SS 316 / 316L is a molybdenum steel employed in making a range of stainless steel products. It is much more wear resistant than 304 and has an impressive material strength. The main drawback, however, is that it is more expensive than only molybdenum steel due to the inclusion of nickel and chromium.
Due to its usage in extreme and corrosive conditions, 316 / 316L allows its applications where withstanding heavy duties. For example, as a higher grade of stainless steel, SS 316 / 316L is used to manufacture and construct marine and offshore assets, such as centriyugal pumps, screws and marine chemicals industries. Other applications include storage tanks, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, NPT-threaded valves and stainless steel pipes. In the engineering and construction field, SS 316 / 316L stands out for its long-term durability in extreme environments and high-tensile strength.
Apart from the marine industry, 316 / 316L is employed into a broad range of industries that require products that are extremely durable and can withstand extreme conditions. SS 316 / 316L is also ideal for high-hazard settings and medical grade settings. In the medical field, implants, trays and fixtures are made of SS 316 / 316L due to its unique life-long resilience and excellence in withstanding the harsh environment of blood, sweat, maceration and other bodily fluids.
SS 316 / 316L offers great advantages like temperature resistance and its ability to bear temperature variation and pressurization. It can be used in a wide range of temperatures, as low as -300℉ to as high as 800℉. Therefore, it is often employed in the field of cryogenics and cryogenics-related applications.
Welding takes up a large part in the use of SS 316 / 316L. It is one of the most helpful welding characteristics due to its good formability, weldability, and good temperature resistance. Plus, its high temperature to oxidation resistance makes it suitable for welding applications in aerospace, nuclear, and petrochemical industries.
One should not overlook SS 316 / 316L when choosing welding material for critical industrial applications. Due to its high corrosion resistance, dissimilar welding applications can be accomplished easily upon unequal metals or alloys, or when welding dissimilar metals. The base stainless steel combined with molybdenum is also excellent for welding. The corrison resistance of SS 316 / 316L sometimes can overcome bad environmental conditions.
Finally, SS 316 / 316L is widely used in the fabrication of tools, hardware and knives. It has great wear resistance and makes an attractive mirror-like finish. With its outstanding costs and effectiveness, SS 316 / 316L is one of the most popular stainless steels used in both the domestic and commercial products manufacturing.
