AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) Stainless Steel
AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel is a modified version of 304 stainless steel. It is a chromium-nickel-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel with considerable amounts of Carbon. It has a higher corrosion and chloride resistance than conventional stainless steels, due to the addition of Molybdenum. The Molybdenum addition also provides increased resistance to localized attack (pitting and crevice corrosion).
The low carbon content of AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel functions as grade 304 does not suffer from carbide precipitation during the welding process. It can therefore be extensively used within both the general and corrosive industrial environments, particularly in process equipment used in the marine and chemical industries.
AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel is mainly used in applications requiring superior corrosion resistance such as construction, food and beverage processing, automotive and chemical industries, etc. It also offers excellent weldability, withstands high temperatures, and provides good formability.
Additionally, AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel is appropriate for a variety of purposes due to its superior properties, including excellent resistance to oxidation, superior toughness and strength, superior ductility, and superior ability to withstand elevated temperatures.
Applications
AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel is commonly used in applications requiring superior resistance to corrosion such as process equipment used in the food and beverage industry, chemical processing and marine industries, as well as construction. Its corrosion-resistance is ideal for processes and products that require contact with acids and alkalis as well as exposure to salinity.
One of the more common applications of AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel is in tanks and vessels. Its superior corrosion-resistance makes it particularly suitable for such uses, as the environment it is used in can be quite harsh and corrosive. Furthermore, its superior strength and properties make it an excellent choice for tubing and piping for transferring corrosive materials.
Furthermore, the Molybdenum addition to AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel also makes it an ideal material for use in food processing as its cleanliness is retained even after multiple washings. As such, it can be used in kitchen countertops, cutlery, cookware, and food processing equipment.
Finally, its superior formability and aesthetics also make it an ideal material for decorative, architectural applications such as handrails and balustrades. It can even be used in artwork case studies and applied to plumbing and electrical components.
Conclusion
AISI 316L (00Cr18Ni14Mo2Cu2) stainless steel offers a number of advantages over other types of austenitic stainless steels. Its superior corrosion resistance, superior strength, and superior formability make it an ideal material for a variety of applications, from decorative to corrosive. Furthermore, its resistance to oxidation and to elevated temperatures make it particularly suitable for process and marine equipment, as well as food processing equipment.
