316 stainless is used in a variety of industries and applications. It is resistant to oxidation, corrosion and has great strength at elevated temperatures. 316 is used in electrical enclosures, automotive molding and trim, wheel covers, kitchen equipment, hose clamps, exhaust manifolds, storage tanks, pressure vessels and piping.
The 316 stainless family is a general purpose austenitic alloy that contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel and 2-3% molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum improves resistance to specific forms of corrosion such as pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. This makes it ideal for use in a wide range of marine environments and industrial applications where chemical or salt water exposure is common.
It is also an excellent choice for high strength applications and can be used in welded constructions where good weldability is required. It has excellent welding characteristics, and standard techniques can be used although post weld annealing is recommended to restore corrosion resistance. It has good machinability but is less readily worked than some other grades of stainless steel.
It is important to know the differences between 304 and 316 when selecting which alloy to use in your application. Both have a place in the market, but 316 has better resistance to harsh environments, especially when exposed to salt or chemicals. For this reason it is the popular choice for applications that may be subject to marine environments, corrosive salt or chemicals. Other factors to consider include cost, strength requirements and surface finish.
