316, 316L, and 316Ti are all variations of 316 grade stainless steel, each with slightly different compositions and properties. They belong to the 300 series of stainless steels known for their chromium-nickel content and excellent corrosion resistance. These variants contain molybdenum, which gives them improved resistance to many types of corrosion, especially in chloride environments. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- 316 Stainless Steel: This is a standard “molybdenum-bearing” grade, second in importance to 304 among the austenitic stainless steels. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion-resistant properties than 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics.
- 316L Stainless Steel: The ‘L’ in 316L stands for “low carbon.” This variant has lower carbon content than 316, which gives it even greater resistance to corrosion, particularly after welding, and also prevents sensitization – a condition created in some alloys after they are exposed to a temperature range of 425-815°C, making them susceptible to intergranular corrosion. This variant is used when heavy gauge components are welded, and post-weld annealing is not possible.
- 316Ti Stainless Steel: The ‘Ti’ in 316Ti stands for titanium. This variant includes a small amount of titanium, which stabilizes the structure against chromium carbide precipitation. This precipitation can occur after exposure to temperatures between approximately 800-1500°F, leading to a loss of corrosion resistance at the grain boundaries. It’s used in environments with high temperatures, and it’s considered superior to 316L in high-temperature conditions.
A 316/316L/316Ti Stainless Steel Sheet would refer to a sheet of steel made from one of these variations. The properties of the sheet – such as its corrosion resistance, strength, and heat resistance – would depend on the exact variant used. These sheets are often used in marine environments, chemical processing equipment, and any environment requiring high corrosion resistance at a wide range of temperatures.