Type 316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel that has a number of highly beneficial advantages and applications and is used in a variety of different environments.
Austenitic stainless steel is the largest group of stainless steels and accounts for around 66% of all stainless steel production. Austenitic stainless steel has a very specific microstructure that is achieved by alloying steel with sufficient nickel and/or manganese and nitrogen. This very stable microstructure is then maintained at all temperatures.
The 300 series of austenitic steels are chromium-nickel alloys and is the most widely used group of stainless steels.
Type 316 is generally known to be durable, clean, easy-to-fabricate, weldable and has a good finish. It has so many different benefits that even though Type 316 costs a little more upfront, it can improve the functional lifespan of the steel products by years which means it can save companies vast amounts of money in the future.
Type 316L is a low carbon version of Type 316 which minimises carbide precipitation and is used extensively for welding applications. 316L is also a great stainless steel for high-temperature, high-corrosion uses, which is why it&#;s so popular for use in construction and marine projects.
Grade 316H is a high carbon modification of Alloy 316 developed for use in elevated temperature service. The alloy has higher strength at elevated temperatures and is used for structural and pressure vessel applications at very high temperatures.
There are lots of benefits of Stainless Steel 316 and these include the following:
These numerous advantages and benefits mean that 316 Stainless Steel is used in many different applications and environments which include the following examples:
Special Piping Materials has extensive experience in supplying Type 316 Stainless steel to clients and industries all around the world.
We have been stocking 316 and 316L in our warehouses in Scotland and Perth for many years and we are now stocking it in our UK headquarters in Manchester as well.
If you would like to enquire about our stock of 316 and our variety of different high specification stainless steel products, then contact the Special Piping Materials team here. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to understand and meet your requirements and let you know what products we have in stock, and how quickly we are able to source and ship more specific or unusual products. You&#;ll also be able to find out more about the large range of products we can source from some of the most reputable mills across the globe.
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While the two most popular grades of stainless steel might seem identical at a glance, they hold important differences that can lead to substantial savings over the life of your product depending on your intended uses.
All stainless steels contain a mix of iron and chromium at various levels. But the exact mix&#;and other additions &#; are what create the differences between grades.
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The most popular 304 grade stainless contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel &#; though other alloys exist within the same grade.
Stainless steels of the 316 grade include less chromium &#; often around 16% &#; but increase nickel levels and add molybdenum to the mix.
In most common alloys, you&#;ll find 10% nickel and 2 to 3% molybdenum. However, specialty alloys might have as much as 9% molybdenum.
Most stainless steel ordered around the world is Grade 304.
It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known.
While 316 comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids.
This makes it popular for a wide range of environments&#;including:
These increased resistances also help to take the guesswork out of cleaning and allow you to clean your stainless more often using stronger cleansers and detergents with little worry of damage or altering the appearance of the stainless steel.
This makes 316 an ideal upgrade for environments with strict hygiene and cleanliness standards.
With the benefits offered by 316 stainless steel, you might wonder why 304 remains the most popular&#;
If you&#;re not sure which to choose, consider these common uses for the two grades:
In short, it&#;s mostly about cost and corrosion resistance requirements.
If you don&#;t need the added resistance of 316, standard 304 grades will offer similar performance and longevity at a lower price point.
However, in situations where the added resistance is needed, 316 often improves the functional lifespan of the steel products by years.
This can lead to drastic long-term savings despite the initial increase in investment.
Looking for more information on the various traits and performance considerations surrounding other stainless steel grades?
By matching the grade of stainless to your intended usage and environment, you can optimize both the financial and physical benefits of your stainless steel investment.
If you&#;re not sure where to start or are looking for a trusted partner with a wide selection of stainless options, the experts at Unified Alloys have more than 40 years of experience supplying industries across North America. Call today for a consultation!
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