AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is an extremely versatile stainless steel used in a wide variety of products and applications. It is an austenitic grade of stainless steel that features an abundance of chromium, nickel and molybdenum. It is not just the chromium content (greater than 16%) that gives this grade the ability to resist corrosion, but the substantial content of nickel, molybdenum and nitrogen as well. It offers excellent ductility and formability, making it a great choice for machining and welding.
AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is a low-carbon modification of AISI 316 grade stainless steel. The low carbon content in AISI 316L grade allows for greater corrosion resistance under oxidizing conditions compared to conventional AISI 316 grade. This stainless steel exhibits greater corrosion resistance and improved weldability, making it a popular choice in a wide range of industries.
AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is highly resistant to many of the most corrosive fluids, salts, and carbon based solutions at different temperatures. Its corrosion resistance to industrial acids such as nitric, sulphuric and hydrochloric acids and alkalis is particularly noteworthy. It can also be used in environments where high moisture levels are present. This grade of stainless steel is also considered to be immune to stress corrosion cracking, as well as having great resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Due to its combination of high strength, low temperature properties, and ease of fabrication, AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is widely used in the marine, oil and gas, and food processing industries. It is also found in pharmaceutical processing, water treatment equipment, petrochemical production, and even petrochemical refining.
AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is used extensively in the medical field as well. Its ability to resist corrosion and sterilization make it a preferable choice for medical and dental supplies and instruments. This grade of stainless steel is also used in skin and eye protection products, such as surgical needles, scalpel blades and blades for safety glasses, which need to be precision manufactured to stringent tolerances.
The industrial and consumer appliance industries rely heavily upon AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 grade stainless steel as well, due to its mechanical and machinability properties. This grade of stainless steel has been used in the manufacture of refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning equipment, as well as many types of consumer and commercial kitchen equipment.
AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 is also used extensively in the construction and fabrication industries. It is often used in coastal regions, and is favored for outdoor structures. Its durability and resistance to pitting and corrosion make it ideal for maritime structures, such as docks, piers, platforms and breakwaters. It is also used in the production of fasteners, handrails, hinges, and other related products.
Overall, AISI 316L/X2CrNiMo18-16-5 grade stainless steel is a workhorse of a material that is used in an ever-increasing number of applications. It offers great corrosion resistance, weldability and formability. It’s strength and temperature resistance make it a great choice for those industries that need to work with precise and consistent methods.
