What is 316/316L Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is utilized extensively across various industries due to its versatility and durability. Two of the most prominent stainless steel grades are 316 and its low-carbon counterpart, 316L. These materials offer outstanding corrosion resistance and durability, as well as aesthetic appeal.

Grade 316 stainless steel is well-known for its versatility and widespread use and is recognized as a standard alloy, classified as an austenitic chromium alloy commonly referred to as “18/10” stainless steel, due to its composition of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.

The low-carbon grade 316L stainless steel avoids issues related to carbon precipitation, allowing for seamless welding.

Corrosion Resistance

Due to their outstanding corrosion resistance, 316 and 316L stainless steel are ideal for applications necessitating resilience against harsh environments, chemicals, and corrosive elements. The molybdenum content of these grades enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Versatility

The exceptional resistance to extreme conditions and excellent weldability of 316 and 316L stainless steel make them central to critical applications in various sectors, including marine, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing.

High-Temperature Performance

316 and 316L exhibit exceptional performance at elevated temperatures, with a higher nickel content than 304 stainless steel, making them ideal for applications such as exhaust systems and industrial furnaces.

What is 316/316L Stainless Steel?

Image Credit: Masteel UK Ltd

Masteel UK

Masteel UK offers a wide range of 316/316L stock, from 1 mm to 100 mm thick, fully certified with EN10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates as required. Additional client or third-party inspections can also be accommodated to meet customer needs.

A dedicated quality department conducts regular audits of Masteel UK products and internal processes, ensuring exceptional quality is maintained, demonstrated by ISO 9001 certification.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Masteel UK Ltd.

For more information on this source, please visit Masteel UK Ltd.

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