316 stainless steel rods vs 316L stainless steel rods
316 stainless steel rods vs 316L stainless steel rods
316 and 316L stainless steel bars are almost identical, but the key difference lies in the carbon content: 316L (low carbon) has a lower carbon content (maximum 0.03%) than standard 316 (maximum 0.08%), making 316L more suitable for welding as it prevents carbide precipitation (weld decay) and provides better corrosion resistance at the weld joint; while standard 316 offers slightly higher strength and hardness in non-welded applications. Due to the presence of molybdenum, both types of stainless steel exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments.
What does the "L" in 316L stainless steel stand for?
The "L" in 316L stainless steel stands for "low carbon," indicating that its carbon content is lower than standard 316 stainless steel (typically a maximum of 0.03%). This lower carbon content significantly improves its weldability and resistance to "weld decay" (corrosion in the welded area), making it an ideal material for marine, chemical, and medical applications.
Stainless Steel 316/316L Round Bar Specification
| Standard | ASTM A276 / A479, ASME SA276 / A479 |
| Round Bar Size | 3mm~ 800mm |
| Square Bar Size | 4mm* 4mm ~100mm* 100mm |
| Flat Bar Size | 2mm ~ 100mm |
| Hex Bar Size | 2mm ~ 100mm |
| Angle Size | 3mm* 20mm* 20mm~ 12mm* 100mm* 100mm |
| Thickness | 50 mm to 6000 mm Long |
| Length | 1 To 6 Meters, Custom Cut Length |
| Form | Round, Square, Hex(A/F), Rectangle, Billet, Ingot, Forging Etc |
Equivalent Grades of A276 Stainless Steel 316/316L Bars
| STANDARD | WERKSTOFF NR. | UNS | JIS | BS | GOST | AFNOR | EN |
| SS 316 | 1.4401 / 1.4436 | S31600 | SUS 316 | 316S31 / 316S33 | - | Z7CND17‐11‐02 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X3CrNiMo17-13-3 |
| SS 316L | 1.4404 / 1.4435 | S31603 | SUS 316L | 316S11 / 316S13 | 03Ch17N14M3 / 03Ch17N14M2 | Z3CND17‐11‐02 / Z3CND18‐14‐032 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo18-14-3 |
Stainless Steel 316/316L Bar / Rods Chemical Properties
| Grade | C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | N |
| SS 316 | 0.08 max | 2 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max | 16 - 18 | 2 - 3 | 10 - 14 | 0.1 max |
| SS 316L | 0.3 max | 2 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max | 16 - 18 | 2 - 3 | 10 - 14 | 0.10 max |
SS 316/316L Round Bars Mechanical Properties
| Density | Melting Point | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2%Offset) | Elongation |
| 8.0 g/cm3 | 1454 °C (2650 °F) | Psi – 75000 , MPa – 515 | Psi – 30000 , MPa – 205 | 35 % |
Corrosion Resistance
It exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in various atmospheric environments and many corrosive media – generally more corrosion resistant than 304 stainless steel. Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in warm chloride environments, and stress corrosion cracking can occur at temperatures above approximately 60°C. At ambient temperature, it is considered resistant to drinking water with chloride levels up to approximately 1000 mg/L, while at 60°C, the resistance decreases to chloride levels of approximately 500 mg/L. 316 stainless steel is often considered the standard "marine grade stainless steel," but it is not resistant to warm seawater corrosion. In many marine environments, 316 stainless steel does experience surface corrosion, typically manifesting as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finishes.
Heat Resistance
316 stainless steel has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service up to 870°C and in continuous service up to 925°C. Continuous use of 316 stainless steel in the temperature range of 425-860°C is not recommended if good resistance to aqueous corrosion is subsequently required. 316L stainless steel is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the aforementioned temperature range. 316H stainless steel has higher strength at elevated temperatures and is sometimes used in structural and pressure-containing applications at temperatures above approximately 500°C.
Applications:
316: Suitable for applications requiring higher strength and minimal welding.
316L: Ideal for welded components and structures requiring high corrosion resistance, especially in corrosive environments.
Gnee Steel specializes in the production of a wide range of stainless steel products. Gnee Steel's product packaging includes: Steel Strapping: Pipes with an outer diameter of 3 inches or less are typically strapped together with polypropylene film to prevent rust during ocean shipping, and then secured with steel strapping. Wooden Cases/Crates: Pipes are typically packaged in wooden cases or crates to protect the pipes during transportation, especially those that are longer or have larger diameters. Seaworthy Export Packaging: Suppliers typically use standard seaworthy export packaging methods, which may include a variety of materials and techniques to protect the pipes during transportation. Tarpaulin Packaging: This prevents rain, seawater, and other external factors from penetrating the export crates during transportation. Gnee Steel specializes in the production and sale of alloy materials. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in the aerospace, chemical, power, automotive, and nuclear energy sectors, and we can provide customized alloy material solutions based on customer needs. For alloy material pricing or customized alloy material solutions, please contact us for a quote: ru@gneesteelgroup.com