Stainless steel AISI 316, 1.4435

Stainless Steel AISI 316L  – The Material for Stainless Steel Containers in Aggressive Environments

Stainless steel 1.4435, also known as AISI 316L, is a highly alloyed austenitic stainless steel alloy, particularly known for its exceptional corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. Due to the high content of molybdenum (Mo) and the addition of nickel (Ni), this material offers excellent resistance to chlorides, acids, and other aggressive substances. Stainless steel AISI 316L is therefore particularly suitable for demanding applications where stainless steel tanks are exposed to extreme conditions.

In this article, we will explain the key properties of stainless steel 1.4435 and highlight the various applications of this material. We will specifically discuss why stainless steel 1.4435 is an excellent choice for stainless steel tanks used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

What is Stainless Steel 1.4435?

Stainless steel 1.4435 (also known as AISI 316L) is a special variant of the well-known stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316), where the carbon content is intentionally kept very low to optimize weldability and corrosion resistance. The material contains chromium (16–18%), nickel (10–14%), molybdenum (2–3%), and small amounts of silicon, manganese, and phosphorus. The low carbon content (< 0.03%) prevents the formation of carbides, which at higher carbon levels could lead to intergranular corrosion, thus providing high resistance, especially during welding processes.

Key Features of Stainless Steel 1.4435:

• Excellent corrosion resistance: The high molybdenum content (2-3%) makes 1.4435 particularly resistant to corrosive media such as chlorides, acids, and alkaline solutions.
• Excellent low-temperature resistance: The material retains its mechanical properties even at very low temperatures, making it frequently used in cryogenics and cold applications.
• Weldability: Stainless steel 1.4435 welds excellently, with the low carbon content preventing the formation of carbides and thus the risk of intergranular corrosion.
• Hygienic properties: 1.4435 features a smooth, pore-free surface that allows for easy cleaning—an especially important feature in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Differences to Other Stainless Steel Alloys

Stainless steel 1.4435 differs from stainless steel 1.4401 (AISI 316) due to its very low carbon content (< 0.03%), which significantly improves the material's weldability. This prevents the formation of carbides and increases corrosion resistance after welding, especially in highly corrosive environments. Compared to stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304), 1.4435 offers significantly better resistance to aggressive substances, particularly chlorides and other corrosive media, making it more suitable for applications in the chemical and food industries, where higher corrosion resistance is required.

The addition of molybdenum and the very low carbon content make stainless steel 1.4435 an ideal choice for applications where corrosion resistance and weldability are critical.

Buy Used Containers & Equipment in 1.4435

At Behälter KG, you can benefit from over 100 in-stock used process equipment, containers, and tanks made of 1.4435. A used 1.4435 process tank or storage tank is immediately available and significantly more affordable than purchasing a new one. This significantly reduces the investment risk without compromising on the quality of the highly alloyed material. Additionally, by purchasing a used 1.4435 tank or agitator, you contribute to the circular economy, as no new resources are required for production in the spirit of sustainability.

The majority of our 1.4435 tanks come from renowned corporations in the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where the material is particularly common. For almost all equipment made of 1.4435, we provide comprehensive technical documentation and information about the exact last usage, enabling quick verification of suitability for a new project. All in-stock tanks and vessels made of 1.4435 can be viewed at our central warehouse in Bremen at any time.

Key Properties of Stainless Steel 1.4435

Stainless steel 1.4435 offers a variety of properties that make it a preferred material in demanding industrial applications. The most important features include:

1. Corrosion Resistance

The exceptional corrosion resistance of stainless steel 1.4435 is one of its most outstanding features. In particular, the high molybdenum content (2–3%) ensures high resistance to chlorides and other aggressive media. The key benefits are:

• Resistance to chlorides: Stainless steel 1.4435 is particularly resistant to saline and chloride-containing environments, making it ideal for applications in marine environments or the food industry.
• Resistance to acids and alkalis: The alloy offers excellent resistance to many organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, and diluted chemicals, making it a preferred choice in the chemical industry.
• High-temperature resistance: Stainless steel 1.4435 provides good resistance to oxidation and corrosion at high temperatures and can be used in many applications up to 870 °C.

2. Weldability and Formability

Another notable feature of stainless steel 1.4435 is its excellent weldability. Due to the low carbon content, weld seams can be produced without the risk of intergranular corrosion. This makes stainless steel 1.4435 particularly suitable for manufacturing stainless steel containers, pipelines, and complex components. The alloy is also easily formed and processed, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in mechanical engineering and architecture.

3. Mechanical Properties

The material 1.4435 also offers excellent mechanical properties. Despite its high corrosion resistance, the stainless steel remains tough and formable. The key mechanical properties include:

• High strength: Stainless steel 1.4435 has good strength at room temperature and retains high toughness even at low temperatures, making it suitable for applications in cold environments.
• Excellent formability: The material is easy to process, bend, and cut, making it suitable for manufacturing complex containers and mechanical components.
• Resistance to mechanical stresses: Due to its strength and toughness, stainless steel 1.4435 is also suitable for applications where mechanical stress is a factor, such as in the aerospace industry.

4. Hygienic Surfaces

Stainless steel 1.4435 offers an exceptionally smooth, pore-free surface that prevents the attachment of bacteria and other microorganisms. This property makes it particularly important for use in food processing and the pharmaceutical industry, where high hygiene standards must be maintained. Stainless steel containers made of 1.4435 are easy to clean and disinfect and contribute to meeting stringent hygiene requirements.

Applications of Stainless Steel 1.4435

Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and other beneficial properties, stainless steel 1.4435 is used in a variety of industries and applications. The key areas of application include:

1. Chemical Industry

Stainless steel 1.4435 is frequently used in the chemical industry to manufacture pipelines, reactors, storage tanks, and vessels that come into contact with aggressive chemicals and acids. In particular, in the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where 1.4435 meets the Basel Standard 2 (BN2). The corrosion resistance to chlorides and other chemicals makes this material a preferred choice for many chemical processes.

2. Food Industry

In the food industry, stainless steel 1.4435 is used for its high hygienic properties and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel containers and pipes made of 1.4435 are used in the processing and storage of food and beverages, as they ensure that no contamination occurs.

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

For the pharmaceutical industry, stainless steel 1.4435 provides the required corrosion resistance and hygienic surfaces necessary for processing and storing pharmaceutical substances. The material is used in the manufacture of machines, tanks, and equipment that come into contact with sensitive substances.

4. Maritime Sector

Due to its corrosion resistance in saline environments, stainless steel 1.4435 is frequently used in the maritime sector. It is used in shipbuilding, offshore installations, and other applications where materials are exposed to extreme environmental conditions.