Performance characteristics and classic applications of 316 and 316L stainless steel

Both 316 and 316L stainless steel are molybdenum-containing stainless steels. Among them, the molybdenum content in 316L stainless steel is slightly higher than that of 316 stainless steel. Because the composition of this type of stainless steel contains the alloying element molybdenum, the overall performance of this type of steel is stronger than that of 310 and 304 stainless steel. In high temperature conditions, whenever the concentration of sulfuric acid is lower than 15% or higher than 85%, use 316 Stainless steel is more suitable. 316 stainless steel also has good resistance to chloride corrosion, so 316 stainless steel is generally used in marine environments.
The maximum carbon content of 316L stainless steel is 0.03%, which can be used in applications that do not require annealing after welding and require high corrosion resistance.
Let’s talk about the various properties of 316 stainless steel. The first is the corrosion resistance, which is undoubtedly stronger than that of 304 stainless steel. Therefore, 316 and 316L stainless steel have great use in the papermaking industry. In addition, the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel can even withstand corrosion from the ocean and corrosive industrial atmosphere.
The second is heat resistance. 316 series stainless steel can be used intermittently in the range of less than 1600°C and continuously in the range of less than 1700 degrees.
316 stainless steel also has good oxidation resistance. In the temperature range of 800-1575°C, it is best not to continuously use 316 stainless steel for work. However, when 316 stainless steel is continuously used outside this temperature range, this stainless steel will have Excellent heat resistance.
In addition, 316L stainless steel has better resistance to carbide precipitation than 316 stainless steel, and can be used well in the above temperature range.
The third point is the heat treatment. The specific operation process is to directly anneal in the temperature range of 1850-2050°C, followed by rapid annealing, and then rapid cooling. It should be noted that 316 stainless steel cannot be hardened by overheating.
The fourth point is welding performance. 316 stainless steel has better welding performance. All mainstream standard welding processes can be used for welding processing. When welding, 316Cb, 316L or 309Cb stainless steel filler rods or welding rods can be used according to the purpose. In order to obtain excellent corrosion resistance, the welded section of 316 stainless steel needs to be annealed after welding. But if 316L stainless steel is used, there is no need to perform post-weld annealing treatment.
The classic areas of use of 316 and 316L stainless steel include heat exchangers for pulp and papermaking equipment, dyeing equipment, film processing equipment, pipelines and exterior materials for buildings in coastal areas.