317 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel, which contains a low to moderate amount of carbon content. It also has an enhanced corrosion resistance compared to other types of stainless steel. This makes it particularly desirable for use in industrial and commercial applications, as it is able to withstand harsh environmental conditions with ease. Let’s take a look at the composition, physical properties, mechanical properties and uses of this versatile metal.
Composition
317 stainless steel is an alloy made up of iron, chromium, nickel and molybdenum. The chromium content provides the metal with its anti-corrosive properties, while the molybdenum further strengthens the alloy’s ability to resist corrosion in certain environments. The nickel content adds further strength and corrosion resistance while ensuring that the metal remains ductile even at cryogenic temperatures.
Physical Properties
317 stainless steel has a density of 8.0 g/cm3 (or 0.289 lb/in3). It is significantly lighter than other grades of stainless steel, such as 304 or 310 stainless but still has excellent machinability and formability characteristics. Its melting point ranges between 1454-1472°C (2650-2700°F) while its thermal conductivity is 14 W/mK (8 BTU in/hr ft2 °F).
Mechanical Properties
The tensile strength for 317 stainless steel ranges between 515-760 MPa (75-110 ksi), while its yield strength ranges between 205-550 MPa (30-80 ksi). Its elongation rate ranges between 40%-60% depending on the tempering temperature used during forming and hardening processes. Additionally, its Brinell Hardness ranges from 95HBW to 320HBW depending on the applied load.
Uses
Due to its superior corrosion resistance qualities, 317 stainless steel is suitable for use in applications exposed to corrosive environments, such as offshore oil rigs, chemical storage tanks and food processing plants. Its excellent ductility makes it an ideal choice for applications involving deep drawing or forming operations, such as fuel injection systems or aerospace components. Other common applications include kitchen appliances, architectural cladding panels and automobile exhaust systems due to their superior heat resistance qualities.
Conclusion:
In summary, 317 stainless steel is an all-purpose austenitic grade with superior corrosion resistance properties compared to other grades of stainless steel, such as 304 or 310-grade alloys. Its composition consists mainly of iron, chromium, nickel and molybdenum, which, when combined, provide excellent physical and mechanical qualities, making it suitable for use in applications exposed to moderately corrosive environments as well as those involving deep drawing or forming operations due to its superior ductility characteristics at cryogenic temperatures. Finally, it can also be used in kitchen appliances due to its outstanding heat-resistant qualities, making it one of the most versatile alloys available today!
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
