Processing: Handles corrosive chemicals and is commonly used in chemical reactors and tanks.
- Medical and pharmaceutical: where hygiene is important, as 316 resists sterilising chemicals.
- Food and Beverage (Premium): for more aggressive foodstuffs, such as handling brine, vinegar and fruit acids.
- Industrial Heat Exchangers: Maintains integrity at higher temperatures and can withstand corrosive coolants or process fluids.
Sourcing 316 Steel Pipes and Fittings
Look for compliance with ASTM standards. ASTM A312 covers seamless and welded stainless steel pipe. ASTM A403 covers wrought austenitic stainless steel fittings.
Ensure that pipes and fittings are of the required size. This includes specifications (e.g. Sch 10, Sch 40), for which a proper fit is essential.
View Stainless Steel Tube Specification Document
Specify the desired finish. Options range from honed to polished. This has implications for both appearance and hygiene.
Work with reputable manufacturers. They offer reliable 316 steel products and have certifications(e.g. ISO 9001 and CE-PED).
Contact Us
- RM901 No.22 Tangjiaqiao Road Wenzhou China
- +86 577 8551 1171
- [email protected]
- https://www.kaysuns.com/
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