316L STAINLESS STEEL

Grade 316L is very similar to 316 stainless steel. It is still considered a molybdenum-bearing grade and has properties that make it highly resistant to corrosive degradation. 316L grade stainless steel differs from 316 in that contain lower levels of carbon. The decreased level of carbon in this stainless steel makes this grade immune from sensitisation or grain boundary carbide precipitation. Because of this unique property, Grade 316L tends to be commonly used in heavy gauge welding situations.  Additionally, the lower carbon levels make this grade easier to machine. Like 316 stainless steel, 316L because of its austenitic structure is extremely tough, even in the most extreme of temperatures.

Features

• 316L Stainless Steel is easily welded by all commercial processes. If forging or hammer welding it is recommended to anneal after these processes to help avoid unwarranted corrosion.
• Not hardenable by heat treatment, however often cold working the alloy has proven to increase hardness and tensile strength.
• Sometimes know by industry professionals as marine grade stainless for its uncanny ability to resist pitting corrosion.

Applications

316L Grade Stainless Steel is one of the more common austenitic stainless steels. Because of its outstanding toughness against corrosion, you can typically find 316L Stainless used in the following applications: food preparation equipment, pharmaceutical, marine, boat fittings, and medical implants (i.e- orthopaedic implants)