Description
Why 316L Outlasts Competitors
| Threat |
316L Defense |
304 |
317L |
| Salt Spray Resistance |
1.500+ hours (ASTM B117) |
96 hours |
2.200 hours |
| Sulfuric Acid (10%) |
Safe up to 50°C |
Corrodes at 30°C |
Safe up to 80°C |
| Cost per Ton |
$5.800 |
$4.200 |
$7.300 |
Core Specifications
Composition: 16.5% Cr / 10% Ni / 2.1% Mo / 0.03% C (EN 1.4404 compliant)
Pitting Resistance (PREN): 28+ (vs. 18 for 304)
Surface Finishes: 2B mill, #4 brushed, BA mirror (Ra ≤0.2 µm for hygienic applications)
Industry-Specific Superpowers
1. Marine & Coastal
Boat hull liners | Desalination pipework | Offshore platform stair treads
2. Chemical Processing
Acetic acid storage tanks | PVC reactor liners | Pesticide mixing vessels
3. Medical & Pharma
Surgical instrument trays | Vaccine bioreactor shells | Sterile packaging conveyors
4. Architecture
Seawall cladding | Tropical resort balustrades | Underground parking ventilation ducts
Fabrication Wisdom
Welding:
Filler Metals: ER316L/ER316LSi for TIG/MIG | SMAW with E316L-15/16 rods
Interpass Temp: ≤150°C to prevent carbide precipitation
Machining:
20% slower speeds vs. 304 | Use TiN-coated tools to reduce work hardening
Post-Processing:
Passivation with HNO₃ (20% vol.) for maximum chloride resistance
Electropolishing (Ra ≤0.1 µm) for FDA/GMP-critical surfaces
Global Endorsements
Singapore Desal Plant: “316L sheets in reverse osmosis units showed zero pitting after 7 years in 35.000 ppm brine.”
German Pharma Giant: “316L bioreactor sheets passed 300+ autoclave cycles with no intergranular corrosion.”
Caribbean Resort: “Coastal guardrails remain rust-free despite annual hurricane salt spray.”
