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Introduction

316/316L stainless steel coil and sheet has excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature strength, can be used under harsh conditions, good work hardening, non-magnetic. Suitable for seawater equipment, chemical, dye, paper, oxalic acid, fertilizer production equipment, photography, food industry, coastal facilities.

Grade Specification Comparison

GradeUNS NoOld BritishEuronormSwedish SSJapanese JIS
316S31600316S3158H, 58J1.4401X5CrNiMo17-12-2
316LS31603316S11-1.4404X2CrNiMo17-12-2

Type 316/316L Stainless Steel Properties

An austenitic chromium-nickel molybdenum stainless and heat-resisting steel, Type 316 has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly against pitting versus other chromium-nickel steels, especially when exposed to different chemicals. These corrodents consist of brine solutions, seawater, and similar salts and acids. This alloy deep draws well and is easily welded, although carbide precipitation may occur when slowly cooled through the temperature range of 800°-1650°F. High strength and the resistance to creep at elevated temperatures characterize type 316 steel.

316/316L to ASTM-666 stainless steel strips are molybdenum-bearing stainless steels possessing a greatly increased resistance to chemical attack as compared to that of the basic chromium-nickel analysis. In addition, Grade 316 also offers higher creep, stress-to-rupture, and tensile strengths at elevated temperatures than any other stainless steel.

Chemical Composition of 316/316L stainless steel

GradeStandardCMnPSSiCrNiMoN
316ASTM A2400.082.000.0450.0300.7516.0-18.010.0-14.02.00-3.000.10
GradeStandardCSiMnPSCrNiMo
316LASTM A240≤0.03≤1.00≤2.00≤0.045≤0.03016.00-18.0010.00-14.002.00-3.00

Mechanical Properties of 316/316L stainless steel

GradeTensile Str (MPa) minYield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) minElong (% in 50 mm) minHardness
3165152054095 ( Rockwell B (HR B) max ), 217 ( Brinell (HB) max )
316L4851704095( Rockwell B (HR B) max ), 217 ( Brinell (HB) max )

Surface Finish Options

Popular finish options include:

  • Also cold-rolled, the 2D finish has a matte surface with low reflectivity.
  • HR / No.1 . This hot-rolled finish has a scaled appearance and so is ideal where the final aesthetic is not an important concern.
  • BA / 2R. Cold rolled, annealed in a controlled atmosphere to retain a highly reflective finish.
  • Smooth finish, reflective grey sheen.

How to Choose Between 316 or 316L Stainless Steel?

When determining whether to use 316 or 316L stainless steel for your application, it is important to consider the following factors:

Corrosion Resistance

316L is the superior choice for high corrosion and high temperature applications. Since 316L contains less carbon than 316, it has better intergranular corrosion resistance, meaning its welds won’t decay, unlike with 316 stainless steel.

Cost

Although 316L contains less carbon, 316 and 316L stainless steels cost approximately the same.

Magnetic Properties

316 stainless steel has very low responsiveness to magnetic fields. Unlike basic stainless steels, which are ferromagnetic, most stainless steel varieties (including 316) are austenitic — or effectively nonmagnetic.

However, some 316 stainless steel goods can undergo processes, like cold forming and welding, where the austenitic crystal structure is transformed into ferromagnetic martensite. 316L steel is more susceptible to gaining some degree of magnetism.

Practical Applications

Both types of stainless steel are useful in a wide variety of industries. However, 316 is primarily used in construction and infrastructure because it is strong, resistant to pitting, and corrosion resistant in most circumstances. 316L is popular for pharmaceutical and photography equipment because it can withstand welding and corrosive chemicals.

Applications of 316/316L stainless steel

  • Builder’s hardware
  • Chemical processing equipment
  • Fabricated parts subjected to reducing atmospheres
  • Fertilizer components
  • Exhaust manifolds
  • Turbine
  • Jet engine parts

316/316L stainless steel applications

What Stainless Steel Grades We Have!

Qinghe Steel is a full line supplier and processer of 316 / 316L stainless steel coil, sheet, plate, bar, and strip products. We stock many grades of stainless steel, including 300 and 400 series stainless, annealed and in various tempers and high temperature grades, for shipments worldwide. View our steel center here

Contact us today to discuss stainless steel for your project needs.

Read More:

What’s The Difference: 304 Vs 316 Stainless Steel

Spotting the Key Differences: 309 and 316 Stainless Compared

FAQ

Stainless steel 316 vs 316l, what's the defferences?

Stainless steel 316 and 316L are both austenitic stainless steels with similar chemical compositions, but they have some differences in their properties and applications.

The main difference between 316 and 316L is the carbon content. Stainless steel 316 contains between 0.08% and 0.10% carbon, while stainless steel 316L contains less than 0.03% carbon. This difference in carbon content makes 316L more resistant to sensitization, which is the formation of carbide precipitation at grain boundaries that can reduce the corrosion resistance of the material.

Because of its lower carbon content, 316L is often used in applications where welding is required, as it is less likely to form carbide precipitation and become embrittled during welding. It is also preferred for applications where high temperatures are involved, as it can withstand higher temperatures than 316.

In general, both 316 and 316L are excellent choices for applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as in marine environments or chemical processing. However, if welding is required or if the material will be exposed to high temperatures, 316L may be the better choice due to its lower carbon content and improved resistance to sensitization.

       
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