Stainless Steel 316 CNC Machining Services
Stainless steel 316 offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability due to the addition of molybdenum. It is widely used for components requiring high strength, hardness, and wear resistance in harsh environments.
Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 316
Stainless Steel 316, also known as UNS S31600, is an austenitic stainless steel with notable chemical properties. Here’s a table describing its chemical composition:
| Chemical Composition | Proportions | Role of Each Element |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 - 18.0% | Enhances corrosion resistance and hardenability. |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 - 14.0% | Improves ductility and toughness. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 - 3.0% | Increases corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and industrial solvents. |
| Manganese (Mn) | Up to 2.0% | Improves strength and hardness when present in small quantities. |
| Silicon (Si) | Up to 1.0% | Used as a deoxidizer and to improve resistance to high-temperature oxidation. |
| Carbon (C) | Up to 0.08% | Increases strength but can reduce corrosion resistance if in higher concentrations. |
| Phosphorus (P) | Up to 0.045% | Improves strength and machinability, but excessive amounts can reduce toughness. |
| Sulfur (S) | Up to 0.03% | Adds to the machinability but decreases corrosion resistance. |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Forms the base of the alloy, providing its basic structural properties. |
Note: Stainless steel 316 composition and properties vary slightly by producer; contact us for specifics.
General Characteristics of Stainless Steel 316
Aluminum 7075-T6 offers high strength, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and machinability, ideal for aerospace components demanding precision and durability.
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Physical properties
| Density | 8.0 g/cm3 |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, especially against chlorides and marine environments. |
| Melting Point | 1371°C to 1399°C. |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 15.9 µm/m°C (at 20-100°C) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Roughly 16.3 W/m·K at 100°C. |
| Electrical properties | Typically 0.74 micro-ohm·m at 20°C. |
Mechanical properties
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | Approximately 580 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | About 290 MPa. |
| Elongation at break | Usually around 50%. |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Elastic Modulus) | Around 193 GPa. |
| Fatigue Strength | Typically about 260 MPa. |
| Brinell Hardness | Approximately 155 HB. |
| Vickers hardness | Around 150 HV. |
Available Surface Finishing
| Bead Blasting | creates a uniform matte finish, enhancing aesthetics and corrosion resistance. |
| Electropolishing | smooths surfaces, improves cleanliness, and significantly enhances corrosion resistance. |
| Passivation | removes surface contaminants, enhancing corrosion resistance and material longevity. |
| Etching | allows precise, intricate designs and improves surface bonding properties. |
Note: The properties of SS316 can exhibit minor variations depending on the supplier.
Types of CNC Machining Stainless Steel Process
The variety of aluminum machining services at AT-Machining can produce a wide range of products in different shapes and sizes.
These include CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Swiss Machining, EDM, and Grinding. Utilizing a combination of these processes is often necessary to meet the expectations for quality and accuracy set by AT-Machining and our customers.
Our team of experienced engineers can tailor the production process depending on the needs of each project, creating efficient solutions with a commitment to exceptional quality in each finishing process.
Common Applications of Stainless Steel 316
Stainless steel 316, with its excellent corrosion resistance and durability, finds widespread use in various industries. The three most common industry applications for this material are:
Marine Environments and Shipbuilding
Stainless Steel 316 is essential in marine settings for its superior corrosion resistance to saltwater. It's used in shipbuilding, deck fittings, and marine hardware components.
Chemical and Petrochemical Processing
Ideal for chemical industries, SS 316 withstands harsh chemicals and high temperatures. Used in reactors, tanks, and pipelines, it resists corrosion from various acids and solvents.
Food Processing and Pharmaceutical Equipment
In food and pharma industries, SS 316's non-reactivity and ease of sanitation are crucial. It's used in kitchen appliances, processing equipment, and pharmaceutical machinery for hygiene and durability.
Stainless Steel 316 & 316L
Stainless Steel 316 (SS316) and 316L (SS316L) are closely related alloys, with the primary difference being their carbon content.
SS316 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while SS316L is a low-carbon variant with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%.
This lower carbon level in SS316L minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, enhancing its resistance to intergranular corrosion.
This makes SS316L more suitable for applications requiring welding or exposure to corrosive environments, particularly after welding or when thermal treatments are involved.
FAQS About Stainless Steel 316
Compared to other stainless steels, SS 316 is more challenging to machine due to its toughness and high work hardening rate. However, with the right tools and parameters, it can be effectively machined to high precision.
Answer: SS 316 has superior corrosion resistance compared to SS 304, especially in chloride environments, due to its higher molybdenum content. This makes it more suitable for marine and industrial applications where exposure to chlorides is common.
Answer: SS 316 is highly prized in CNC machining for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine and chemical environments. Its strength and durability also make it suitable for precision parts in demanding applications.
Yes, SS 316 can be welded, although care must be taken to avoid warping. Heat treatment is possible, but it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on the final dimensions and properties of the machined part.
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