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Stainless Steel 316

Stainless Steel 316 is a versatile and durable alloy known for its corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments. With its high chromium and molybdenum content, it is widely used in industrial applications where resistance to (chloride) corrosion is crucial, such as in the offshore, chemical, and food processing industries. Its robust performance against saltwater, acids, and other aggressive chemicals makes it a commonly used and all-round material for components.

What is Stainless Steel 316?

Stainless Steel 316 is a popular grade of stainless steel composed primarily of iron, chromium (16–18%), nickel (10–14%), and molybdenum (2–3%). The addition of molybdenum significantly enhances its corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and other industrial chemicals. This alloy maintains its strength and toughness even at high temperatures, which is why it is frequently used in environments exposed to heat, moisture, and corrosive agents, such as seawater and acidic substances.

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Stainless Steel 316: key benefits & disadvantages

Benefits:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Its ability to resist corrosion in both industrial and marine environments is one of the primary advantages of Stainless Steel 316.
  • Durability: It offers a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Hygiene: It is non-reactive with food and other sensitive materials, making it ideal for hygienic applications.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited durability compared to laser cladding solutions: overall, laser cladding by Topclad provides far better technical properties than Stainless Steel 316 pertaining to corrosion, wear, and chemical resistance.
  • Cost and availability: Stainless Steel 316 is not only more expensive than other stainless steel grades like 304 but also a less cost-effective choice than laser cladding. Topclad’s laser clad layers provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive stainless steel or duplex base materials. Components can be manufactured from much more affordable carbon steel, combined with an optimized Topclad laser clad layer. Carbon steel with a Topclad laser clad layer is not only more economical but also delivers shorter lead times and a longer service life.
Specification
Value
Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
22
Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
96mm³
Ductility
High
Impact resistance
+++
Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
110

316 Stainless Steel is best suited for use in what type of environment?

Stainless Steel 316 is commonly used in environments where exposure to corrosive elements like saltwater, chemicals, and high temperatures is frequent. These include marine and offshore applications, food processing, and environments with high humidity or heat, where the material’s resistance to oxidation and chloride corrosion ensures long-term durability.

What is the difference between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?

The primary difference between Stainless Steel 304 and 316 lies in the addition of molybdenum in 316, which significantly enhances its resistance to chlorides and acidic environments. While 304 is a more cost-effective option and suitable for less corrosive environments, 316 is preferred for applications involving high exposure to saltwater, chemicals, and acids, making it the better choice for offshore and marine industries.

What is Stainless Steel 316 used for?

Stainless Steel 316 is widely used in industries where resistance to corrosion, heat, and chemicals is paramount:

  • Food Processing: Utilized in equipment like drums, mixers and conveyors, where it ensures hygiene and resists corrosion from acidic and salty environments.
  • Offshore and Maritime Industry: Used in components such as valves, pumps, and propeller shafts that are exposed to seawater.
  • Chemical Processing: Employed in tanks, pipelines, and heat exchangers where exposure to acids and aggressive chemicals is common.
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Topclad laser cladding as an alternative to Stainless Steel 316

Topclad’s laser cladding technology offers a more efficient, better and durable alternative to solid Stainless Steel 316 components. By applying a laser clad layer, industries can achieve even greater protection against corrosion, wear, and chemicals, while reducing material expenses and extending the lifespan of critical components. Unlike traditional coatings, laser cladding provides a metallurgical bond, ensuring that the layer remains intact under extreme conditions. This is particularly beneficial for components exposed to harsh environments like those found in the offshore, chemical, and food industries.

Topclad can provide you with:

Other products in this serie

Product
Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Ductility
Impact resistance
Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
AluBronze
Aluminium bronze is a highly durable alloy, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and outstanding sliding properties
N.A.Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
Depending on applicationWear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
HighDuctility
+Impact resistance
130Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Inconel 625
A high-performance nickel-chromium-based alloy known for its high strength properties and resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and high temperatures.
48Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
87mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Very highDuctility
+++Impact resistance
110Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Stainless Steel 316
Stainless Steel 316 is a versatile and durable alloy known for its corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments
22Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
96mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
HighDuctility
+++Impact resistance
110Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Stellite
This cobalt-chromium alloy is known for its hardness, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain performance in challenging environments.
30Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
94mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
HighDuctility
+++Impact resistance
150Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.

