If you’re looking for a material that is highly corrosion-resistant, heat resistant and easy to machine and weld, then look no further than 216 stainless steel. This versatile material is used in a variety of industries, ranging from automotive to medical applications. Keep reading to learn more about the properties and uses of 216 stainless steel.
216 Stainless Steel Composition
Grade 216 is an austenitic grade with a nominal composition of 17% chromium, 7% nickel, 4% molybdenum, and 0.045–0.085% nitrogen. It contains higher levels of chromium, which gives it superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 stainless steel. This makes it ideal for use in food processing equipment and medical instruments that may come into contact with corrosive substances such as saltwater or acids.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 72 |
| Chromium, Cr | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Manganese, Mn | 5.50 – 7.50 |
| Nickel, Ni | 3.50 – 5.50 |
| Silicon, Si | 1.0 |
| Nitrogen, N | 0.25 |
| Carbon, C | 0.15 |
216 Stainless Steel Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of Stainless Steel 216 make it a popular choice in various industries. Its corrosion resistance and the ability to withstand high temperatures help protect against the deterioration of machinery, buildings, and other structures across automotive, medical, marine, and food industries. Moreover, its non-magnetic characteristics prevent interference from magnetic fields and electrostatic forces, which can potentially damage electrical wires and sensitive components. Its low carbon content also allows for improved weldability compared to other grades of stainless steel and minimizes the risk of embrittlement on the formation of chromium carbides in susceptible environments. Therefore, when looking for a material suitable for multiple applications with desirable mechanical properties, heat ageing resistance and formability – 216 stainless steel should be among your top considerations.
216 Stainless Steel Mechanical properties
216 ss is an incredibly versatile and popular metal due to its strong resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, stains, and chemical reactions. This special alloy of steel is also non-magnetic, making it attractive for use in measuring equipment as well as parts that need to be sterilized. This strength is derived from the combination of chromium and nickel, which helps form a tight-knit oxide layer over the surface of the material, preventing it from rusting or reacting to other compounds. Not only is 216 stainless steel great at resisting high levels of heat, but it has been proven to last decades under normal conditions. Its versatility makes it a well-used material in kitchen tools and appliances, exhaust systems, pharmaceutical equipment, watch bands, pressure vessels for hot water storage, and countless other items that must stand up to long-standing exposure to harsh elements.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (transverse at room temperature) | 685 MPa | 99400 psi |
| Tensile strength (longitudinal at room temperature) | 696 MPa | 101000 psi |
| Yield strength (transverse at room temperature) | 292 MPa | 42400 psi |
| Yield strength (longitudinal at room temperature) | 301 MPa | 43700 psi |
| Compressive yield strength | 365 MPa | 52900 psi |
| Elastic modulus | 197 GPa | 28573 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.27-0.30 | 0.27-0.30 |
| Elongation at break (longitudinal at room temperature) | 56% | 56% |
| Elongation at break (transverse at room temperature) | 62.50% | 62.50% |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (transverse at room temperature) | 85 | 85 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B (longitudinal at room temperature) | 85 | 85 |
216 Stainless Steel Physical Properties
UNS S21600 has a density of 8 g/cm3 (0.289 lb/in3) and an ultimate tensile strength of 460 MPa (67 ksi). Its melting point ranges from 1350-1400 °C (2460-2550 °F). This grade has good thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity values, making it suitable for use in electronic components that must withstand extreme temperatures or pressures. It also has good machinability ratings for both turning and milling operations.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.86 g/cm3 | 0.284 lb/in³ |
216 Stainless Steel Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@ 20-100°C/68-212°F) | 16.6 µm/m°C | 9.22 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity (@ 100°C/212°F) | 16.3 W/mK | 113 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
216 Stainless Steel Equivalent
- ASTM A213
- ASTM A240
- ASTM A249
- ASTM A276
- ASTM A412
- ASTM A666
- QQ S766
- ASME SA412
- SAE 30201
- SAE J405 (30201)
216 Stainless Steel Uses
Due to its corrosion resistance properties, 216 stainless steel is commonly used in the food processing industry for equipment such as pumps, valves, fittings, tanks, fryers, mixers and conveyors. It’s also used in the medical field to manufacturing surgical instruments like scissors and clamps due to its non-magnetic qualities and ability to resist corrosion even in harsh environments like saline solutions or acidic solutions. Additionally, this material can be found in automotive parts such as exhaust systems since it can withstand high heat without degrading quickly over time. Finally, it’s often employed in the aerospace industry because its low weight allows aircraft designers to reduce fuel consumption while still providing excellent strength characteristics when compared with other metals like aluminium or titanium alloys.
