Types 316 (S31600), 316L (S31603), 317 (S31700), 317L (S31703)

GENERAL PROPERTIES
Types 316 (UNS S31600), 316L (S31603), 317 (S31700) and 317L (S31703) are molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steels which are more resistant to general corrosion and pitting/ crevice corrosion than the conventional chromiumnickel austenitic stainless steels such as Type 304. These alloys also offer higher creep, stress-to-rupture and tensile strength at elevated temperature. Types 317 and 317L containing 3 to 4% molybdenum are preferred to Types 316 or 316L which contain 2 to 3% molybdenum in applications requiring enhanced pitting and general corrosion resistance. There is a 316LM alloy, a 2.5% minimum Mo version of Type 316L stainless steel, available only by special order. Austenitic stainless steels with higher molybdenum or molybdenum plus nitrogen content which provide even greater resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and general corrosion are also available in flat-rolled products from Allegheny Ludlum. These include AL 317LX (UNS S31725, 4-5% Mo), AL 317LXN (S31726, 4-5% Mo and 0.1-0.2% N), and AL-6XN (N08367, 6-7% Mo and 0.18-0.25% N) alloys. Properties of these alloys are described in separate technical data publications available from Allegheny Ludlum. In addition to excellent corrosion resistance and strength properties, the Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L Cr-Ni-Mo alloys also provide the excellent fabricability and formability which are typical of the austenitic stainless steels. Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L are available in the form of sheet, strip and plate to ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240 and other pertinent specifications. Consult with the Allegheny Ludlum Technical Center for technical information not provided in this publication and for further details on the data contained herein.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Chemical composition as represented by ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240 specifications are indicated in the table below.

Element

Percentage by Weight (maximum unless range is specified) Type Type Type Type 316 316L 317 317L 0.030 2.00 0.75 16.00 18.00 10.00 14.00 2.00 3.00 0.045 0.030 0.10 Bal. 0.08 2.00 0.75 18.00 20.00 11.00 15.00 3.00 4.00 0.045 0.030 0.10 Bal. 0.030 2.00 0.75 18.00 20.00 11.00 15.00 3.00 4.00 0.045 0.030 0.10 Bal.

0.08 2.00 0.75 16.00 18.00 Nickel 10.00 14.00 Molybdenum 2.00 3.00 Phosphorus 0.045 Sulfur 0.030 Nitrogen 0.10 Iron Bal.

Carbon Manganese Silicon Chromium

RESISTANCE TO CORROSION
General Corrosion
Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L are more resistant to atmospheric and other mild types of corrosion than the 18-8 stainless steels. In general, media that do not corrode 18-8 stainless steels will not attack these molybdenum-containing grades. One known exception is highly oxidizing acids such as nitric acid to which the molybdenum-bearing stainless steels are less resistant. Types 316 and 317 are considerably more resistant than any of the other chromium-nickel types to solutions of sulfuric acid. At temperatures as high as 120F (49C), Types 316 and 317 are resistant to concentrations of this acid up to 5 percent. At temperatures under 100F (38C), both types have excellent resistance to higher concentrations. Service tests are usually desirable as operating conditions and acid contaminants may significantly affect corrosion rate. Where condensation of sulfur-bearing gases occurs, these alloys are much more resistant than other types of stainless steels. In such applications, however, the acid concentration has a marked influ-

ence on the rate of attack and should be carefully determined. The molybdenum-bearing Types 316 and 317 stainless steels also provide resistance to a wide variety of other environments. As shown by the laboratory corrosion data below, these alloys offer excellent resistance to boiling 20% phosphoric acid. They are also widely used in handling hot organic and fatty acids. This is a factor in the manufacture and handling of certain food and pharmaceutical products where the molybdenum-containing stainless steels are often required in order to minimize metallic contamination. Generally, the Type 316 and 316L grades can be considered to perform equally well for a given environment. The same is true for Type 317 and 317L. A notable exception is in environments sufficiently corrosive to cause intergranular corrosion of welds and heat-affected zones on susceptible alloys. In such media, the Type 316L and 317L grades are preferred over Type 316 and 317, respectively, for the welded condition since low carbon levels enhance resistance to intergranular corrosion.

