316 stainless steel soft wire
316 stainless steel soft wire
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Alloy 316 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel soft wire that incorporates molybdenum to enhance its corrosion resistance, especially in environments containing chloride ions. This addition also improves strength at high temperatures and provides increased resistance to various acids, including sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic, and tartaric acids, as well as acid sulfates and alkaline chlorides. Compared to 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel soft wire offers superior strength at elevated temperatures, making it an excellent choice for demanding applications.
Applications of 316 Stainless Steel Soft Wire
The remarkable corrosion and temperature resistance of 316 stainless steel soft wire make it ideal for a variety of challenging applications, including:
- Screening applications in marine environments
- Pulp and paper equipment
- Heat exchangers
- Propeller shafts and marine fittings
- Dyeing equipment
- Exterior architectural components in coastal areas
Chemical Composition of 316L Stainless Steel Soft Wire
The typical chemical composition of 316L stainless steel soft wire includes:
- Carbon: 0.08% max
- Manganese: 2.00% max
- Silicon: 1.00% max
- Chromium: 16.00-18.00%
- Nickel: 10.00-14.00%
- Molybdenum: 2.00-3.00%
- Phosphorus: 0.040% max
- Sulfur: 0.030% max
- Copper: 0.75% max
- Iron: Balance
Physical and Mechanical Properties
The physical and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel soft wire include:
- Density: 0.29 lbs/in³ (7.99 g/cm³)
- Electrical Resistivity: 29.4 microhm-in (74.0 microhm-cm) at 68°F (20°C)
- Specific Heat: 0.12 BTU/lb/°F (0.50 kJ/kg•K) from 32-212°F (0-100°C)
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Thermal Conductivity:
- At 212°F (100°C): 9.4 BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (16.2 W/m•K)
- At 932°F (500°C): 12.4 BTU/hr/ft²/ft/°F (21.4 W/m•K)
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Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:
- 32-212°F (0-100°C): 8.9 x 10⁻⁶ in/in/°F (16.0 μm/m•K)
- 32-1500°F (0-871°C): 11.1 x 10⁻⁶ in/in/°F
- Modulus of Elasticity: 28.0 x 10³ KSI (193 x 10³ MPa) in tension
- Melting Range: 2500 – 2590°F (1371 – 1421°C)
Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Soft Wire at Room Temperature
The room temperature mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel soft wire include:
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 75 KSI min (515 MPa min)
- Yield Strength: 30 KSI min (205 MPa min)
- Elongation: 40% min
- Hardness: Rb 95 max
Tempered Properties
1/8 Hard Temper:
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 100 KSI min (690 MPa min)
- Yield Strength: 55 KSI min (380 MPa min)
- Elongation: 25% min
1/4 Hard Temper:
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 125 KSI min (860 MPa min)
- Yield Strength: 75 KSI min (515 MPa min)
- Elongation: 10% min
With its durability and versatility, 316L stainless steel soft wire is a reliable choice for high-performance applications in marine, industrial, and architectural settings.