This is your ultimate resource if you want more information about this durable grade of stainless steel.
Reading this guide will provide an overview of 216 stainless steel, its properties, and more helpful resources!
With this, you will gain an understanding of how to use it in a wide range of projects.
What is 216-Grade Stainless Steel?
216 Stainless steel is a stainless steel grade with a combination of austenitic and ferritic steels. It offers superior anti-corrosion and strength compared to other grades.
In addition, grade 216 is also highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking, particularly from the crevice and pitting corrosion. For this reason, it became ideal for applications where chemical resistance is a priority. This grade is also known for its excellent weldability and formability.
How to Identify Type 216?
In order to identify SS216, it is important to check for certain characteristics that are unique to this steel.
- First, the presence of a chromium-nickel alloy should be identified. This can be done by performing a spark test. Or you can use a magnifying glass to look for the presence of chromium and nickel particles.
- Second, the material should be checked for a high level of ductility. This can be done by performing a bend test or by checking the material’s tensile strength. If the material passes both tests, then it is likely that it is a type of 216 stainless steel.
- Third, the material should be checked for its corrosion safety. This can be done by performing a salt spray test or a corrosion resistance test. If the material passes both tests, then it is a grade 216.
Composition
216 stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel composed of the following elements:
| Iron (Fe) | 66.68% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00% |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08% |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030% |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045% |
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Its physical and mechanical properties make the SS216 an ideal choice for a variety of applications.
Below, we provide an overview of the physical properties and mechanical properties of 216 stainless steel.
Physical Properties:
| Density | 8.0 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | 1450°C (2642°F) |
| Thermal Expansion | 10.5 µm/m°C (5.5 µin/in°F) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 7.2 µΩ-cm |
| Specific Heat | 500 J/kg-K |
Mechanical Properties:
| Elongation | 40% |
| Tensile Strength | 655 MPa (95 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 480 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Hardness | 187 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 189 GPa (27.5 x 106 psi) |
| Shear Modulus | 77 GPa (11.2 x 106 psi) |
Key Advantages of 216 Stainless Steel
216 Stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy. It offers a range of advantages when used in industrial applications.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- Corrosion Safety: Its high level of corrosion resistance makes it ideal for applications that require exposure to harsh environments. In addition, the alloy’s low carbon content makes it highly resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion. Therefore, it is a great choice for applications in chemical processing and marine environments.
- High Strength: The combination of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum gives this steel an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where strength and durability are necessary. It may include fabricating structural components and fasteners.
- Temperature Resistance: Type 216 is also highly resistant to elevated temperatures. So for applications that are exposed to high temperatures, this stainless steel grade is perfect. It is an excellent choice for applications such as exhaust systems, where the material must be able to withstand the engine’s high temperatures.
- Non-Magnetic: It is non-magnetic, making it ideal for applications where magnetism is a concern.
- Cost-Effective: Type 216 is a cost-effective material, making it a great choice for projects with tight budgets.
- Aesthetics: Its attractive silver-gray color makes it an attractive choice for many projects.
- Recyclable: Type 216 has recyclable nature making it a great choice for green manufacturing.
Disadvantages
While 216 stainless steel has many advantages as introduced above, there are also some disadvantages associated with it.
Firstly, due to its high nickel content, Type 216 is more expensive than other types of stainless steel alloys. This can make it cost-prohibitive for some applications.
Another disadvantage is that it is not as heat resistant as other stainless steel alloys. Therefore it is more susceptible to cracking or warping when exposed to high temperatures.
Finally, Type 216 is prone to pitting and crevice corrosion. This is due to the fact that it contains more chromium than other stainless steel alloys. Then cause it to become more vulnerable to corrosion in certain environments.
As a final thought, you need to weigh the pros and cons of using this alloy for any given application. This way you can determine if it is the best option.
Where to Use Stainless Steel 216?
The stainless steel 216 is a versatile material with a wide range of uses. This time, we’ll get to know the ideal application.
In fact, Type 216 is commonly used in both consumer and industrial uses.
Industrial Applications: This means in the chemical applications, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. It is also a popular choice for the construction of industrial equipment, such as pumps, valves, and storage tanks.
Consumer Applications: Stainless steel 216 is also a popular choice for consumer applications, including kitchen appliances, cookware, utensils, and other items. It is also commonly used in the construction of furniture, handrails, and other decorative items.
