China 316/316L Stainless Steel - High-Performance Alloy from Leading Suppliers & Factory for Superior Corrosion Resistance
The introduction of molybdenum in the alloying process improves the corrosion resistance of China Stainless steel-316. It is very similar to Type 304 and is almost as commercially popular – the main differences are that the alloy is stronger at elevated temperatures and corrosion resistance is better, especially in chloride environments. With excellent weldability, good machinability and excellent pitting resistance, China Stainless steel-316 is used in the fabrication of pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Type 316L is a low carbon version of Type 316 which minimizes carbide precipitation due to welding.
EN ISO 14343: 2009 Welding consumables. Wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for arc welding of stainless and heat resisting steels.
- Rm – Tensile strength (MPa): 510
- Rp0.2 – 0.2% proof strength (MPa): 320
- A – Min. elongation at fracture (%): 25
- Improved corrosion resistance when compared to 304
- More suitable for chloride environments
- Good machinability
- 316 is stronger than 304 at elevated temperatures
- Pressure vessels, heat exchangers
- Chemical containers, food preparation equipment
- Furnace parts, valves and pumps
| C | Si | Mn | Ni | P | S | Cr | Mo | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.08 | ≤0.65 | 1 – 2.5 | 11 – 14 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 | 18 – 20 | 2 – 3 | ≤ 0.75 |
The main advantage is the addition of molybdenum in Type 316, which significantly improves its corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments, and makes the alloy stronger at elevated temperatures compared to Type 304.
Type 316L is a low-carbon version of Type 316. The lower carbon content minimizes harmful carbide precipitation during the welding process, ensuring better overall weld integrity and corrosion resistance.
Based on standard specifications, it features a Tensile strength (Rm) of 510 MPa, a 0.2% proof strength (Rp0.2) of 320 MPa, and a minimum elongation at fracture (A) of 25%.
Due to its high corrosion resistance and strength, it is widely used in the fabrication of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, chemical containers, food preparation equipment, furnace parts, valves, and pumps.
The welding consumables (including wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires, and rods for arc welding) conform to the EN ISO 14343: 2009 reference standard.
Type 316/316L stainless steel contains a Chromium (Cr) range of 18 – 20% and a Molybdenum (Mo) range of 2 – 3% to provide enhanced pitting and corrosion protection.