Stainless steel refers to a group of corrosion resistant steels which contain around10.5% of chromium, which enables it to form a passive film that can protect against corrosion. Different grades of stainless steel also contain varying amounts nickel, nitrogen, molybdenum, titanium, niobium or other alloying elements. Due to the grain structure of stainless steel, it is categorized into four groups: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, and duplex steel.
Austenitic Stainless Steel
Stainless steel grade 316 is a part of the austenitic stainless steel alloys (301, 302, 303, 304, 316, 347). The 316 contains superior corrosion resistance due to the extra 2% of molybdenum. It also has a greater resistance to chemical attack than the whole 304 family. Similarly, Type 316 stainless steel is easy to clean, finish and weld.
Grade 316 Type Stainless Steel
Grade 316 stainless steel alloys are very durable and resistant to failure in harsh and severe environments. Since the 316 stainless steel grade, carries a molybdenum foundation, it has an increased amount of corrosion resistance under many harsh industrial chemicals and solvents. This stainless steel grade is used in marine and aerospace industries because of its corrosion resistant properties.
How Grade 316 Is Used In Industries
The 316 also has great forming and welding characteristics. It is used in heavy gauge welded components over 6mm and it has a higher carbon content which allows it to be used in extreme temperatures, even down to cryogenic levels. It is also known as a marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion and it is often used for building nuclear reprocessing plants. Other industries which take advantage of 316 grade stainless steel include:
* Brewing
* Chemical
* Dairy
* Food processing
* Marine equipment
* Petrochemicals
* Pharmaceuticals
316 Stainless Steel Uses
The typical usage for 316 stainless steel is in heat exchangers, furnace parts, jet engine parts, condensers, filters, chemical equipment, pressure vessels, valves, flanges, atmospheric tubing and fittings. This stainless steel alloy can’t be hardened by heat treatment, however 316 stainless steel can be cold worked to improve hardness, strength and stress resistance.
Top Quality Stainless Steel
Selecting the correct grade of stainless steel for any given application is critical to ensuring the resilience of the metal. The presence of aggressive media in any given atmospheric condition can require the use of higher stainless steel grades in order to ensure an effective degree of corrosion resistance. This is why Aerotech Alloys is your full-line metals distributor with an extensive range of rod and bar. They offer competitive pricing, outstanding customer service, and a large selection of inventory. They have years of experience and continue to meet or beat the due dates set by their customers and share the common belief that “quality” is not just a buzz word or a list of procedures, but a philosophy which resonates throughout the company from start to finish.
