316 stainless sheet is an extremely strong and corrosion-resistant metal suitable for many different applications, featuring high levels of chromium to protect it against rusting and other environmental conditions.
Molybdenum addition increases corrosion resistance in warm chloride environments. Non-magnetic grade that can be hardened via heat treatment.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
316 stainless steel plate is widely utilized by chemical, medical and pharmaceutical industries due to its resistance to corrosion-inducing elements. Containing more chromium and molybdenum than its 304 counterpart, 316 is more capable of withstanding various corrosive conditions and resist corrosion more effectively than any other steel in its class.
Stainless steel plate is widely renowned for its exceptional strength, which explains its widespread usage across applications that prioritize longevity and power. Construction applications often utilize this material due to its ability to withstand significant loads without needing reinforcement – thanks to its 175kiloNewtons per square inch (KSI) tensile strength rating.
Like other austenitic grades of stainless steel, 316 stainless plate offers good corrosion resistance in mild environments. In particular, its resistance to atmospheric and general oxidation makes it particularly suitable for marine environments due to the molybdenum content in its composition.
As well as this, the grade offers excellent resistance to many aqueous acids; boiling sulfuric acid does not damage it and concentrations of up to 5 percent can withstand it without issue. This makes the alloy an excellent choice for use in environments containing sulfur-containing services environments.
Molybdenum increases 316’s resistance to corrosion from chlorides. Furthermore, stress corrosion cracking of this grade of metal is less prone than with 18 Cr-8 Ni alloys in environments containing halides; particularly true when placed near chlorides. The molybdenum present also boosts its protection from this form of corrosion.
This grade of stainless steel can be easily welded using common welding techniques such as SMAW, GTAW and GMAW welding processes. Spot welding can also be utilized, though the area welded should be annealed afterward in order to relieve stress build-up. In addition, the material can also be forge forged, machined, turned on conventional equipment as well as cold worked with ease; however if more extensive cold working is required after each step it should be annealed after every step to avoid excessive work hardening which could result in pitting and crevice corrosion issues.
High Strength
Molybdenum makes 316 stainless steel sheet stronger than its 304 counterpart, particularly against pitting corrosion, making it one of the preferred choices in industries requiring longevity and strength, such as automotive, pharmaceutical and photography equipment manufacturing. Furthermore, its corrosion-resisting properties help it withstand harsh environments like chlorine or seawater environments.
Stainless Steel 316 plate is considerably harder than its 304 counterpart when it comes to its tensile strength, making it suitable for applications involving higher loads like bridges, piping and large structures. Furthermore, its increased stress resistance makes it perfect for use in mining and oil and gas industries with high levels of stress.
Silicon is also an ideal material to use in applications where vibration or impact will be encountered, which explains its widespread usage in industries such as chemicals, textiles and paper production – and any others where durability and strength are valued.
Alloy 316 contains higher levels of chromium and nickel than its counterpart 304, as well as lower carbon levels, making it more resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, with increased general corrosion resistance due to higher chromium/nickel ratios than 304.
Grade 316L is similar to Grade 316 in that it contains molybdenum-bearing alloys, but its extra low carbon content helps avoid sensitisation when welding heavy sections, an issue which may arise with grades with high carbon concentrations.
Grade 316 stainless steel boasts excellent machinability, making it easier to cut and shape with tools such as milling cutters and lathes. Welding is also straightforward using standard commercial processes at any temperature; to prolong corrosion resistance and avoid cracking, anneal your material after forging to maintain this property.
316 stainless steel is non-magnetic in its annealed state; however, when cold worked it may become slightly magnetic. When working with the alloy it is ideal to work at temperatures between 1700-2200degF in order to maximize corrosion resistance and machinability.
Good Weldability
316 stainless steel sheet offers superior weldability and can be joined using all conventional fusion methods. Additionally, its excellent resistance to carbide precipitation makes it resistant to corrosion at elevated temperatures; additionally 316Ti contains titanium atoms which stabilise its structure at elevated temperatures while also protecting it from sensitisation.
All 316 grades of stainless steel are more easily weldable than their 304 counterpart, which contains less carbon and has lower corrosion resistance. Furthermore, 316 grades boast greater tensile strength, yield strength, compression strength and non-magnetic conditions (annealed condition); cold working may create slight magnetic properties within them.
Steel can be used in numerous applications where durability and power are paramount, including semi-truck fenders or massive toolboxes on truck collection trucks. Furthermore, this durable and powerful material is also frequently found on aircraft and ships as structural parts.
Although 316 and its variants possess good corrosion resistance, extended exposure to salt spray could result in crevice corrosion and should therefore be protected with an appropriate coating to guard against this possibility. It is advised to apply protective coatings for maximum protection from industrial environments where there may be salt spray exposure or other harsh chemical exposures.
This grade of stainless steel can be easily formed into shape by hand or machined using high quality tools, and easily machined using standard CNC mills. Furthermore, welding using standard fusion welding techniques both with or without filler metals is straightforward; postweld annealing may be necessary to restore corrosion resistance after joining sections together.
316 stainless steel is often utilized for surgical equipment and chemical processing applications due to its superior oxidation resistance. Additionally, this grade of stainless steel is found in architectural applications such as stairways, door frames and window guards due to its high tensile strength allowing it to withstand heavy loads while remaining malleable enough for shaping into various shapes.
Low Maintenance
316 stainless steel offers superior resistance to corrosion and staining, which reduces maintenance requirements. It withstands exposure to salt water and acids, making it suitable for marine applications and chemical processing facilities. Furthermore, its high concentrations of chromium and molybdenum make it resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments while its non-magnetic nature ensures it won’t attract dirt like other metals would.
This grade of stainless is easily formable into components and assemblies and welded, as well as highly resistant to heat – an asset when working at high temperatures. Furthermore, as food-grade alloys that can easily be sanitized it is an attractive choice for kitchen equipment and pharmaceutical projects.
Though 316 is relatively easy to work with, it is recommended that only specially made tools be used. This will prevent cross contamination that could discolour the finished product. Furthermore, sharp cutting edges will reduce excessive work hardening as well as save on coolant and lubricant usage during fabrication.
Cold forming of grade 316 stainless is possible, although tight bends or intricate shapes should be avoided as it is less ductile than other grades of stainless. Heat treatment should also be avoided to reduce stress corrosion cracking risk; however, cold working can still take place with rolling, drawing, stamping and heading but post-work annealing should be conducted to release internal stresses.
Molybdenum increases 316’s resistance to corrosion in chloride environments, specifically pitting and crevice corrosion, as well as protecting it from grain boundary carbide precipitation, which occurs with lower-grade alloys. Therefore, for applications involving extended submersion in saltwater environments a higher grade alloy may be required.
316 stainless steel sheet is available in numerous finishes and thicknesses to meet the demands of different projects. Common options include 2B, 2D, No.4, BA and satin finishes – while custom sizes and finishes may also be requested upon request.
