Introduction to 316 Stainless Steel Pipe

316 stainless steel, 18Cr-12Ni-2.5Mo. Due to the addition of Mo, it has particularly good corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength, and can be used under harsh conditions; it has excellent work hardening properties (non-magnetic). It is used in equipment for seawater, chemical, dye, papermaking, oxalic acid, fertilizer and other production facilities; in photography, food industry, coastal area facilities, ropes, CD rods, bolts, nuts. 

Chemical composition of 316 stainless steel: C ≤ 0.08, Si ≤ 1.00, Mn ≤ 2.00, P ≤ 0.035, S ≤ 0.03, Ni: 10.0 - 14.0, Cr: 16.0 - 18.5, Mo: 2.0 - 3.0. Mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel: tensile strength (Mpa) 620 MIN, yield strength (Mpa) 310 MIN, elongation (%) 30 MIN, reduction of area (%) 40 MIN. The density of 316 stainless steel is 8.03 g/cm³. 

The mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel: tensile strength (Mpa) 620 MIN, yield strength (Mpa) 310 MIN, elongation (%) 30 MIN, area reduction (%) 40 MIN. The density of 316 stainless steel is 8.03 g/cm³. 

Corrosion resistance

The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel is superior to that of 304 stainless steel. It has excellent corrosion resistance in the production processes of pulp and paper. Moreover, 316 stainless steel is also resistant to corrosion from marine environments and aggressive industrial atmospheres. 

2. Heat Resistance

316 stainless steel (06Cr17Ni12Mo2) exhibits excellent oxidation resistance when used intermittently below 871°C (1600°F) and continuously above 927°C (1700°F). It is not advisable to use 316 stainless steel continuously within the range of 427°C - 857°C (800°F - 1575°F), but outside this range, it demonstrates good heat resistance. 316L stainless steel has better resistance to carbide precipitation than 316 stainless steel and can be used within the aforementioned temperature range. 

3. Heat Treatment

Anneal within the temperature range of 1850 - 2050°F, then rapidly cool. 316 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment. 

4. Welding

316 stainless steel has excellent welding properties and can be welded by all standard welding methods. Depending on the application, 316Cb, 316L or 309Cb stainless steel filler rods or electrodes can be used for welding. To achieve the best corrosion resistance, the welded surface of 316 stainless steel needs to undergo post-weld annealing treatment. If 316L stainless steel is used, post-weld annealing treatment is not necessary. 

5. Typical Applications

Heat exchangers for pulp and papermaking equipment, dyeing equipment, film developing equipment, pipes, and materials for the exterior of buildings in coastal areas. 

It is also widely used in the solenoid valve field, mainly for the shell, clamp, ball, valve body, valve seat, nut, valve stem, etc.