Principal Design Features:

316L is often substituted for 316 stainless due to its superior weldability with no appreciable difference in price or properties. It combines good availability in all forms and size ranges with great strength and corrosion resistance. 316 is also known as marine-grade stainless steel.

Applications:

Components used in marine environments and chemical equipment. Suitable for any application where 316 stainless is used and stronger welds are desirable.

Machinability:

Low speeds and constant feeds will minimize this alloy's tendency to work harden. Tougher than 304 stainless with a long stringy chip, the use of chip breakers is recommended.

Welding:

All common fusion and resistance methods except oxyacetylene welding have proven successful. Use AWS E/ER 316L filler metal for best results. Type 316 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel containing molybdenum. This addition increases general corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting from chloride ionsolutions, and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures. Properties are similar to those of Type 304 except that this alloy is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures. Corrosion resistance is improved, particularly against sulfuric, hydrochloric,acetic, formic and tartaric acids; acidsulfates and alkaline chlorides. Type 316L is an extra-low carbon ver-sion of Type 316 that minimizes harmfulcarbide precipitation due to welding. Type316L is used extensively for weldments where its immunity to carbide precipitation due to welding assures optimum corrosion resistance.