Comparison of ASTM A240 316 and 316L Stainless Steel Plates
Comparison of ASTM A240 316 and 316L Stainless Steel Plates
The main difference between ASTM A240 316 and 316L stainless steel plates lies in their carbon content (316: maximum 0.08%; 316L: maximum 0.03%). 316L (L stands for low carbon) has a lower carbon content, making it more suitable for welding applications as it prevents carbide precipitation (sensitization), thus maintaining corrosion resistance. 316 has slightly higher strength and hardness, but is more susceptible to corrosion in welded areas. Therefore, 316L is ideal for the chemical/pharmaceutical industry, while 316 is suitable for general purposes where welding requirements are not critical.
What are the specifications of 316 stainless steel plate?
316 grade stainless steel plate has a minimum tensile strength of 75 ksi and a 0.2% yield strength of 30 ksi. The elongation of 316 stainless steel plate is 40%. On the Brinell hardness scale, the hardness of 316 stainless steel plate is 217, and the Rockwell B hardness is 95.
ASTM A240 316/316L Stainless Steel Plate
In the ASTM A240 standard, both 316 and 316L grades are chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels. The addition of molybdenum enhances the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel, which is the main reason why 316/316L stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than 304/304L stainless steel. 316L steel has a lower carbon content, and its strength level is only slightly higher than that of 316 steel. Therefore, sometimes the performance of 316L steel is almost identical to that of 316 steel. Another difference is that, due to its lower carbon content, 316L steel is more suitable for welding.
316/316L stainless steel exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, both in atmospheric and oxidizing environments, and even in marine environments, it shows superior corrosion resistance in the welded state. Generally, 316/316L stainless steel is non-magnetic in the annealed state; cold drawing or cold rolling may make it slightly magnetic, but the magnetism can be eliminated through further processing.
Chemical Composition of 316/316L Steel Plate
| Chemical Composition of 316/316L steel Plate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | 316 Plate | 316L Sheet |
| Carbon | 0.08 | 0.030 max |
| Chromium | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel | 10.0-14.0 | 10.0-14.0 |
| Molybdenum | 2.00-3.00 | 2.00-3.00 |
| Manganese | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Silicon | 0.75 | 0.75 |
| Nitrogen | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Phosphorus | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Sulfur | 0.030 | 0.030 |
Mechanical Properties of 316/316L Steel Plate
| Mechanical Property of 316/316l Sheet | 316 | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength, min. (ksi) | 30 | 25 |
| Tensile Strength, min. (ksi) | 75 | 70 |
| Elongation, min. (%) | 40 | 40 |
| Hardness, max. (Rb) | 95 | 95 |
Stainless Steel Standards of 316/316L steel Sheet
| Steel Standards of 316/316L Plate | |
|---|---|
| 316 steel Sheet | SS 316L Plate |
| ASTM A240 | ASTM A240 |
| ASTM A666 | ASTM A666 |
| ASME SA240 | ASME SA240 |
| AMS 5524 | AMS 5507 |
Applications of ASTM A240 316/316L
316/316L plates are used in the manufacture of products exposed to seawater, acidic substances such as sulfuric acid and chlorides, petrochemicals and chemicals, and high-temperature environments (such as engines and motors). These products include storage tanks, supports and frames, housings and casings, engines, motors, and mechanical components.
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