316 vs 316L Stainless Steel: What is the Difference Between

Steel has a broad range of alloys and stainless steel is one of them. 300 series stainless steel is very famous due to their unique properties. It has a high proportion of chromium that introduces rust free nature in alloy. The quantities of chromium and other alloying agents depend on the grade you are working on. 316 and 316LSS has low carbon and high molybdenum. Still these alloys are different from each other. This article will help you understanding these differences that are explaining with the help of compositions, properties and pros and cons.

316 Stainless Steel Definition

316SS contains molybdenum, Cr and low C of 0.08%. Because of this, it has much improved corrosion resistance from chlorine and acidic solutions. This feature is demanded for external and moist environments applications. It is also suitable for sensitive fields like medical and food processing where contamination risk is an important factor. This stainless-steel grade is best for long term applications. In 316 stainless steel magnetic properties are weak.

What is 316l Stainless Steel?

316 and 316L ss has basic difference of carbon content level. 316L stainless steel meaning, low level of carbon of 0.03%max. The weldability of 316L is much better than 316 due to this composition. There is a high chance of intergranular cracking in 316 after welding during servicing. This might also cause dimension instability. Therefore, post weld heat treatments are must in 316 which increases production cost. Corrosion resistance properties are also less strong in 316. Generally speaking, 316L has not such issues during or before service life. Therefore, it has many applications in different fields. These are medical industry, in marine and chemical industries equipment making, and for commercial kitchen appliances making applications. 316 SS has many demands in areas where annealing cannot operate well after providing welding treatment and where there is a very high change of corrosion occurrence.

Difference Between Difference Between 316 and 316l Stainless Steel

There are many distinctions that can be found in 316 and 316lSS. The differences are highlighted in bullet points for easy understanding of material for your project selection.

1. 316 SS has carbon content up to 0.08%. while 316 stainless steels made of 0.03% carbon. 316L stainless steel meaning, low level of carbon.
2. Corrosion resistance of 316l ss is higher than 316.
3. 316L also better intergranular stress cracking resistance during service life.
4. Weldability is higher in 316L.
5. Mechanical properties are better in 316l due to less carbon content.
6. 316 stainless steels have better strength.
7. 316l is softer than 316.

316 vs 316L Stainless Steel Alloy Specification

316 stainless steel data sheet represents the alloy specification. 316L stainless steel is made of lower carbon. The lower carbon level increases corrosion features and decreases the requirement of post weld treatments.

SS316 vs 316L chemical composition Chart

316 vs 316l Stainless Steel Physical Properties

Physical properties show the weight, strength, durability, melting and boiling points and other physically observable features of any alloy.

Density

Both 316 and 316L hold the same weight and density. And this is 8.03g/cm^3.

Melting point

There is not so much difference in melting points of both alloys. 316 and 316L alloys are melted at same temperature which is around 1450℃. This is same for mostly steel alloys.

Yield strength

Strength in 316 and 316l is much different. 316 stainless steel data sheet shows 310MPa. 316L stainless steel strength is lower than 316 which is 170MPa. Carbon level has a great effect on the strength of alloys.

Stronger

316 stainless steel is stronger than 316l. Carbon increases the strength and hardness in any alloy. 316l is softer than 316.

Durability

The durability of both alloys depends on the application where any of both alloys are used. For high corrosion resistance, 316L performs better. It has higher durability. For high strength and mechanical properties 316 has higher durability.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance features are better in 316L. Carbon level in steels has a large effect on corrosion resistance. low carbon increases corrosion resistance nature in harsh environments and outdoor applications.

Weight

Both alloys have the same weight and density. There is no such difference in weight of any of these alloys.

Sensitization

Sensitization occurs when any alloy is heated to a certain temperature for a predetermined time for carbide formation. 316l shows high sensitization at temperature close to 750℃. While 316 stainless steel sensitization is better than 316L.

Magnetic Properties

316 stainless steel magnetic properties are weak and same for 316L. As both are austenitic stainless steels. 300 series stainless steel grades are austenitic. And they are naturally weak magnetic materials. They can only become weakly magnetized when a very strong magnetic field is applied.

Cost

There is not so much difference in the cost of both alloys. But prices are the same for both materials. But, 316L has high demand in the market as carbon level in any alloy is a great concern for many applications in different fields.

316 vs 316l Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties represent strength, toughness, and other properties of any alloy. 316 stainless steel rods are excellent construction material. 316 and 316L mechanical properties are mentioned below.

Weldability

316L has better weldability than 316. It has low carbon content. High carbon increases the chance of intergranular cracking in alloy. Alloy starts cracking during service life. 316l does not have these issues. 316 needs post welding treatments because welding can cause cracking in this. Therefore, 316l has better weldability.

Joining strength

Joining strength is better in316l due to good weldability. Cracking does not occur after welding and joints have higher strength and it works better for long term applications.

Machinability

Machinability is better in 316l because it has low carbon level. In 316, high carbon increases hardness and creates alloy a little bit brittle as compared to 316l. Therefore, the machining properties are better in 316 because it is softer than 316. 316 stainless steel rods are excellent construction material.

Summary 316 vs 316l Comparison Chart

Comparison between the properties of 316 and 316L is shown in table below.

What is 316 or 316L Stainless Steel used for?

