316L Grade Stainless Steel
316L grade stainless steel is a type of stainless steel grade UNS S31688 which is also known as 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2. It is a comparatively lower grade stainless steel and offers corrosion resistance when exposed to acidic and alkaline environments. This grade is commonly used in the medical and food processing industries, and it has very good formability and weldability.
Overview
Stainless steel is an alloy metal composed of iron and other metals, such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It is the combination of these metals that give stainless steel its durability, strength, and corrosion resistant properties. The 316L grade is a type of stainless steel that is considered to be an extra-low carbon grade variant. This stainless steel also has excellent mechanical properties, tensile strength, and yield strength. Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and durability, it is used extensively in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, petrochemical, and many others.
The chemical makeup of 316L grade stainless steel consists of 0% – 0.030% carbon, 2.00% – 3.00% molybdenum, 12.00% – 15.00% chromium, 12.00% – 15.00% nickel, and 0.80% – 2.00% manganese. The composition results in a corrosion resistance of up to 70% to 85% depending on what metal is used in the alloy.
Applications
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and chemical composition, the 316L grade stainless steel is widely used in many industries. Some of its most common applications are listed below:
1. Medical equipment and instruments – 316L grade stainless steel is used in the manufacture of medical equipment, such as surgical tools, instruments, and implants due to its ability to resist corrosion in a sterile environment.
2. Food processing – This grade of steel is often used in food industry equipment, such as in preparation bowls, cookware, cutlery, and serving dishes.
3. Petrochemical industry – The grade is used for the storage and transportation of crude oil and other chemical products because it has the ability to resist corrosion caused by chemicals.
4. Marine and coastal environments – Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, 316L grade stainless steel is used to fabricate marine, coastal, and offshore applications, such as channel buoys, docks, and piers.
5. Chemical industry – Its corrosion resistant and durable properties make it ideal for use in a number of chemical applications. Such products include chemical tanks, processing equipment, and pipelines.
Conclusion
316L grade stainless steel, also known as UNS S31688 or 0Cr18Ni12Mo2Cu2, is an alloy of iron and other metals, such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. This grade is considered to be an extra-low carbon variant of stainless steel and offers excellent formability, weldability, and mechanical properties. It also has excellent corrosion resistance and is used in a variety of applications, such as medical equipment, food processing, petrochemical, marine, and chemical industries.