Other Uses: Steel can also be used for decorative purposes, such as in the construction of jewelry and other artwork. It is also used in the medical field for implants and other medical instruments.
Different Ways to Process
While 216 stainless steel is highly reliable, it must be processed correctly in order to ensure its quality and performance.
There are several different ways you can process this steel. Here are the following:
- Cold/Hot Rolling: Cold rolling is a process in which the stainless steel is passed through a series of rollers at room temperature. However, hot rolling is when the stainless steel is passed through a series of rollers, but this time, at elevated temperatures. The elevated temperatures allow for easier forming of the material and are often used when creating complex parts.
- Annealing: This is a heat treatment process that is used to reduce the material’s hardness and increase its ductility. It is often used to create parts with improved machinability. However, the process can also cause some of the material’s strength and hardness to be reduced.
- Pickling: In this process, the stainless steel is exposed to a variety of acids that remove impurities such as oxides and scale. Pickling is often used to create parts with improved surface finish and greater protection. But the drawback is it can also cause the material’s hardness to be reduced.
- Surface Finishing: It improves the surface appearance and performance of the material. Common surface finishing processes include grinding, polishing, and blasting. These processes can be used to create a smoother, more uniform surface finish. And also it will improve the material’s ability to resist wear.
- Welding: This is a process that is used to join two pieces of material together. Welding can be used to create strong, permanent bonds between components and are often used to create parts with complex shapes.
These are just a few of the different ways that the 216 stainless steel can be processed. Each process provides unique benefits and drawbacks. So it is important to consider the application and desired outcome before selecting the appropriate processing method. Additionally, it is important to work with an experienced supplier that has the necessary expertise and equipment to process the material correctly.
216 VS 316 Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know
The differences between 216 and 316 stainless steel can be difficult to spot.
When comparing these two grades of stainless steel, it is important to note that 216 is a non-marine grade, while 316 is a marine grade. This means that while both grades offer excellent corrosion resistance, 316 is better suited for environments exposed to saltwater, chlorine, and acidic chemicals. It includes swimming pools, coastal areas, and medical equipment.
When it comes to machinability and weldability, both grades offer excellent performance. Although 316 is slightly easier to work with due to its higher nickel content. However, both grades are not suitable for welding due to their high carbon content.
In terms of cost, Type 216 is often the more economical choice, while 316 is more expensive. This is mainly due to the higher cost of the raw materials used to produce 316 stainless steel.
Maintainance Steps
Maintaining the material is relatively simple, but it’s important to ensure that the metal is properly cared for to ensure its longevity.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your 216 stainless steel in top shape:
- Clean Regularly: Like any metal, stainless steel needs regular cleaning to prevent corrosion and the build-up of dirt and grime. To clean Type 216, use a mild detergent or soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with a cloth dampened with clean water.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as these can scratch the metal and lead to corrosion.
- Dry Immediately: After cleaning, it is important to dry the stainless steel immediately to prevent water spots and streaks.
- Avoid Strong Chemicals: Strong chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be avoided, as they can cause corrosion and discoloration.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your stainless steel 216 remains in good condition for years to come.
Lifespan
The lifespan of 216 stainless steel is dependent on the environment in which it is used. As well as the amount of maintenance and cleaning it receives.
In general, if properly maintained and correctly used, type 216 can be expected to last for many years without any issues. The corrosion resistance of the material helps to protect it from rust, corrosion, and other environmental factors. Therefore it is an ideal choice for many different applications.
Does Stainless Steel 216 Rust?
The answer to the question is a definite “No”.
216 Stainless steel is a type of metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, including rust. This is due to the fact that it contains chromium, which forms a protective oxide film on its surface. This oxide film prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the steel, thus preventing rust.
Standard Price
Knowing the price of SS216 before purchasing them is important because it helps you avoid overspending. It also helps to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
Therefore, you can budget more effectively and make sure you are getting the most value for your money.
| Thickness (mm): | USD/kg |
| 0.5 | $1.90 |
| 1.0 | $2.38 |
| 1.5 | $2.78 |
| 2.0 | $3.18 |
| 2.5 | $3.58 |
| 3.0 | $3.98 |
| 4.0 | $4.78 |
| 5.0 | $5.58 |
| 6.0 | $6.38 |
CONCLUSION
Thank you for reading!
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of this material and its many uses. With its excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, and low cost, 216 stainless steel is a great option for many applications.
We encourage you to explore all of the potential uses of this versatile material and use it to its fullest potential.