316L S31603 03Ch17N14M2 stainless steel weld fittings stub end
Austenitic stainless steels are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in halide environments. Although type 316 alloys are more resistant to SCC than 18Cr-8 Ni alloys due to their molybdenum content, they are still susceptible. Conditions that produce SCC are: (1) the presence of halide ions (usually chloride ions), (2) residual tensile stress, and (3) temperatures in excess of about 120¡ãF (49¡ãC).
Austenitic stainless steels are considered the easiest stainless steels to weld. They are usually connected by all fusion and resistance welding processes. Two important considerations for welded joints in these alloys are: (1) avoid solidification cracking and (2) maintain corrosion resistance of the weld and heat affected zone.
1. 4404 stainless steel can be used for most applications, this grade is another stainless steel grade that is as versatile as the 304 grade. If 304 grade stainless steel is not sufficiently corrosive, 316L stainless steel is often the preferred alternative for many applications.