General Corrosion in Boiling Solutions Corrosion Rate, Mils/Yr (mm/a) Boiling Test Solution Type 316L Base Metal 20% Acetic Acid 45% Formic Acid 1% Hydrochloric Acid 10% Oxalic Acid 20% Phosphoric Acid 10% Sulfamic Acid 10% Sulfuric Acid 10% Sodium Bisulfate 50% Sodium Hydroxide 0.12 23.4 0.96 48.2 0.60 124.2 635.3 71.5 77.6 (0.003) (0.594) (0.024) (1.224) (0.015) (3.155) (16.137) (1.816) (1.971) Welded 0.12 20.9 63.6 44.5 1.08 119.3 658.2 56.2 85.4 (0.003) (0.531) (1.615) (1.130) (0.027) (3.030) (16.718) (1.427) (2.169) Type 317L Base Metal 0.48 18.3 54.2 44.9 0.72 94.2 298.1 55.9 32.8 (0.012) (0.465) (1.377) (1.140) (0.018) (2.393) (7.571) (1.420) (0.833) Welded 0.36 24.2 51.4 43.1 0.60 97.9 356.4 66.4 31.9 (0.009) (0.615) (1.306) (1.094) (0.015) (2.487) (9.053) (1.687) (0.810)

Pitting/Crevice Corrosion
Resistance of austenitic stainless steels to pitting and/ or crevice corrosion in the presence of chloride or other halide ions is enhanced by higher chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and nitrogen (N) content. A relative measure of pitting resistance is given by the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent, including Nitrogen) calculation, where PREN = Cr+3.3Mo+16N. The PREN of Type 316 and 316L (24.2) is better than that of Type 304 (PREN=19.0), reflecting the better pitting resistance which T316 (or T316L) offers due to its Mo content. Type 317 (and 317L), with 3.1% Mo and PREN=29.7, offers even better resistance to pitting than the T316 alloys. As shown by the following table of data, best resistance to pitting is provided by the AL-6XN alloy which contains 6.2% Mo and 0.22% N and has a PREN of 44.5. CCCT (Critical Crevice Corrosion Temperature) and CPT (Critical Pitting Temperature) data for the alloys, as measured by ASTM G48 ferric chloride tests, are also shown. The

measured CCCT and CPT data correlate well with the calculated PREN numbers. Type 304 stainless steel is considered to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in waters containing up to about 100 ppm chloride. The Mo-bearing Type 316 and Type 317 alloys on the other hand, will handle waters with up to about 2000 and 5000 ppm chloride, respectively. Although these alloys have been used with mixed success in seawater (19,000 ppm chloride) they are not recommended for such use. The AL-6XN alloy with 6.2% Mo and 0.22% N is specifically designed for use in seawater. The Type 316 and 317 alloys are considered to be adequate for some marine environment applications such as boat rails and hardware, and facades of buildings near the ocean which are exposed to salt spray. The Types 316 and 317 stainless steels all perform without evidence of corrosion in the 100-hour, 5% salt spray (ASTM B117) test.

Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Indices Composition (Weight Percent) Alloy Type 304 Cr 18.0 Mo -N 0.06 PREN1 19.0 CCCT2 F (C) <27.5 (<-2.5) 27.5 (-2.5) 35.0 (1.7) 68.0 (20.0) 110 (43.0) CPT3 F (C) --59 (15.0) 66 (18.9) 104 (40.0) 149 (65)

Type 316

16.5

2.1

0.05

24.2

Type 317

18.5

3.1

0.06

29.7

AL 904L

20.5

4.5

0.05

36.2

AL-6XN
1 2

20.5

6.2

0.22

44.5

Pitting Resistance Equivalent, including Nitrogen, PREN=Cr+3.3Mo+16N Critical Crevice Corrosion Temperature, CCCT, based on ASTM G-48B (6%FeCl3 for 72 hr, with crevices) 3 Critical Pitting Temperature, CPT, based on ASTM G-48A (6%FeCl3 for 72 hr)

