316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is widely known as an alloy with excellent corrosion resistance among austenitic stainless steels. It contains chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo) as major components, and the combination of these elements greatly enhances the alloy's corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

316 stainless steel contains approximately 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum. This addition of molybdenum improves resistance to corrosion, particularly in the presence of halogen elements such as chlorine. For this reason, 316 stainless steel is particularly suitable for use in saltwater and chloride environments.

316 stainless steel also has excellent heat resistance, and can withstand continuous use temperatures up to 1700°F (about 927°C) and intermittently up to 1600°F (about 871 °C). Thanks to these properties, this alloy is widely used in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, medical devices, marine environments, and environments containing chloride.

316 stainless steel also has good weldability and can be welded with most welding methods without special heat treatment. However, after welding, it is important to clean the welds to prevent corrosion. Additionally, modifications with low carbon content, such as 316L stainless steel, further enhance the alloy's corrosion resistance.

In terms of cost, 316 stainless steel is more expensive than 304 stainless steel due to its molybdenum content. However, its high corrosion and heat resistance justifies this additional cost in many industries. Therefore, the use of 316 stainless steel should be considered in applications where corrosion resistance is important.

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