ASTM A316/316L Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing

ASTM A316/316L Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing dual certified stainless is an "18-8" austenitic chromium-nickel steel modified by the addition of molybdenum, which greatly increases the corrosion resistance as well as the mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. 316/316L is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and not hardenable by heat treatment. 316/316L is more resistant to atmospheric and general corrosive conditions than any of the other standard stainless steels. The addition of molybdenum provides an extra measure of corrosion resistance making this grade suitable for applications involving severe corrosive conditions such as use in the chemical industries and marine atmospheres. This grade of stainless may become slightly magnetic when cold worked.

316 / 316L stainless generally conforms to ASTM A276, ASTM A479, AMS 5648.

316 / 316L stainless sheet conforms to ASTM A167, ASTM A240, MIL-S-5089, QQ-S-766.

General Information about 316 / 316L:

ASTM A316/316L Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing APPLICATIONS:

ASTM A316/316L Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing is used extensively for paper pulp handling equipment, process equipment for producing photographic chemicals, inks, rayon, rubber, textile bleaches and dyestuffs, and high temperature equipment. Since 316/316L has good cold forming and drawing properties, it is an outstanding stainless steel for a large number of applications. Manufactured by the electri-furnace process, 316/316L meets the exacting standards of the aircraft industry. It is widely used in the chemical industry and is used for pumps and pump shafts, oil rig pumps, medical instruments, food preparation equipment. Because 316/316L possesses the highest creep and tensile strengths at elevated temperatures of any of the more commonly used stainless steels, it finds extensive use where the combination of high strength and good corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures is required.

MACHINING AND WELDING:

316 / 316L machinability is rated at 36% of B1112. Average cutting speed is 60 ft/min. It is easily welded by all commercial processes except forge or hammer welding. Annealing is recommended after forging to maintain maximum corrosion resistance. 316/316L can be forged between 2100° - 2300°F. Do not forge below 1700°F.

HEAT TREATING - Forging, Normalizing, and Annealing:

316 / 316L is not hardenable by heat treatment. Cold working increases tensile strength and hardness. Annealing range is between 1850° and 2050°F. Cool rapidly. Water should be used for heavier sections; air for lighter sections. The stress relieving range is between 400° and 750°F.