316L / UNS S31603 / 1.4404
is one of the basic grades of the stainless steels range. 2% Molybdenum bearing ensures better corrosion resistance than 304L grade, particularly regarding to uniform and localized sorrosion. This alloy is an austenitic microstructure grade, free of deleterious carbide precipitations in grain boundaries. The grade contains some residual ferrite (approx. 3%) after solution annealing (1050-1150°C - 1922-2102°F) and water wuenching. Chemistry and heat treatments may be optimized in order to control the ferrite content. It resiststo wet atmosphere or room temperature solutions containing some chloride or flouride additions.
The steel is not seawater resistant. The alloy may be used in diluted sulphuric acids at low temperature (= 30°C - 626°F) as well as in sour organic solutions. The grade is also well known for its higher ductility, particularly when considering cold forming.
Typical applications:
- chemical industry
- mechanical engineering
- construction and pipeline engineering
- medical and pharmaceutical industry
- petrochemical industry
- aviation and aerospace
- decorative use
