Some Experiments Concering Workability of Type 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel

Abstract

To investigate the workability of type 316L austenitic stainless steel, authors have studied strength, ductility, hardenability, corrosion resistance and effects of post heat tratment on the abovementioned properties after cold or hot tensile straining is applied.
During fairly severe hot bending cracks were found in some locations of the bending plastic deformation region. In order to study the cause of these cracks, hot ductility during hot tensile straining was investigated by applying the reproducing apparatus of weld thermal and stress cycles.
Test results are summarised as follows :
1. In the bending formation of type 316L austenitic stainless steel, cold working is preferable from the viewpoint of workability and performance after the working-up.
2. Hot bending should be performed above the temperature of 800°C. Especially in the case of heavy working-up, care must be taken against cracks due to decreased ductility by inter-granular precipitations at the temperatures range from 650°C to 750°C.
3. After working-up, solution heat tratment (1050°C, 1/2 hr, air cooled) is desirable. Ductility and corrosion resistance reduced by working-up are enhanced sufficiently by solution heat treatment.