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Forging 316 Stainless Steel

Austenitic 316 and 316L stainless steel alloys are highly regarded for their beneficial qualities. Containing high chromium, molybdenum, and nickel contents, these stainless steel alloys feature superior corrosion resistance and are an ideal material for marine applications. 316 and 316L alloys demonstrate excellent machinability, making these stainless steel materials appropriate for finishing processes like annealing and heat treating. In forging 316 stainless steel alloys, Great Lakes utilizes open-die forging that improves the overall quality of your steel components.

Great Lakes Forge can work with over 100 different forging and machining materials. If you require a specific grade of steel for your project, give us a call. We may already have your desired material in stock. If we don’t, our close relationships with premium material providers allow us to source the required material quickly and cost-effectively to create high-quality forged products.

Contact us for more information regarding 316 and 316L stainless steel material services or forging capabilities, or call us at 800-748-0271, and we would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

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Industries & Applications for 316 Stainless Steel Varieties

Stainless steel 316 alloys are one of the most suitable choices when choosing a stainless steel that requires extreme corrosion resistance. Offering a broad range of material benefits, 316 and 316L stainless steel are often used to produce forged products in medical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, oil, agricultural, sporting and recreational, aerospace, transportation, and general manufacturing industries, as well as various others. Some forged products using high-quality 316 stainless steel varieties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Manifold Parts
  • Heat Exchanging Equipment
  • Food Handling Equipment
  • Cooking Applications
  • Jet Engine Parts
  • Hot Water Systems
  • Control Lines
  • Semiconductors
  • Valve and Pump Parts
  • Chemical Processing and Storage
  • Refinery Equipment
  • Medical Devices (Surgical & Implants)
  • Marine and High Chloride Environments

Capabilities Forging 316 Stainless Steel at Great Lakes Forge

Great Lakes Forge offers complete custom forging capabilities for 316 and 316L stainless steels. We can deliver forgings up to 4,000 lbs., lengths up to 120”, and from 3.5” to 18” in diameter/thickness. Options for forging 316 stainless steel varieties come in several “standard” shapes, including:

In addition to high-quality forging capabilities, we provide low- to medium-volume production and prototyping with the industry’s fastest turnaround times. Our processes can achieve numerous milling and rough-turning capabilities to meet your product requirements.

Material Benefits of 316L & 316 Stainless Steel

316 and 316L stainless steels provide many material advantages for various industries. A popular choice for stainless steel alloys, 316 and 316L varieties feature exceptional characteristics for machining, weldability, resistance, durability, sanitation, and aesthetics. Material benefits of 316 stainless steel alloys include:

  • 316 stainless steel alloys offer superior corrosion resistance, withstanding harsh environmental conditions and exposure to chlorides, acids, and marine operations.
  • Stainless steel 316 and 316L can operate in elevated temperatures while maintaining high corrosion resistance and strength levels.
  • A highly durable material, 316 stainless steel varieties offer enhanced strength and reliability in structural applications.
  • Using standard fusion methods, 316 and 316L demonstrate excellent weldability. Some heavily welded sections of 316 may require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance, but this is not required for 316L.
  • 316 and 316L are easily fabricated and formed, with the potential for polished surface finishes and high lusters to increase aesthetically pleasing attributes for architectural and decorative applications.
  • Alloys of stainless steel 316 and 316L are non-toxic and easily decontaminated, demonstrating resistance to bacterial growth.

Differences Between 316 Stainless Steel Varieties

The key difference between 316 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel is the carbon content. In stainless steel 316, there is a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while 316L features a carbon content of 0.03%. Carbon content differences in 316 stainless alloys contribute to differences in weldability and corrosion resistance. With a lower carbon content, 316L demonstrates a longer life in high-chloride environments and is less vulnerable to weld decay than 316 stainless steel. Weld decay produces higher levels of carbide precipitation in heavily welded areas of 316 stainless steel. Post-weld annealing may be necessary for welded 316; however, this is not required for 316L, which can be utilized as welded.

Choosing a 316 stainless steel variety for your application should meet operational requirements to provide optimal performance; if you have any questions on material selection, give us a call at 800-748-0271.

Contact Great Lakes Forge for 316 & 316L Stainless Steel Forgings

At Great Lakes Forge, we utilize an in-house machine shop with quality-controlled heat-treating processes and proven testing capabilities to guarantee the quality, consistency, and dimensional accuracy of your final product. With over 60 years of experience producing exceptional forged products with the fastest industry lead times, we are an open-die forging manufacturer committed to delivering high standards of excellence to your forgings. Start your quote on custom 316 and 316L forgings for your applications, or contact Great Lakes Forge for additional information on our forging processes.