UNS S31600/S31603 (Grade 316/316L Dual Certified)
316 stainless steel bar, also known as UNS S31600 and Grade 316, is an austenitic stainless steel whose major alloying elements include chromium, nickel and molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum (not found in Stainless Steel 304) is the component which gives Stainless Steel 316 increased resistance in highly corrosive surroundings such as salt water or chloride environments. Stainless Steel 316 offers better creep resistance at higher temperatures and greater strength than Stainless Steel 304. In the annealed state, Stainless Steel 316 is non-magnetic but can become slightly magnetic if extensively cold worked, further annealing would be necessary to correct this. Stainless Steel 316 cannot be hardened using thermal treatment. However, by cold working Stainless Steel 316, hardness and strength can be significantly increased.
UNS S31600/S31603 commonly known as Stainless Steel 316/316L Dual Certified is the low carbon content version of Stainless Steel 316. Stainless Steel 316/316L Dual Certified is used in heavy-gage welded products (over approximately 6mm). One advantage over Stainless Steel 316 is that it is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the 797° F-1580° F range, which is more suitable for applications involving corrosion resistance.
Industries that use 316 and 316/316L Dual Certified include:
- Architectural (in corrosive environments)
- Chemical
- Marine
- Mining
- Petroleum
- Pharmaceutical
- Pulp and Paper
- Textile
- Transportation
- Water filtration
Products partially or completely constructed of 316 and 316/316L Dual Certified include:
- Ball valves
- Compression fittings
- Flanges
- Hardware
- Heat exchangers
- Hose fittings
- Jewelry
- Laboratory benches
- Laboratory equipment
- Pressure reducing valves
- Springs
- Strainers
- Threaded fasteners