316 Stainless Steel Hexagon

316 stainless steel is an "18-8" chromium-nickel stainless with molybdenum added to greatly increase corrosion resistance as well as mechanical properties at higher temperatures. 316 is generally non-magnetic but can become magnetic when cold worked and is non-hardenable by heat treatment. Its higher strength and corrosion resistance, even at elevated temperatures, make it a superior choice over other chrome-nickel steels for uses that involve exposure to chemical and marine environments. A lower carbon grade is available, 316L, that lowers the carbon content to .03% max for better corrosion resistance on welded sections. Applications include: pharmaceutical, aircraft, marine, paper, textile, and chemical processing equipment, food processing equipment and surgical tools.