Intergranular Corrosion
Both Types 316 and 317 are susceptible to precipitation of chromium carbides in grain boundaries when exposed to temperatures in the 800F to 1500F (427C to 816C) range. Such sensitized steels are subject to intergranular corrosion when exposed to aggressive environments. Where short periods of exposure are encountered, however, such as in welding, Type 317 with its higher chromium and molybdenum content is more resistant to intergranular attack than Type 316 for applications where light gage material is to be welded. Heavier cross sections over 7/16 inch (11.1 mm) usually require annealing even when Type 317 is used. For applications where heavy cross sections cannot be annealed after welding or where low temperature stress relieving treatments are desired, the low carbon Types 316L and 317L are available to avoid the hazard of intergranular corrosion. This provides resistance to intergranular attack with any thickness in the as-welded condition or with short periods of

exposure in the 800-1500F (427-826C) temperature range. Where vessels require stress relieving treatment, short treatments falling within these limits can be employed without affecting the normal excellent corrosion resistance of the metal. Accelerated cooling from higher temperatures for the L grades is not needed when very heavy or bulky sections have been annealed. Types 316L and 317L possess the same desirable corrosion resistance and mechanical properties as the corresponding higher carbon Types 316 and 317, and offer an additional advantage in highly corrosive applications where intergranular corrosion is a hazard. Although the short duration heating encountered during welding or stress relieving does not produce susceptibility to intergranular corrosion, it should be noted that continuous or prolonged exposure at 8001500F (427-816C) can be harmful from this standpoint with Types 316L and 317L. Also stress relieving between 1100-1500F (593-816C) may cause some slight embrittlement of these types.

Intergranular Corrosion Tests ASTM A 262 Evaluation Test Practice B Base Metal Welded Practice E Base Metal Welded Practice A Base Metal Welded Corrosion Rate, Mils/Yr (mm/a) Type 316 36 (0.9) 41 (1.0) Type 316L 26 (0.7) 23 (0.6) Type 317L 21 (0.5) 24 (0.6)

Intergranular Corrosion

No Fissures on Bend Some Fissures on Weld (unacceptable) Step Structure Ditched (unacceptable)

No Fissures No Fissures

No Fissures No Fissures

Step Structure Step Structure

Step Structure Step Structure

Stress Corrosion Cracking

Austenitic stainless steels are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in halide environments. Although the Types 316 and 317 alloys are somewhat more resistant to SCC than the 18 Cr-8 Ni alloys because of their molybdenum content, they still are quite susceptible. Conditions which produce SCC are: (1) presence of halide ion (generally chloride), (2) residual tensile stresses, and (3) temperatures in excess of about 120F (49C).
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Stresses result from cold deformation or thermal cycles during welding. Annealing or stress relieving heat treatments may be effective in reducing stresses, thereby reducing sensitivity to halide SCC. Although the low carbon L grades offer no advantage as regards SCC resistance, they are better choices for service in the stress relieved condition in environments which might cause intergranular corrosion. Halide (Chloride) Stress Corrosion Tests Test U-Bend (Highly Stressed) Samples Type 316 Type 316L Type 317L Cracked,
72 hours Cracked 22-72 hours

the temperature range 800-1500F (427-816C), carbides are precipitated and the structure consists of austenite plus carbides. Melting Range: Density: Modulus of Elasticity in Tension: Modulus of Shear: 2540-2630F (1390-1440C) 0.29 lb/in3 (8.027 g/cm3) 29 x 106 psi (200 Gpa) 11.9 x 106 psi (82 Gpa)

42% Magnesium Cracked, Cracked, Chloride, Boiling 4-24 hours 21-45 hours 33% Lithium Chloride, Boiling Cracked, 48-569 hours Cracked, 530-940 hours Cracked, 144-1000 hours No cracking Cracked, 21-333 hours

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion Temperature Range F 68 - 212 68 - 932 68 - 1832 C 20 - 100 20 - 500 20 - 1000 Coefficients in/in/F 9.2x10
-6

cm/cm/C 16.5x10-6 18.2x10-6 19.5x10-6

10.1x10-6 10.8x10-6

26% Sodium Chloride, Boiling

Cracked No Cracks 1002 hours 1000 hours

Thermal Conductivity Temperature Range Btuin/ hrft 2 F 100.8 W/mK 14.6

40% Calcium Chloride, Boiling Seacoast Exposure, Ambient Temperature

--

--

F 68-212

C 20-100

No Cracking

No Cracking

RESISTANCE TO OXIDATION
The Type 316 and 317 alloys exhibit excellent resistance to oxidation and a low rate of scaling in air atmospheres at temperatures up to 1600-1650F (871-899C). The performance of Type 316 is generally somewhat inferior to that of Type 304 stainless steel which has slightly higher chromium content (18% vs. 16% for Type 316). Since the rate of oxidation is greatly influenced by the atmosphere encountered and by operating conditions, no actual data can be presented which are applicable to all service conditions. For further information contact the Allegheny Ludlum Technical Center.

