What Is 316 Stainless Steel Plate?
316 Stainless steel plate is a square/rectangular metal made of 316 austenitic stainless steel. It possesses excellent strength, formability, weldability, and machinability properties. Its strong resistance to acids and chlorides makes it ideal for use in both construction and marine environments. Its surface also provides superior crevice corrosion and pitting resistance when exposed to harsh chemicals or saline solutions.
316 Stainless Steel
316 Stainless steel is the second most commonly used stainless steel next to 304 stainless steel. It is composed of 3% molybdenum, 0.08% carbon, 14% nickel, 18% chromium, and trace amounts of other elements. The addition of chromium creates a thin film of metal oxide over the metal’s surface to better improve the resistance to stronger rust to chemicals, particularly to chlorides or chlorinated substances. The addition of other alloys further enhances its properties.
316L is the low carbon version of 316 stainless steel, while that with higher carbon content is identified as 316H. Another variant of the 316 stainless steel is the stabilized 316Ti. The 316H offers better thermal stability and creep resistance, while the 316L is a superior choice where metal works involve high temperatures and are highly corrosion resistant. Then the 316Ti provides better resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Different Applications and Uses of 316 Stainless Steel Plates
316 stainless steel plate makes it an ideal choice for use in a wide range of applications that require high performance and reliability. Also, it is better suited for applications with high amounts of corrosive elements, or where the component will be continuously submerged in water. Therefore, it is commonly used in marine & offshore, chemical processing, food processing, construction, manufacturing, machinery, textiles, and so on. Let’s give some explanations and examples below.
1. Construction
316 Stainless steel plate can be said a main construction material in the construction industry. It can be used as roofing, siding, paneling, steel structure, scaffoldings, supports, frames, building facades, handrails, and decorative elements.
2. Automotive Industry
316 Stainless steel plate is used extensively in the car manufacturing industry to provide the durability and strength need to get through crash testing. It provides structural sections for ships, military vehicles, railways, and trucks. It can also be used in exhaust systems, mufflers, trim, valves, fittings, etc.
3. Chemical Processing
It is also used in the chemical industry for handling corrosive chemicals. The high corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel sheets and plates makes it an ideal choice for chemical processing equipment exposed to harsh chemicals. Examples include laboratory benches & equipment, chemical processing equipment, cisterns and pipes for chemical applications, chemical storage vessels, chemical tankers, chemical transportation containers, etc.
4. Food & Beverage Processing
316 stainless steel is also food-safe, hygienic, and robust, commonly referred to as “food-grade stainless steel” although it’s not an official classification. It can be found use in the food and beverage industry for use in food processing equipment that is subject to frequent stress & wear. Others are frequently used in food processing equipment, such as commercial kitchens, food storage tanks, and brewing and dairy equipment.
5. Pharmaceutical Industry
It is biocompatible, making it suitable for surgical instruments and implants. 316 stainless steel plate is utilized in pharmaceutical production equipment, including storage tanks and mixers.
6. Marine & Offshore Industry
316 stainless steel is also called marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304. It provides advanced corrosion and pitting resistance in more aggressive environments, making it ideal for applications involving salt water, acidic chemicals, or chloride. Therefore, 316 stainless steel plate is commonly used in the marine industry for shipbuilding and offshore drilling platforms. It is also used in boat fittings, propellers, shafts, offshore oil & gas production, marine infrastructure, coastal balustrading, offshore structures, and other equipment exposed to polluted atmospheres.
7. Manufacturing Industry
316 Stainless steel plate is largely used to fabricate stainless steel products in the manufacturing industry. The three most prominent representatives are:
316 stainless steel pattern plate,
Others include stainless steel piping systems, flanges, fittings, valves, pumps, nuts, bolts, springs, ropes, etc.
8. Public Uses
It can also be used to make pressure vessels, general tanks, heat exchangers, boilers, storage cupboards, shelves, solar boards, power plants, evaporators, drums, water treatment plants, etc.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of the many applications of 316 stainless steel sheets and plates. More applications are waiting to be discovered by you!
What Are the Advantages of Using 316 Stainless Steel Plate?
SAE 316 stainless steel plate offers several advantages that make it a popular choice in various industries. They are:
1. It has superior corrosion resistance due to the addition of Mo, particularly suited for aggressive environments and exposure to chlorides, acids, and marine conditions.
2. It can withstand elevated temperatures without significant loss of corrosion resistance or strength. It can perform well in temperatures up to 800 °C.
3. It possesses excellent strength and toughness for structural applications.
4. It can be easily fabricated, welded, and formed into various shapes and sizes. However, sections that require heavy welding may require post-weld annealing for the maximum amount of possible corrosion resistance.
5. It is non-toxic, easy to clean, and resistant to bacterial growth, which is important for hygienic applications.
6. It has a polished surface finish and high luster enhances its visual appeal in architectural and decorative applications.
7. It has a long service lifespan, nearly more than 50 years.
8. It is non-magnetic, and safe to use with sensitive electronic equipment.
9. It is 100% recyclable.
Contact Gnee Steel for 316 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate Today
In conclusion, 316 stainless steel plate is becoming the material of choice for many industrial & marine applications due to its exceptional properties and characteristics. If you want a high-quality, durable, and efficient material for your industrial requirements, 316 stainless steel sheets should be your go-to option.
Gnee is the leading supplier and manufacturer of stainless steel in China and we stock a range of stainless steel plates and sheets suitable for many applications. Contact us for more information regarding our 316 stainless steel plate and sheet products, or request a quote for an in-depth price analysis today. With Gnee Steel you can purchase a partial piece, making it easier to complete any size job.
