316 Stainless steel coil is a high-performance austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, superior formability, and excellent mechanical properties across a wide temperature range. The key differentiating element from the standard 304 grade is the addition of molybdenum (typically 2-3%), which significantly enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. This makes it an ideal choice for demanding applications in aggressive and marine settings.

Key Characteristics & Advantages

Superior Corrosion Resistance: The molybdenum content provides outstanding resistance to corrosion by chlorides (e.g., saltwater) and various industrial chemicals and solvents. It offers excellent performance against acidic compounds and is less susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion than 304 stainless steel.

High-Temperature Strength: Demonstrates good scaling resistance and retains a significant portion of its strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications involving heat exposure.

Excellent Formability and Weldability: The austenitic structure grants it excellent ductility, allowing it to be readily formed, deep drawn, and fabricated into complex shapes. It also exhibits good weldability using all standard methods.

Hygienic and Easy to Clean: The smooth, non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and sterilize, which is crucial for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a clean, modern, and bright appearance that is often desired for architectural and consumer-facing applications. It can be finished in various ways (e.g., 2B, BA, No. 4, brushed).

Common Applications

316 stainless steel coil is a versatile material used across numerous industries:

Marine & Coastal Applications: Boat fittings, offshore platforms, marine hardware, and architectural components near saltwater.

Chemical Processing: Tanks, piping, valves, and vessels for handling chemicals, dyes, and acids.

Pharmaceutical & Medical: Surgical instruments, medical implants (316L low-carbon grade), laboratory equipment, and hygienic processing vessels.

Food and Beverage Processing: Equipment for brewing, fermentation, food cooking, and handling, especially where chlorides are present.

Architecture and Construction (AGC): Roofing, cladding, gutters, and facades in harsh environments or coastal areas for its aesthetic durability.

Water Treatment: Components in desalination plants and water treatment systems.

Available Specifications & Types

Grades: Primarily 316 (standard) and 316L (low-carbon version for improved weldability and to prevent carbide precipitation, ideal for heavy gauge welding).

Standards: Complies with various international standards such as ASTM A240, ASME SA240, EN 1.4401 (316) / 1.4404 (316L).

Thickness: Available in a wide range, from very thin precision gauges to thicker coils.

Width: Supplied in slit coils of various widths to meet specific customer requirements.

Surface Finish: Commonly supplied with a standard 2B finish (smooth, slightly reflective cold-rolled finish). Other finishes like BA (Bright Annealed), No. 4 (brushed), or #8 (Mirror) are also available.