The overall heat transfer coefficient of metals is determined by factors in addition to thermal conductivity of the metal. The ability of the 18-8 stainless grades to maintain clean surfaces often allows better heat transfer than other metals having higher thermal conductivity. Consult the Allegheny Ludlum Technical Center for further information. Specific Heat F 68 200 C 20 93 Btu/lbF 0.108 0.116 J/kgK 450 485

Electrical Resistivity Type Value at 68F (20C) Microhm-in. 316 317 29.1 31.1 Microhm-cm. 74.0 79.0

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Structure When properly annealed, Types 316 and 317 are primarily austenitic. Small quantities of ferrite may or may not be present. When slowly cooled or held in

Magnetic Permeability Austenitic stainless steels are nonmagnetic in the annealed, fully austenitic condition. The magnetic permeability of the Types 316 and 317 alloys in the annealed condition is generally less than 1.02 at 200 H (oersteds). Permeability values for cold deformed material vary with composition and the amount of cold deformation, but are usually higher than that for annealed material. Typical data are available on request from Allegheny Ludlum Technical Center.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Room Temperature Tensile Properties
Minimum mechanical properties for annealed Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L austenitic stainless steel plate, sheet and strip as required by ASTM specifications A240 and ASME specification SA-240, are shown below. Property Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi (MPa) Ultimate Tensile Strength psi (MPa) Percent Elongation in 2 in. or 51 mm Hardness, Max. Brinell (RB) Minimum Mechanical Properties Required by ASTM A 240, and ASME SA-240 Type 316 (S31600) Type 316L (S31603) Type 317 (S31700) 30,000 (205) 25,000 (170) 30,000 (205)

Type 317L (S31703) 30,000 (205)

75,000 (515) 40.0 217 (95)

70,000 (485) 40.0 217 (95)

75,000 (515) 35.0 217 (95)

75,000 (515) 40.0 217 (95)

Effect of Cold Work

Deformation of austenitic alloys at room or slightly elevated temperature produces an increase in strength accompanied by a decrease in elongation value. Representative room temperature properties of Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L sheet in the annealed and cold worked conditions are shown in the following tables. Types 316, 316L, 317, and 317L flat rolled products are generally available in the annealed condition. Data for cold rolled strip are included as a guide to indicate the effects of cold deformation on properties during fabrication operations such as drawing and forming.

Analyses Tested (See footnote)

Type 316 316L 317 317L C 0.051 0.015 0.062 0.025 Mn 1.65 1.84 1.66 1.72 Cr 17.33 16.17 18.60 18.48 Ni 13.79 10.16 13.95 12.75 Mo 2.02 2.11 3.30 3.15

Type 316 - 0.040-inch (1.0 mm) thick

Percent Cold Reduction psi Annealed 10 20 31 49 60 38,500 71,300 98,600 119,500 135,800 150,300 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset MPa 265 492 680 824 936 1,036 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 84,600 94,500 111,600 133,000 148,000 169,600 MPa 583 652 769 917 1,020 1,170 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 61.0 40.0 21.0 11.0 6.0 3.5

Type 316L - 0.059-inch (1.5-mm) thick

Percent Cold Reduction psi Annealed 10 20 31 49 60 43,300 77,550 101,000 119,300 145,000 166,000 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset MPa 299 535 696 822 1,000 1,144 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 88,750 101,800 121,750 144,200 174,500 194,450 MPa 612 702 839 994 1,203 1,341 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 54.0 38.3 22.8 15.3 7.8 5.8

