Is 316l stainless steel tube resistant to low temperature?

Many metals suffer from low-temperature embrittlement. The reduction in elongation and cross-section shortening in a low-temperature environment is called low-temperature embrittlement. They mostly occur in the ferrite series body-centered cubic structure. Many people know that 316l stainless steel tubes are resistant to high temperatures and can be used as heat exchange tubes. Do you know that 316L stainless steel tubes are resistant to low temperatures? It deforms very little in low-temperature environments. Let’s analyze the low-temperature resistance of this metal material:

Is 316l stainless steel tube resistant to low temperature?

The resistance, linear expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, hot melt quality, and magnetic properties of 316L stainless steel welded tube change greatly at low temperatures. The resistance and linear expansion coefficient decrease at low temperatures. The thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the material decrease sharply at low temperatures. The Young’s modulus (longitudinal elastic modulus) increases with decreasing temperature.

Due to the low temperature (subzero temperature) of the Ms point (abnormal martensitic start temperature or martensitic formation temperature) of austenitic 316L stainless steel tube, when it is kept below the Ms point, martensite can be formed. The formation of low-temperature martensite makes the representative steel type of austenitic stainless steel SUS316L (18Cr-8Ni) have diamagnetism at room temperature, but it has magnetic properties at low temperatures.

As for the low-temperature brittleness of ferritic stainless steel tubes such as carbon steel, austenitic steel does not exist. Therefore, ferritic or martensitic stainless steel undergoes low-temperature embrittlement, while austenitic stainless steel or nickel-based alloys do not. The SUS410 (13Cr), SUS430 (18Cr), etc. of ferritic stainless steel tubes have a sharp decrease in flash impact value at low temperatures.

Therefore, special attention is required when using at low temperatures. In order to improve the impact toughness of ferritic stainless steel, high purification processes can be considered. With the help of controlling carbon and nitrogen levels, when improved within the range of -50 degrees Celsius to -100 degrees Celsius, the brittle temperature may be used for freezing-related engineering. In recent years, SUS430LX (18Cr-Ti, Nb-LC) and SUS436L (18Cr-Mo-Ti, Nb-LC) have been combined.

Like the accessories used in refrigeration equipment, ferritic stainless steel tubes have a body-centered cubic structure. When the material’s function weakens, sharp cracks can rapidly spread, causing brittle damage. The austenitic series 316L stainless steel tube has a face-centered cubic structure and is free of brittle damage. Stainless steel SUS316LL (18Cr-9Ni-LC) and SUS316L (18Cr-12Ni-2Mo-LC) exhibit excellent impact properties even at low temperatures. However, attention should be paid to the segregation of ferrite or martensite caused by processing, as well as the tendency for brittleness caused by uniform and non-uniform segregation of carbides or σ due to sensitization.

Is 316L stainless steel tube resistant to low temperatures? The answer is yes! It can withstand temperatures as low as -196℃. It can also be processed at low temperatures. It is a quenching method that involves quenching martensitic stainless steel from the austenitizing temperature and then cooling it to extremely low temperatures to promote the appearance of martensite. It is suitable for the production of residual austenitic stainless steel. Parts and components in refrigeration equipment, or tube fittings that require cold processing, will turn to 316L stainless steel tube.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our article and we hope you’ve enjoyed it. If you want to learn more about 316L stainless steel, we would advise you to visit Sino Stainless Steel for more information.

As a leading supplier of stainless steel products from China, Sino Stainless Steel provides our customers with high-quality stainless steel tubes, stainless steel strips, stainless steel coils, stainless steel plates, stainless steel sheets, and stainless steel bars at an extremely competitive price.