316 and 316L stainless steel
316 and 317 stainless steel (see properties of 317 stainless steel below) are molybdenum containing stainless steel types. The molybdenum content in 317 stainless steel is slightly higher than that in 316 stainless steel Due to the presence of molybdenum in the steel, its overall performance is superior to 310 and 304 stainless steel. Under high temperature conditions, 316 stainless steel has a wide range of applications when the concentration of sulfuric acid is below 15% and above 85%. 316 stainless steel also has good resistance to chloride corrosion, so it is commonly used in marine environments.
The maximum carbon content of 316L stainless steel is 0.03, which can be used for applications that cannot be annealed after welding and require maximum corrosion resistance.
corrosion resistance
The corrosion resistance is better than that of 304 stainless steel, and it has good corrosion resistance in the production process of pulp and paper. Moreover, 316 stainless steel is resistant to the erosion of oceans and corrosive industrial atmospheres.
heat resistance
316 stainless steel has good oxidation resistance in intermittent use below 1600 degrees and continuous use below 1700 degrees. It is best not to continuously use 316 stainless steel in the temperature range of 800-1575 degrees, but when continuously using 316 stainless steel outside of this temperature range, it has good heat resistance. 316L stainless steel has better resistance to carbide precipitation than 316 stainless steel and can be used within the above temperature range.
heat treatment
Annealing is carried out within the temperature range of 1850-2050 degrees, followed by rapid annealing and then rapid cooling. 316 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
welding
316 stainless steel has good welding performance. All standard welding methods can be used for welding. During welding, 316Cb, 316L, or 309Cb stainless steel filler rods or welding rods can be used according to the purpose. To achieve optimal corrosion resistance, the welded section of 316 stainless steel needs to undergo post weld annealing treatment. If 316L stainless steel is used, post weld annealing treatment is not required.
Typical Uses
Pulp and paper equipment, heat exchangers, dyeing equipment, film processing equipment, pipelines, and materials for exterior buildings in coastal areas.