Type 317 - 0.036-inch (0.9 mm) thick

Percent Cold Reduction psi Annealed 15 30 45 60 38,300 70,000 116,000 138,500 151,400 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset MPa 264 483 800 955 1,044 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 85,500 112,000 130,700 154,900 171,500 MPa 588 772 901 1,068 1,182 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 55.0 29.0 13.0 7.0 4.0

Type 317L - 0.105-inch (2.6 mm) thick

Percent Cold Reduction psi Annealed 15 30 45 60 48,700 99,250 119,250 140,450 148,850 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset MPa 336 684 822 967 1,026 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 89,050 112,350 142,050 168,100 184,050 MPa 614 775 979 1,159 1,269 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 48.0 23.3 15.3 9.3 7.5

Elevated Temperature Tensile Properties

Representative short time elevated temperature tensile properties for Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L of the following analyses are shown below. Analyses Tested (See footnote) Type 316 316L 317 317L C 0.080 0.015 0.061 0.025 Mn 1.50 1.84 1.30 1.72 Cr 17.78 16.17 19.18 18.48 Ni 12.50 10.16 14.19 12.75 Mo 2.46 2.11 3.57 3.15

Type 316 (Bar specimen tension test procedures)

Test Temperature F 68 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 C 20 93 204 316 427 538 649 760 871 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi 42,400 26,500 23,400 22,600 MPa 292 183 161 156 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 82,400 75,600 71,400 71,150 71,450 68,400 50,650 30,700 18,000 MPa 568 521 492 491 493 472 349 212 124 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 68.0 54.0 51.0 48.0 47.0 55.0 24.0 26.0 47.0 Reduction in Area, Percent 81.0 80.0 78.0 71.0 71.0 70.0 32.0 35.0 40.0

Type 316L (Sheet Specimen Tension Test Procedures)

Test Temperature F 68 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 C 20 93 204 316 427 538 649 760 871 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi 43,850 36,650 32,400 28,050 26,750 25,900 25,300 22,100 16,800 MPa 302 252 223 193 184 179 174 152 116 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 88,200 78,250 69,000 67,450 66,000 64,350 54,200 42,000 26,900 MPa 608 539 476 465 455 444 374 290 185 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 56.8 49.0 37.5 33.8 33.8 36.8 28.3 25.0 50.3

Type 317 (Bar Specimen Tension Test Procedures)

Test Temperature F 68 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 C 20 93 204 316 427 538 649 760 871 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi 36,700 21,900 20,200 19,600 MPa 292 151 139 135 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 81,800 74,100 68,900 68,950 70,200 65,700 49,800 31,600 18,400 MPa 564 492 475 475 484 453 343 218 127 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 68.0 54.0 48.0 49.0 49.0 52.0 33.0 51.0 Reduction in Area, Percent 80.0 79.0 76.0 72.0 69.0 68.0 37.0 50.0

Type 317L (Sheet Specimen Tension Test Procedures)

Test Temperature F 68 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 C 20 93 204 316 427 538 649 760 871 Yield Strength 0.2% Offset psi 46,250 38,650 33,500 29,100 26,450 25,100 23,650 22,750 19,150 MPa 319 266 231 201 182 173 163 157 132 Ultimate Tensile Strength psi 88,500 80,350 73,350 70,550 69,750 68,400 59,700 45,000 29,050 MPa 610 554 506 486 481 472 412 310 200 Elongation, Percent in 2 in. (51 mm) 49.8 42.8 38.8 35.3 34.3 36.5 31.5 32.8 50.0

Stress Rupture and Creep Properties

At temperatures of about 1000F (538C) and higher, creep and stress rupture become considerations for the austenitic stainless steels. Considerable variation

in the creep strength and stress rupture strength values is reported by various investigators. Representative data for annealed Type 316 stainless steel are presented below. Values for Type 317 for all practical purposes will be similar.

