Type 316 Stainless Steelis an austenitic chromium nickel stainless steel containing molybdenum. This addition increases general corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting from chloride ion solutions, and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures. Properties are similar to those of Type 304 except that this alloy is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures.
Corrosion resistance is improved, particularly against sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and tartaric acids; acid sulfates and alkaline chlorides. Type 316L Stainless Steelis an extra-low carbon version of Type 316 that minimizes harmful carbide precipitation in the heat affected zone during welding.
Specifications
ASTM A240, A666
Typical Applications
exhaust manifolds, furnace parts, heat exchangers, pharmaceutical and photographic equipment, valve and pump trim, chemical equipment, digesters, tanks, evaporators, pulp, paper and textile processing equipment, parts exposed to marine atmospheres and tubing
Chemical Composition ASTM A240, A666
|
Element
|
Type 316
|
Type 316L
|
|
Carbon
|
0.08 max.
|
0.030 max.
|
|
Manganese
|
2.00 max.
|
2.00 max.
|
|
Sulfur
|
0.030 max.
|
0.030 max.
|
|
Phosphorus
|
0.045 max.
|
0.045 max.
|
|
Silicon
|
1.0max.
|
1.0max.
|
|
Chromium
|
16.0 18.0
|
16.0 18.0
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|
Nickel
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10.00 14.00
|
10.00 14.00
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|
Molybdenum
|
2.00 3.00
|
2.00 3.00
|
|
Nitrogen
|
0.10 max.
|
0.10 max.
|
Mechanical Properties ASTM A240
|
Type
|
Yield Strength 0.2% offset (KSI)
|
Tensile Strength (KSI)
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% Elongation (2" Gauge length)
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Hardness Rockwell
|
|
316
|
30 min.
|
75 min.
|
40 min.
|
HRB 95 max.
|
|
316L
|
25 min.
|
70 min.
|
40 min.
|
HRB 95 max.
|
Physical Properties
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Density (lb./ in^2) @ RT
|
|
0.29
|
|
Modulus of Elasticity in Tension (psi x 10^6)
|
|
28.0
|
|
Specific Heat (BTU/°F/lb.)
|
32 to 212 °F
|
0.12
|
|
Thermal Conductivity (BTU/hr/ft^2/ft)
|
212°F
|
9.4
|
| |
932°F
|
12.4
|
|
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (in. x 10^-6 per °F)
|
32 to 212°F
|
8.9
|
| |
32 to 600°F
|
9.0
|
| |
32 to 1,000°F
|
9.7
|
| |
32 to 1,200°F
|
10.3
|
|
Electrical Resistivity (micro ohms - cm)
|
at 70°F
|
29.4
|
|
Melting Point Range (°F)
|
|
2500 - 2550
|
Processing
Types 316 and 316L are non-hardenable by heat treatment. Annealing Heat to 1900 - 2100°Fthen rapidly quench Forming Types 316 and 316L can be readily formed and drawn.
Welding
These alloys are generally considered to have poorer weldability than Types 304 and 304L. A major difference is the higher nickel content for these alloys which requires slower arc welding speed and more care to avoid hot cracking. When filler is needed, AWS E/ER 316L and 16-8-2 are most often specified.
Corrosion
Types 316 and 316L Stainless Steels exhibit better corrosion resistance than Type 304. They provide excellent pitting resistance and good resistance to most chemicals involved in the paper, textile and photographic industries.
