Stainless Steel: 1.4401 (316) Bar and Section

Stainless steel types 1.4401 and 1.4404 are recognized as grades 316 and 316L, respectively. Grade 316, an austenitic grade, holds the second position in commercial importance after 304. 316 stainless steel is enhanced with the addition of molybdenum, providing improved corrosion resistance, particularly against pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. The low carbon version, 316L, is resistant to grain boundary carbide precipitation (sensitization), making it suitable for heavy gauge welded components, especially those over approximately 6mm. For applications involving elevated temperatures, the high carbon variant, 316H stainless steel, and the stabilized grade 316Ti stainless steel are recommended. The austenitic structure of 316 stainless steel imparts excellent toughness, even at cryogenic temperatures.