CREEP STRENGTH T316 Temperature, oC

538 36
32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 0 1000

RUPTURE STRENGTH T316 Temperature, oC

982 248.2
220.6 193.1

649

760

872

538 36

649

760

872 100,000 hr

982
248.2 220.6 193.1 165.5 137.9 110.3 82.7 55.2 27.6 0

32
10,000 hr

Percent per hour 0.00001 0.0001

165.5 137.9 110.3 82.7 55.2 27.6 0 1800

28

1,000 hr

Stress, MPa

Stress, ksi

Stress, ksi

24 20 16 12 8 4 0 1000

Stress, MPa

1200

1400

1600

1200

1400

1600

1800

Temperature, oF

Temperature, oF

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Impact Resistance
The annealed austenitic stainless steels maintain a high level of impact resistance even at cryogenic temperatures, a property which, in combination with their low temperature strength and fabricability, has led to their extensive use in cryogenic applications. Representative Charpy V-notch impact data for annealed Type 316 at room temperature are shown below. Temperature F 75 C 23 Energy Absorbed Ft-lb 65 - 100 J 88 - 134

Forging
Initial Finishing 2100 - 2200F (1150 - 1205C) 1700 - 1750F (927 - 955C)

FABRICATION
The austenitic stainless steels, including the Types 316 and 317 alloys, are routinely fabricated into a variety of shapes ranging from the very simple to very complex. These alloys are blanked, pierced, and formed on equipment essentially the same as used for carbon steel. The excellent ductility of the austenitic alloys allows them to be readily formed by bending, stretching, deep drawing and spinning. However, because of their greater strength and work hardenability, the power requirements for the austenitic grades during forming operations is considerably greater than for carbon steels. Attention to lubrication during forming of the austenitic alloys is essential to accommodate the high strength and galling tendency of these alloys.

Fatigue Strength
The fatigue strength or endurance limit is the maximum stress below which material is unlikely to fail in 10 million cycles in air environment. For austenitic stainless steels as a group, the fatigue strength is typically about 35 percent of the tensile strength. Substantial variability in service results is experienced since additional variables such as corrosive conditions, form of stress and mean value, surface roughness, and other factors affect fatigue properties. For this reason, no definitive endurance limit values can be given which are representative of all operating conditions.

Welding
The austenitic stainless steels are considered to be the most weldable of the stainless steels. They are routinely joined by all fusion and resistance welding processes. Two important considerations for weld joints in these alloys are: (1) avoidance of solidification cracking, and (2) preservation of corrosion resistance of the weld and heat-affected zones. Fully austenitic weld deposits are more susceptible to cracking during welding. For this reason Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L matching filler metals are formulated to solidify with a small amount of ferrite in the microstructure to minimize cracking susceptibility. For weldments to be used in the as-welded condition in corrosive environments, it is advisable to utilize the low carbon Types 316L and 317L base metal and filler metals. The higher the carbon level of the material being welded, the greater the likelihood the welding thermal cycles will allow chromium carbide precipitation (sensitization), which could result in intergranular corrosion. The low carbon L grades are designed to minimize or avoid sensitization.

HEAT TREATMENT
Annealing
The austenitic stainless steels are provided in the mill annealed condition ready for use. Heat treatment may be necessary during or after fabrication to remove the effects of cold forming or to dissolve precipitated chromium carbides resulting from thermal exposures. For the Types 316 and 317 alloys the solution anneal is accomplished by heating in the 1900 to 2150F (1040 to 1175C) temperature range followed by air cooling or a water quench, depending on section thickness. Cooling should be sufficiently rapid through the 1500-800F (816-427C) range to avoid reprecipitation of chromium carbides and provide optimum corrosion resistance. In every case, the metal should be cooled from the annealing temperature to black heat in less than three minutes. The Types 316 and 317 alloys cannot be hardened by heat treatment.

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High-molybdenum weld deposits may experience degraded corrosion resistance in severe environments due to micro-segregation of molybdenum. To overcome this effect, the molybdenum content of the weld filler metal should be increased. For some severe applications for the Type 317 alloys, weld deposits containing 4 percent or more of molybdenum may be desirable. Type 904L (AWS ER 385, 4.5% Mo) or Alloy 625 (AWS ERNiCrMo-3, 9% Mo) filler metals have been used for this purpose. Be careful to avoid copper or zinc contamination in the weld zone since these elements can form low melting point compounds which in turn can create weld cracking.