Corrosion Resistance
216 stainless steel has long been known for its superior corrosion resistance compared to many other materials. This outstanding protection is provided by the layer of chromium oxide that forms on the surface, which helps limit exposure to oxygen, water and aggressive chemicals. Additionally, the addition of nickel in its alloy improves both ductility and strength and reduces carbon content that can affect performance. Thanks to the combination of these properties, 216 stainless steel is employed in a range of industries, such as manufacturing equipment or power plants, allowing engineers to use it in challenging and often corrosive applications.
Heat Resistance
Stainless steel is a popular choice for many construction and building applications, primarily due to its impressive combination of strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Among the standard stainless steel options available, 216 stainless steel stands out for its exceptional heat-resistant characteristics. Specifically, this type of stainless steel can maintain its structural integrity even after being exposed to temperatures as high as 1500℉. This makes it ideal for products like kitchen appliances or automotive parts that are routinely exposed to intense heat without degradation. Furthermore, any scale buildup on 216 stainless steel will stay in an oxide form instead of rusting or corroding like other metals, which adds to its versatility. With these impressive qualities, it’s easy to see why 216 stainless steel is such a reliable option when looking for materials with superior heat-resistant properties.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment of 216 stainless steel is a process of subjecting the alloy to controlled temperatures in order to create certain physical and mechanical properties. In doing so, alloys such as 216 stainless steel can be manipulated to achieve the desired characteristics for additional use or treatments. This tempering process typically involves annealing or hardening procedures, which carefully control both times at temperature as well as cooling rates. Allowing manufacturers to produce the same materials with customized results and properties, heat treatment of 216 stainless steel promises greater diversity in applications while increasing material strength and other benefits.
Machining
Working with 216 stainless steel requires the utmost precision and care. This machinable alloy is highly resistant to corrosion and rusting, making it a great material for projects ranging from aerospace components to marine equipment. Machining this type of stainless steel requires a strong grasp of metalwork, particularly when creating intricate parts or shapes with tight tolerances. By successfully cutting and forming 216 stainless steel, engineers are able to create affordable solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective for a variety of industries.
Welding
Welding of 216 stainless steel can be a difficult process that requires precision and expertise. If done correctly, however, it can form strong, reliable welds with excellent corrosion resistance. Understanding the properties and compatibility of different joint designs and welding techniques is key to successful welding progress. Experienced welders make sure to use the right type of electrode – usually 308L or 316L – as well as clean and prepare the base metal properly before striking an arc; this helps reduce the chances of cracks, porosity or stress-induced deformations. With careful preparation and the right welding technologies, it’s possible to make high-quality welds on stainless steel projects, big or small.
Conclusion
Overall, 216 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its composition, which contains higher levels of chromium when compared with 304 stainless steel materials. In addition to this property, it also has superior heat resistance qualities, which make it suitable for applications where temperatures may reach up to 2550°F (1400°C). Its machinability ratings are good, too, which means it can be easily worked using standard tools without difficulty or costly tooling modifications being required beforehand. With so many advantageous qualities combined into one material, it’s no wonder why this stainless steel alloy is so popularly utilized across various industrial sectors, including those mentioned above but also many others too! All things considered, if your project requires tough materials that are able to stand up against corrosion, then consider investing in some 216 stainless steel today!
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