AISI 316 square bar, cold-drawn, solution annealed

AISI 316 square bar, cold-drawn, solution annealed (EN 1.4401 / 1.4404) is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel bar in the solution annealed condition.

Compliance and designation: AISI 316 / 316L to EN 10088-3, material numbers 1.4401 and 1.4404; available as bar to ASTM A276/A479. EN 10204 3.1 certification on request.

Metallurgical characteristics: Austenitic structure, not hardenable by heat treatment, weldable and cold formable; it work-hardens with deformation. Solution annealing dissolves the carbides and restores the condition in which corrosion resistance is full.

Process performance: Cold drawing brings tight tolerances, good straightness and a bright surface, useful for turning, milling and precision assembly.

Corrosion resistance: Molybdenum is what sets this family apart from 304: it raises resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion where chlorides are present, which makes it the usual choice for marine atmospheres, brines, detergents and chemical processes. 316 and 316L differ in carbon content: the lower carbon of 316L limits carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries after welding, so it is preferred on welded sections that are not solution annealed again. Bar is normally supplied to the dual designation 1.4401 / 1.4404, that is from a heat that satisfies both.

Typical applications: brackets, supports, square-section shafts and precision frames for damp or chloride-bearing environments.

Supply: Bar in the solution annealed condition, with cutting to size. Commercial lengths.