316 and 316L stainless steel
The difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel
The primary difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel is their carbon content. 316L (low carbon) has a lower carbon content (up to 0.03%) than 316 (up to 0.08%). This difference in carbon content significantly affects weldability and resistance to sensitization (carbide precipitation).
Will 316L stainless steel rust?
While 316L stainless steel is extremely resistant to rust due to its high chromium content and the protective passive layer it forms, it is not completely impervious to corrosion and can still rust under certain conditions. Factors such as high chloride concentrations (such as seawater), acidic environments, and certain manufacturing defects can damage the passive layer and cause rust.
Difference between 316 and 316l corrosion resistance
As mentioned earlier, the successful introduction of 316-grade stainless steel to the market was due to its excellent weldability. Reducing the carbon content effectively reduces the alloy's susceptibility to intergranular corrosion, particularly in heat-affected weld zones. Similar to 316-grade stainless steel, low-carbon versions of 316-grade stainless steel are also known as marine-grade stainless steel due to their resistance to seawater and saline solutions. Consequently, this stainless steel is also dual-certified to meet a wide range of application needs. Furthermore, like 316-grade stainless steel, 316-grade stainless steel is also resistant to atmospheric corrosion, a property known as oxidation resistance. Dual-certified stainless steels are also suitable for applications involving halogen compounds such as chlorine, fluorine, and bromine. Due to their corrosion resistance, they have become an integral part of the consumer goods industry.
316 stainless steel mechanical properties
| SUS | 316 | Yield Strength 0.2% Proof min. (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile Strength min. (MPa) | 515 | Elongation min. (% in 50mm) | 40 |
| Hardness: Rockwell B (HR B) max. | 95 | Brinell (HB) max. | 217 |
Stainless steel grade 316 chemical composition
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C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cr | Mo | Ni | N | |
| 316 | min. | - | - | - | - | - | 16.0 | 2.0 | 10.0 | - |
| max. | 0.08 | 2.0 | 0.75 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 18.0 | 3.0 | 14.0 | 0.10 | |
316L stainless steel yield strength & properties
| AISI | 316 | Elongation (% in 50mm) min | 40 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) min | 515 | Rockwell Hardness B (HR B) max | 95 |
| Yield Strength 0.2% Proof (MPa) min | 205 | Hardness Brinell (HB) max | 217 |
316L stainless steel composition
| SS 316L | C -Carbon | Mn - Manganese | Si -Silicon | P - Phosphorous | S (Sulfur) |
| min. | - | - | - | - | - |
| max. | 0.03 | 2.0 | 1.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 |
| SS 316L | Cr - Chromium | Mo- Molybdenum | Ni-Nickel | Fe - Iron | N -Nitrogen |
| min. | 16.50 | 2.0 | 10.0 | Balance | - |
| max. | 18.50 | 2.50 | 13.0 | 0.10 |
Gnee Steel specializes in the production and sale of a wide range of stainless steel products, including 304, 316, 321, 904, 904L, 2205 Duplex, 2205 Duplex, and 316L stainless steel. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in the kitchen, aerospace, chemical, power, automotive, and nuclear energy sectors. We also provide custom stainless steel solutions tailored to customer needs. For stainless steel pricing or custom alloy solutions, please email ru@gneesteelgroup.com for a quote.
