316 Stainless Steel: Uses, Composition, Properties

Is 316 Stainless Steel Magnetic?

No, 316 stainless steel is generally considered non-magnetic. Among non-magnetic steels, 316 stainless steel has the reputation of being the "most nonmagnetic" due to its wide range of nickel content. In fact, the primary phase of 316 stainless steel, austenite, is naturally nonmagnetic. It is possible to introduce magnetism, though, through laborious welding or machining procedures. Cold work can cause austenite to change into ferrite or martensite, both of which have weak magnetic properties. The amount of carbon in the steel affects its ability to undergo martensitic transformation, which in turn affects its magnetic properties. Because of this, 316 stainless steel maintains its reputation as having nonmagnetic properties despite the possibility of magnetic changes in some situations.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Is 316 Stainless Steel a Food-Grade Steel?

Yes, 316 is considered food-grade stainless steel. It is often used in food processing and handling equipment, such as cookware, utensils, and food storage containers. The high corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel makes it ideal for contact with food, as it is resistant to the acids and chemicals typically found in food and beverages.

Machinability Rating of 316 Stainless Steel

In comparison to other stainless steel grades like 303 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel has a lower machinability rating. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) scale, which evaluates a material's ease of machining, gives it a rating of 60%. This rating means that it is either relatively easier to machine or relatively more difficult to machine when compared to other stainless steel grades with higher percentages or lower percentages, respectively. While the presence of molybdenum and nickel in 316 stainless steel improves its corrosion resistance properties, these alloying components also increase the hardness of the material. As a result, machining 316 stainless steel becomes more challenging because it leads to increased tool wear and slower machining speeds.

What Are the Thermal Properties of 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel exhibits several important thermal properties. It has a thermal conductivity that is approximately 16.3 W/m·K ( watt per meter per Melvin) at room temperature. Ferritic stainless steel has a higher thermal conductivity than austenitic stainless steel, such as 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel's thermal conductivity can change depending on its structure and composition. Compared to metals like copper or aluminum, which have thermal conductivities as high as 400 W/mK, stainless steel has a much lower thermal conductivity. 

The coefficient of thermal expansion for 316 stainless steel between 20 °C and 200 °C is around 16.5 x 10-6/°C. This means that it expands and contracts relatively more than some other materials when exposed to temperature changes. The melting point of 316 stainless steel ranges from approximately 1370 to 1400 °C. The high melting temperature of this stainless steel grade is a desirable characteristic as it contributes to improved creep resistance. Creep resistance refers to the material's ability to withstand deformation under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it suitable for applications requiring stability and strength at elevated temperatures.

What Are the Common Forms of 316 Stainless Steel Material?

316 Stainless steel comes in a number of forms, including:

Sheet

Sheet metal encompasses metal objects that have a width ranging from 0.5 to 6mm, and it is the width that determines the thickness. Among the versatile options, stainless steel sheets, also known as cold-rolled products, stand out. These sheets can be molded into various shapes, making them ideal for cookware applications like grills, pots, and sinks. Furthermore, they are commonly used as finishes for appliances such as countertops, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers. Stainless steel sheet metal also finds utility in manufacturing light bulb bases and automobile license plates.

Kuojiu contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Bar

316 stainless steel bars are rods available in various sizes. They may be cylindrical or rectangular, depending on the specific requirements of the application. SAE 316 stainless steel bar stock has the same properties and composition as sheets. Because of its shape, bar stock is more rigid and can support higher loads than sheet metal. Bar stock is often used in construction, architectural applications, shafts, fasteners, and marine hardware.  316L stainless steel sheet with a 2B finish exhibits a mill finish, characterized by its smooth surface. Unlike the brushed finish commonly found on kitchen appliances, the mill finish of 316L stainless steel sheet is free from any visible texture or pattern. This smooth and uniform surface lends a clean and sleek appearance to the sheet, making it suitable for various applications that require a polished and refined look.

Plate

316 stainless steel plates are larger, thicker flat plates typically over 6 mm in thickness. Plate offers the same properties as a sheet but the additional thickness makes 316 plate suitable for heavy-duty applications. Common uses include structural components, pressure vessels, and chemical processing equipment.

Hot Rolled

Hot-rolled 316 stainless steel products undergo a production process that involves heating the metal above its recrystallization temperature. Once heated, the stainless steel is shaped and formed at an elevated temperature, allowing it to take on the desired dimensions and characteristics. After the forming process, the hot-formed stainless steel is allowed to cool. The production of hot-formed stainless steel may appear straightforward, but the current method used for approximately 95% of production involves decanting the molten metal from the Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) vessel into a cooled continuous caster. As the metal emerges from the caster horizontally, it solidifies into a slab shape. The microstructure of the slab exhibits columnar characteristics on the outer sides due to the cooling effect from the caster walls. In contrast, the center of the slab maintains a relatively uniform equiaxed microstructure. Hot-rolled 316 stainless steel is used in construction, automotive applications, and industrial equipment.

Annealed

Annealing or solution treatment is a crucial process employed to crystallize work-hardened stainless steel and disperse chromium carbides that have precipitated around the work-hardened stainless steel. This treatment effectively removes residual stresses and homogenizes dendritic stainless steel welds. Annealing is typically conducted at temperatures above 1040 °C, although specific steel types can be annealed at controlled temperatures below 1010 °C to achieve fine grain size. To prevent surface scaling and control grain growth, the annealing process is carefully controlled for a short duration, ensuring optimal results without compromising the material's surface integrity.

Cold Drawn

Cold drawing (also cold working and cold rolling) involves pulling 316 stainless steel through a die to reduce its diameter and improve its surface finish. This process increases the material's strength and hardness while maintaining good dimensional accuracy. Cold-drawn 316 stainless steel is commonly used in precision components, shafts, and fasteners where strength and tight tolerances are required.

What Are Equivalents of 316 Stainless Steel?

Table 3 lists some equivalents of 316 stainless steel in different countries:

For more 316 Stainless Steel Wireinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.