Differentiated characteristics of stainless steel series broaden application scenarios in multiple fields

Release Time:

Sep 23,2025

The application expansion of stainless steel series products is showing a core trend of "precise adaptation", and the essence of their performance differences is the scientific response of material composition to working conditions.

The application expansion of stainless steel series products is showing the core trend of "precision adaptation". The essence of their performance differences is the scientific response of material composition to working condition requirements. Taking 31603 (316L) and 31608 (316) in the 316 series as examples, the former strictly controls the carbon content below 0.03%, while the latter has a carbon content upper limit of 0.08%. This slight difference directly leads to completely different application focuses. Due to its ultra-low carbon property, 31603 is not easy to form chromium carbide precipitates after welding, fundamentally avoiding the risk of intergranular corrosion. It has become the first choice in large-scale welded structures such as nuclear power plant condensers and pulp equipment. In an old community renovation project, the maintenance cost was reduced by more than 40% after replacing traditional pipes with 31603 stainless steel pipes .

In terms of corrosion environment adaptability, the distinction between the two is more significant. Both 31603 and 31608 contain 2-3% molybdenum, which significantly improves chloride corrosion resistance, but 31603 has better passive film stability. In marine engineering and chemical pure water transportation systems containing chloride ions, its corrosion resistance is about 30% higher than that of 31608. BASF's new plant in Malaysia adopted 31603 stainless steel pipes to achieve "zero leakage" acceptance . 31608, on the other hand, occupies an advantage with higher mechanical properties. Its tensile strength ≥515MPa and yield strength ≥205MPa are higher than 31603's 485MPa and 180MPa respectively, making it more suitable for high-strength demand scenarios such as pressure vessels and ship decks.

Differences in processing characteristics further subdivide application fields. 31603 has excellent work hardening and high cold deformation plasticity, making it easy to form thin-walled pipe fittings of complex shapes. In the water pipe system of prefabricated buildings, the installation efficiency can be increased by 70% through the double-clamp crimping connection technology ; although 31608 needs annealing treatment after welding to restore corrosion resistance, it has outstanding high-temperature strength and can meet the long-term use requirements of petroleum refining reactors and other environments below 700℃. This differentiated development is also prominent in emerging fields. The ultra-low temperature toughness of 31603 makes it show irreplaceable advantages in liquid hydrogen storage and transportation at -269℃.

From the aesthetic and durable requirements of architectural decoration, to the biocompatibility requirements of medical equipment, and to the strong corrosion resistance standards in the chemical industry, stainless steel series products, through composition optimization and performance segmentation, are becoming the basic material support for the high-quality development of various industries. The technical path of their precise application also provides important references for industrial upgrading.

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