316/316L Annealed Stainless Steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel containing molybdenum which increases general corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting from chloride ion solutions, and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures. This austenitic class contains the most formable, weldable, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel grades, but they cannot be heat treated. Properties are similar to those of Type 304 except that this alloy is somewhat stronger at elevated temperatures. Corrosion resistance is improved, particularly against sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic, and tartaric acids; acid sulfates, and alkaline chlorides. Type 316L is an extra-low carbon version of Type 316 that minimizes harmful carbide precipitation due to welding assuring optimum corrosion resistance.
