316LN Stainless Steel | Intamet Ltd
316LN Stainless Steel is a nitrogen-enhanced version of 316L stainless steel with improved strength and corrosion resistance.
316LN Stainless Steel is a type of stainless steel that is similar to 316L but has nitrogen added to it. The nitrogen content in 316LN is typically between 0.1-0.2%, which increases the strength of the steel without significantly affecting its corrosion resistance properties.
Compared to standard 316L, 316LN Stainless Steel has a slightly higher yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness. 316LN Stainless Steel is strong and can be used in high-stress applications like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and boilers. The steel is resistant to corrosion in hot places because it has nitrogen in its chemical makeup.
316LN Stainless Steel is often used in the oil and gas industry. It is also commonly used in marine and chemical processing. This is because it has a strong resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
Adding nitrogen to 316LN Stainless Steel makes it stronger and more resistant to corrosion, but it also makes it less flexible. This means that 316LN may be more prone to cracking and brittle failure than other grades of stainless steel.
Physical & Mechanical Properties of 316LN / 1.4429
The physical and mechanical properties of 316LN Stainless Steel (also known as UNS S31653 or 1.4429) are as follows:
- Density: 7.98 g/cm3
- Melting point: 1399-1454 °C (2550-2650 °F)
- Specific heat: 0.5 J/g·K
- Thermal conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K
- Thermal expansion: 15.9 x 10^-6/K
- Modulus of elasticity: 193 GPa
- Tensile strength: 550-700 MPa
- Yield strength: 240 MPa min
- Elongation: 40% min
- Hardness: Rockwell B90
- Impact toughness: 27 J (20 ft-lb)
Due to the addition of nitrogen, 316LN has a higher yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness than standard 316L. This means that it is able to withstand higher stress levels before deforming or breaking. But, stronger steel is less flexible and more likely to crack in certain situations due to reduced ductility.
316LN also has good resistance to corrosion in high-temperature environments. It is commonly used in oil, gas, marine, and chemical industries for high-temperature and corrosion resistance.
The properties of 316LN can change based on how it's made and who makes it. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with the supplier or consult the material certificate for the exact properties of the 316LN being used in a specific application.
Chemical Composition of 316LN / 1.4429
The typical chemical composition of 316LN Stainless Steel (also known as UNS S31653 or 1.4429) is as follows:
- Iron (Fe): balance
- Chromium (Cr): 16-18%
- Nickel (Ni): 11-14%
- Molybdenum (Mo): 2-3%
- Nitrogen (N): 0.1-0.2%
- Carbon (C): 0.03% max
- Manganese (Mn): 2% max
- Silicon (Si): 1% max
- Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max
- Sulfur (S): 0.03% max
Adding nitrogen to 316LN steel improves its strength and ability to resist corrosion. The nitrogen content typically ranges between 0.1-0.2%. The carbon content is kept low to prevent carbide precipitation, which can cause corrosion in some environments.
The chemical makeup of 316LN can change based on how it is made and who supplies it. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with the supplier or consult the material certificate for the exact chemical composition of the 316LN being used in a specific application.
Variants of 316
Variants of 316
There are different types of 316 stainless steel made for specific uses or to enhance certain material qualities. Some of the most common variants include:
- 316Ti: This variant of 316 is alloyed with titanium to improve its resistance to corrosion, particularly in environments with high temperatures and high concentrations of chlorides.
- 316L: This variant of 316 is low carbon, for improved resistance to intergranular corrosion and improved welding characteristics
- 316H: This variant of 316 is a high carbon version, which improves its strength and hardness. It is often used in high-stress applications such as valves and pumps.
- 316LN: This variant of 316 is nitrogen-alloyed to improve its strength and toughness. It is often used in high-stress applications such as aerospace and nuclear power plants.
- 316F: This variant of 316 is free-machining, with added sulfur, it is often used in the manufacture of gears, bearings, and other precision components.
- 316L Mod: This variant of 316 is modified to improve its machinability. It is often used in the manufacture of gears, bearings, and other precision components.
- 316L-Si: This variant of 316 is alloyed with silicon to improve its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It is often used in high-temperature applications such as furnace components and heat exchangers.
Please note that the above variants are just a general representation, and other variants exist to meet specific requirements, such as 316L-Mo for improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, 316L-Cu for improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking.