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Metal Purity

316L is one of the more popular stainless steels in process piping applications. This grade has good corrosion resistance and can withstand chloride solutions, making it an excellent choice for many industrial processes.

Its higher molybdenum content increases the resistance to chloride ion pitting and improves its overall corrosion resistance in acidic environments. It is also an ideal choice for high-temperature applications.

Biological Processes

SS 316L is an excellent choice for use in bioprocessing equipment. It is chemically stable, has good mechanical properties, and is non-toxic and non-allergenic when in contact with skin.

Corrosion in Caustic Environments

Stainless steel is susceptible to rapid corrosion under caustic conditions, and this is particularly the case when exposed to concentrated NaOH solutions. This is because the active phase (nickel oxide and hydroxides) covers the surface of the stainless steel in a thin layer, and when this layer breaks down the material is exposed to open circuit potential.

Temperature has an important effect on the performance of 316L stainless steel in hot caustic environments. This is because when 316L stainless steel is exposed to concentrated NaOH solutions at temperature greater than 50 degC it forms a black surface film, which is largely comprised of nickel oxide and hydroxides.

Anisotropy in Mechanical Properties

316L SS produced by SLM displays significant anisotropy in its mechanical properties. This is attributed to its microstructure, which includes molten pools and cellular substructures. During stretching, the molten pool expands and deforms with a high strain localization. This results in an increase in ductility when loaded along the direction of the molten pool, but a decrease in ductility when the molten pool is loaded perpendicular to the molten pool.