Overview
Product Details
Type 316L is a low-carbon version of the conventional type 316 austenitic stainless steel, which has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%. The low-carbon version of type 316 shows improved corrosion resistance due to a minimized carbide precipitation during welding. APPLICATIONS This grade is used for pulp and paper industry equipment, for process equipment for the photographic chemical industry, for the production of rubber and textile bleaches. It is also used for various high-temperature equipment applications. The safe scaling temperature for continuous service is 1600ºF (870ºC) FORGING This alloy is forged from a temperature of 2100/2300ºF (1150/1260ºC) depending upon severity of deformation. The alloy should not be forged below 1700ºF (930ºC). Parts should be air cooled after forging and for best corrosion resistance should be annealed after forging. HEAT TREATMENT This alloy cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Annealing is carried out between 1850/2050ºF (1010/1120ºC) followed by a water quench, when a hardness around BHN 150 will be obtained. MACHINABILITY This alloy gives tough, stringy chips, typical of austenitic stainless steels, so the use of chip curlers and breakers is recommended. Since the alloy has a high rate of work hardening, positive feeds are recommended. The use of carbide tooling will double machining speed. WELDABILITY This alloy can be welded by the shielded fusion and resistance welding processes. Oxyacetylene welding is not recommended as carbon pickup may occur in the weld zone. The alloy may be welded without loss of corrosion resistance due to carbide precipitation, but for very severe corrosive environments post-weld annealing is recommended.