Why SS 316L is the Go-To for Food & Beverage Processing Equipment

In the food & beverage industry, equipment surfaces must meet strict hygiene standards, resist corrosion from cleaning agents, and withstand contact with acidic and salty foods. 316L stainless steel has become the industry standard for such environments due to its superior corrosion resistance, hygienic surface properties, and long-term durability. This article explores the technical reasons behind its popularity, supported by data and application examples.

316L kitchen equipment

1. Superior Corrosion Resistance

Chemical Composition: ~16% Cr, 10% Ni, 2% Mo
Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN): ~24
Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM B117): ≥ 800 hours without coating
Chloride Resistance: Excellent; tolerates cleaning chemicals and saline environments

The added molybdenum significantly improves 316L’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion—common problems in food processing where salt, acids, and chlorides are present.

2. Hygienic & Easy-to-Clean Surface

Surface Roughness (Ra): Can be polished to ≤ 0.5 μm for hygienic finishes (mirror or fine hairline)
Bacteria Retention: Meets EN 1672-2 & 3A sanitary standards
Non-Porous: No micro-cracks that harbor bacteria

This makes 316L ideal for contact surfaces like tanks, mixers, conveyor belts, and filling machines—where cleanliness is essential for food safety compliance.

3. Durability Under High & Low Temperatures

Operating Temperature Range: −196°C to +870°C
Thermal Expansion: 16.0 μm/m·°C (minimizes deformation)

Food processing involves both hot sterilization cycles and cold storage conditions. 316L retains its structural integrity and mechanical properties across extreme temperature changes.

4. Weldability & Fabrication

Weld Quality: Excellent; low carbon content (< 0.03%) minimizes carbide precipitation
Post-Weld Performance: Maintains corrosion resistance without the need for post-weld annealing in most cases

This property is crucial for fabricating complex food processing equipment with smooth, crevice-free welds that prevent bacterial growth.

6. Common Applications in Food & Beverage Processing

Dairy Processing Equipment – milk storage tanks, pasteurizers, pipework
Beverage Production Lines – carbonation tanks, bottle fillers, mixing vessels
Brewery Equipment – fermenters, mash tuns, bright beer tanks
Meat & Seafood Processing – cutting tables, conveyor systems, washing stations
Commercial Kitchens – sinks, prep tables, cooking vats

7. Case Example

A coastal seafood processing facility in Southeast Asia switched from 304 to 316L for its conveyor belts and cutting stations. Within two years, equipment corrosion dropped by over 80%, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by 35%.

Summary & Recommendations

Requirement	Why 316L Fits
High chloride/ salt exposure	Mo content prevents pitting and crevice corrosion
Strict hygiene compliance	Easily polished to sanitary finish
Long service life	Excellent durability in aggressive environments
High/ low temperature stability	Performs across sterilization & cold storage

For food and beverage manufacturers aiming for maximum hygiene, reduced maintenance, and long-term cost efficiency, 316L stainless steel is the most reliable choice.