How does 316 compare with super duplex stainless steels?

Alloy 316 is perhaps the most widely known and specified grade of stainless steel. Sometimes referred to as 18/8 due to its composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it is an austenitic stainless steel. As such, it provides good levels of corrosion resistance, excellent impact toughness down to very low temperatures, is non-magnetic in nature and relatively easy to fabricate.

When considering super duplex stainless steel vs 316 there is a significant uplift in the performance achieved. Super duplex stainless steels have three to four times higher yield strength, approximately twice the resistance to pitting corrosion, yet are less than twice the cost.

316 is widely used in domestic applications where its decorative properties and function are appreciated. Industrial applications tend towards less aggressive conditions where cleanliness as much as corrosion are required, such as food production, dairy and brewing.

316 stainless steel is also commonly used for the construction of exhaust manifolds, furnace parts, heat exchangers, valve and pump parts, chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical and photographic equipment, tanks, and evaporators. It is also used in textile, pulp, and paper equipment and for any parts exposed to marine environments.

Due to their greater resistance to corrosion, super duplex stainless steels are recommended for applications such as long-term immersion in seawater, or industrial applications in aggressive solutions. These include those found in chemical processing industries, Oil and Gas, mining, power generation and water treatment

Langley Alloys is the primary stockist and distributor for super duplex stainless steels, including Ferralium 255, S32750 and S32760 up to 16” diameter solid bar and plate up to 3” thickness, plus pipes and fittings.

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