Official Answer
Answer
A-286 should be specified when the application requires high strength at elevated temperatures (up to $1000^°F$) or when high strength is needed in a truly non-magnetic material. 316 Stainless Steel is highly corrosion-resistant but has relatively low yield strength, making it prone to 'taking a set' during installation or failing under high thrust loads. A-286 is an age-hardenable austenitic stainless steel that achieves yield strengths of 100-120 ksi through precipitation of the gamma-prime phase. This makes it ideal for aerospace turbine components where a retaining ring must maintain its integrity under both high heat and high centrifugal loads.