Examples of markets and applications

To discover how Stainless Steel 316 or Topclad’s advanced laser cladding technology can help extend the lifespan of your equipment in corrosive environments, contact us today for personalized advice and a custom quote. Request a quote and find out how we can enhance the performance and durability of your critical components.

Food processing

Food processing

Laser cladding solutions Topclad’s laser cladding technology is ideal for food processing equipment due to its ability to create a metallurgical bond, which eliminates the risk of peeling, as can happen with traditional coatings like NiCr. These traditional coatings are prone to porosity, sub-corrosion, and peeling, whereas laser cladding provide a dense, pore-free structure with high ductility maintaining its structural integrity. This is crucial for components in the food industry as it prevents blisters or any other deterioration ending up in the food and ensuring longer operational life of equipment. Quarite N is particularly suited for the food industry, providing exceptional protection against corrosion, especially from chemical exposure. Additionally, Topclad’s laser cladding technology can providee a cost-economic alternative to solid Stainless Steel 316 components by applying a laser-clad SS316 layer on more affordable base materials like carbon steel. This approach achieves equal protection against corrosion, wear, and food-safe chemicals while significantly reducing material costs. Learn more about Quarite N and explore how our cladding is used in rollers and drums. Related markets facing similar challenges Other industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical processing and paper industry face similar challenges regarding corrosion, wear, and chemical exposure. Topclad’s laser cladding solutions can be applied across these sectors, providing the same level of protection and durability. By ensuring equipment longevity, our solutions help maintain operational efficiency while reducing maintenance costs. Want to ensure your food processing equipment meets the highest durability and hygiene standards? Contact Topclad today and discover how our laser cladding solutions can protect your machinery and lower your operational costs
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Machine Parts

Machine Parts

Repair worn out machine parts in Lelystad, the Netherlands  For reliable machine part repairs, Topclad is the trusted partner across industries. With over 14 years of experience, we are equipped to restore everything from standard-sized parts to oversized components. Our laser cladding technology ensures that even the most severely worn parts are rejuvenated with precision, bringing them back to optimal functionality.   At Topclad, we not only restore worn parts but also enhance them to perform better than before. Our expert team ensures that all repairs are completed with attention to detail, using advanced materials to withstand the harshest conditions. This enables businesses to reduce downtime, save on operational costs, and achieve greater equipment reliability. 
Read more

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Topclad Laser Cladding is the leading manufacturer of innovative laser clad layers in Europe. Based in Lelystad, the Netherlands, Topclad Laser Cladding develops and applies laser clad layers for the most demanding industries including oil, gas, sustainable energy, offshore, dredging, mining, bridges and water locks, steel manufacturing and food processing.

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We are Topclad

Topclad is Europe’s leading manufacturer of innovative laser clad layers, based in Lelystad, the Netherlands. We specialize in developing and applying laser clad layers for the most demanding industries, including oil & gas, offshore, dredging, mining, bridges & water locks, steel manufacturing, and food processing.

Our mission is to provide components with superior protection against wear, corrosion, and impact, resulting in significantly improved reliability and uptime of capital-intensive equipment. With over 14 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to quality, we deliver solutions that enhance the performance and longevity of your critical machinery.

IMG 0143
Axel Jansen
Director & Owner Topclad

Why Topclad?

  • Over 14 years laser cladding experience with over 10.000 cladded components
  • More than 10 in-house developed laser clad layers
  • Commitment to quality
  • Expertise in comprehensive repairs
  • 24.000 mm clad length capacity and 2.200 clad diameter capacity
  • Chromium-6-free solutions
Contact usMore about us

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