The main differences between 316 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel plates
The main differences between 316 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel plates
The main difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel plates lies in their carbon content: 316L ("L" stands for low carbon) has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, while standard 316 plates can have a carbon content up to 0.08%. The lower carbon content of 316L plates makes them more suitable for welding, preventing "weld decay" (intergranular corrosion), and therefore ideal for heavy-duty welded structures. 316 stainless steel plates have slightly higher strength, but require annealing after welding to achieve similar corrosion resistance.
What's special about 316 stainless steel?
SAE 316 Stainless Steel
It possesses excellent corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and other industrial solvents. It has slightly superior overall strength, especially at high temperatures, and is resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion. It maintains its stability and strength even at high temperatures.
What is 316L stainless steel plate?
316L stainless steel plate is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, designed to minimize carbide precipitation during welding. Therefore, it is the preferred material for applications requiring extensive welding or exposure to corrosive environments at high temperatures. It maintains excellent strength and corrosion resistance while offering improved weldability and reduced risk of cracking.
What is 316 stainless steel plate?
316 stainless steel plate is widely used in marine, chemical, and industrial applications due to its high corrosion resistance and strength. It contains molybdenum, which enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments. Its higher carbon content provides greater hardness, making it suitable for heavy-duty structures and equipment.
Chemical properties of 316 and 316L stainless steel plates
| C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | N | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 (S31600) |
0.08 max |
2.0 max |
0.75 max |
0.045 max |
0.03 max |
min: 16.0 max: 18.0 |
min: 2.0 max: 3.0 |
min: 10.0 max: 14.0 |
0.10 max |
| 316L (S31603) |
0.03 max |
2.0 max |
0.75 max |
0.045 max |
0.03 max |
min: 16.0 max: 18.0 |
min: 2.0 max: 3.0 |
min: 10.0 max: 14.0 |
0.10 max |
Mechanical properties of 316 and 316L stainless steel plates
| Grade | Tensile Strength ksi (min) |
Yield Strength 0.2% ksi (min) |
Elongation % | Hardness (Brinell) MAX | Hardness (Rockwell B) MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 (S31600) |
75 | 30 | 40 | 217 | 95 |
| 316L (S31603) |
70 | 25 | 40 | 217 | 95 |
ss 316/316L sheet price per kg
|
316 vs. 316L: Key Differences
Weldability:
316L is more suitable for welding because its low carbon content prevents carbide precipitation (weld decay), ensuring better corrosion resistance after welding.
316 may experience weld decay if not annealed after welding, but it is still considered to have good weldability.
Corrosion Resistance:
Both have excellent corrosion resistance, but 316L is slightly superior, especially in welded joints and high-chloride/high-temperature environments, as it reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion.
Strength/Heat Resistance:
Due to its higher carbon content, 316 generally has slightly higher mechanical strength and heat resistance than 316L.
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