Many uses for stainless steel involve cleaning or sterilizing on a regular basis. Equipment is cleaned with specially formulated caustic or acid solutions, such as phosphoric or sulfamic acids, or organic solvents. Strongly reducing acids such as hydrofluoric or hydrochloric may be harmful to these stainless steels. Cleaning solutions need to be drained and stainless steel surfaces rinsed thoroughly with fresh water. Design can aid cleanability. Rounded corners, fillets and absence of crevices on stainless steel equipment facilitates cleaning as do smooth ground welds and polished surfaces.

Cleaning
Despite their corrosion resistance, stainless steels need care during fabrication and use to maintain their attractive surface appearance even under normal service conditions. During welding, it is important that surfaces are clean and that proper inert shielding gases are used. Scale or slag that forms from welding processes should be removed with a stainless steel wire brush. Use of carbon steel wire brushes leaves particles embedded in the surface which will eventually produce rusting. For more severe applications, welded areas should be treated with a descaling solution such as a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acids and, subsequently, these should be thoroughly washed off with clean water. For stainless steel surfaces exposed in light inland industrial or milder service, minimum maintenance is required. Only sheltered areas need occasional washing with pressurized water. In heavy industrial or marine environments, frequent washing is advisable to remove dirt or salt deposits which might cause corrosion and impair the surface appearance of the stainless steel surface. Stubborn spots and deposits like burned-on food can be removed by scrubbing with a nonabrasive cleaner and fiber brush, a sponge or pad of stainless steel wool. The stainless steel wool will leave permanent marks on smooth stainless steel surfaces.

SURFACE FINISHES
A range of stainless steel mill surface finishes is available. These are designated by a series of numbers: Number 1 Finish is hot rolled, annealed and descaled. It is available for plate and sheet and is used for functional applications where a smooth decorative finish is not important. Number 2D Finish is a dull finish produced by cold rolling, annealing and descaling. This finish is favorable for the retention of lubricants during drawing or other forming operations and is preferred for deep drawn and formed parts. Number 2B Finish is a brighter finish than 2D. It is produced much like the 2D finish except that a light temper pass is applied after final annealing on a cold mill with polished rolls. This is a general purpose finish used for all but severe cold forming. Because it is smoother as produced, it is more readily polished than the 1 or 2D finishes. Number 2BA Finish is a very smooth finish produced by cold rolling and bright annealing. A light cold mill pass using highly polished rolls produces a glossy finish. A 2BA finish may be used for lightly formed applications where a glossy finish is desired in the asformed part.

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Polished Finishes a variety of ground finishes is available. Because special equipment or processes are employed in developing these surface finishes, not all are available in the range of products produced by Allegheny Ludlum. Surface requirements should be discussed with Allegheny Ludlum mill representatives.

Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L stainless steel product forms are assigned allowable stresses in Section II, Part D of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. For the Types 316 and 317 alloys, the maximum use temperature is 1500F (816C), whereas for Types 316L and 317L alloys the limit is 850F (454C) for Section VIII, Division 1 applications. All of the grades are accepted for use in food preparation and storage by the National Sanitation Foundation and for contact with dairy products by the Dairy and Food Industries Supply Association-Sanitary Standards Committee. Types 316 and 316L, in particular, are standard materials used in each industry. These also find many uses in the brewery and other beverage industries, pharmaceutical and bioprocessing industries.

SPECIFICATION COVERAGE
Because of the extensive use of Types 316, 316L, 317 and 317L austenitic stainless steels and their broad specification coverage, the following list of specifications is representative, but not complete. Product Form Plate, Sheet and Strip Specification ASTM A 240 ASME SA-240

A 249/A 249M Seamless SA-249/SA-249M and/or Welded (316, 316L, 317 (316, 316L, 317 only). A 554 Tubing only) A 312/A 312M, Seamless A 409/A 409M and/or Welded (316, 316L, 317 Pipe only) SA-312/SA-312M, SA-409/SA-409M (316, 316L, 317 only)

Bar, Wire

A 276 (316, 316L, 317 only). SA-479/SA-479M A478, (316, 316L, 317 only). (316, 316L, 317 only) A479/A 479M, (316, 316L, 317 only).

A 314 (316, 316L, 317 only). Billet, Forgings A473 (316, 316L, 317 only). Flanges, Fittings A 182/A 182M, A 403/A 403M SA-182/SA-182M, SA-403/SA-403M

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