316 and 316L both are served for almost the same purposes. 300 series stainless steel grades are austenitic. No such difference found in application as their composition is almost same with only difference in carbon level. Corrosion resistance is remarkable in both alloys and similarly these are temperature resistant alloys. Therefore, 316 stainless steel rods are used in automotive parts, in making marine equipment, in pharma industry and food processing industries. They are also used in heat exchangers and boilers, pressure vessels and construction materials. 316 stainless steel rod has slightly higher strength so it is best for construction material. furnace parts, brewing facilities, valves and pumps, bolt and nuts, dyeing equipment, pulp and paper making industry, film processing are other applications for both alloys. 316L has slightly higher corrosion resistance. So, it is used in making structural steel for marine environments.it is also used as stainless steels floats.

Which is better 316 vs 316l?

316 and 316l have almost the same properties. Their comparison depends on the application where it is being utilized. For rust free applications, 316L is better choice. As it is softer than 426 so it has high weldability. 316 has high slightly better mechanical properties. So, it is better for high strength applications. Since carbon content level is an important in engineering designs. Therefore, SS316L has little high demand in market. 316 stainless steel rods are excellent construction material.

316 stainless steel compatibility charts

Compatibility chart shows the chemical compatibility of alloys with different chemicals. The chart below shows the 316 stainless steel compatibility charts. In this chart, A shows no effect, B shows minor effect, C shows moderate effect and D shows major effect on 316 stainless steels.

Is 316l austenitic stainless steel?

Yes, 316L lies in the austenitic stainless-steel category. This terminology is specified for a type of crystalline structure. This is obtained by heat treatment in which 316L is heated to a certain temperature and quenching is performed to cool down the alloy. Cooling down to room temperature creates this structure. This rapid cooling has higher hardness than the ones cooled down normally. These alloys are higher in strength and have high corrosion properties.

Is 316l stainless steel MRI compatible?

Generally, 300 series stainless steel grades are austenitic and are compatible for MRI. These alloys have enough magnetic properties like magnetic saturation and permeability for this purpose. Although they are weak magnetic materials. But as treated 316L has stable nonmagnetic properties. And this is compatible and safe for MRI test.

316H vs 316L

316H has a higher carbon level. ‘H’ represents High level. And ‘L’ represents low carbon level. The carbon level is up to 0.04% in 316H. this make it slightly more corrosion resistant especially for stress corrosion cracking. A lower carbon level such as in 316L is good for weldability properties. This is the only difference in these alloys.

316 vs 316Ti

316Ti is specified for addition of Titanium in 316 alloy. It is added to decrease the chance of losing corrosion resistance properties in heat-affected zones. Heat affected zone forms during welding between the base metal and welded zone. The properties of this area have a high effect on overall alloy after welding. Another method to reduce the losing corrosion resistance is to decrease carbon content in alloy which is actually 316L. but 316L has better high temperature properties like strength and other mechanical properties.

Pros and Cons of 316 and 316l

Both alloys have excellent features and some disadvantages too. Both are explained below:

SS 316 Advantages

SS 316 has many advantages. These are:

1. Have high strength at higher temperatures.
2. Weldability and machinability are good.
3. Corrosion resistance is high.
4. Pitting resistance is high.
5. High toughness in cryogenic temperatures
6. High potable water resistance
7. High chloride resistance
8. Excellent chemical resistance
9. Cracking resistance is better.

SS 316 Disadvantages

SS 316 have all the extraordinary features. The only drawback associated with this alloy is it is slightly more expensive than the other alloys, this is due to its composition. It has chromium in a relatively higher percentage than other stainless-steel alloys. This makes it more excellent corrosion resistance alloy. This makes it more demandable in market and thus price becomes higher.

SS 316L Advantages

SS 316l is an alloy with excellent features. Some of them are as:

1. Carbon precipitation is very low. This is due to low carbon content in composition.
2. Excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environment
3. Anti-corrosion range is better. It is due to the presence of Molybdenum.
4. Post welding treatments are not necessary. Post weld treatment is required in high stress areas.
5. Mechanical properties are high because of chemical composition.

SS 316L Disadvantages

Ss316l has no such disadvantage. As it has so many good features that makes much demanding alloy in the market. The only limitation in its applications is due to this being slightly overpriced than other stainless-steel alloys. It is difficult to find this alloy at affordable rates for any specific application.

How to choose 316 or 316L stainless steel fitting?

316 and 316L have difference of C content in its composition. The low carbon content increases corrosion resistance. It also does not need post welding treatment. As it is softer than 426 so it has high weldability. So 316l stainless steel fitting is better concerning these features.

Why choose Tuofa to custom stainless steel parts?

To make any project successful, it is essential to have a reliable supplier. TUOFA offers greet services in stainless steel parts manufacturing. It offers CNC machining of stainless-steel components. The services offered are prototyping machining and custom machines parts of stainless steel, precision CNC machining, 3D printing of stainless steel, sheet metal prototyping and fabrication of stainless-steel parts. It also offers surface finish of stainless teel parts.

FAQs

Is 316l stainless steel good quality?

316L stainless steel is a good quality alloy. It is excellent especially for corrosion and high temperature applications. It has less carbon than 316 and therefore better intergranular stress corrosion cracking resistance, this implies it has good weldability and does not deteriorate. Therefore, it is a good quality alloy.

Is 316l stainless steel hypoallergenic?

316L is the most common ally for jewelry making. As it has high chromium and low carbon level which increases its corrosion resistance. These features make it hypoallergenic. This means it is very low chance of causing allergies to human skin and also good for the people with skin issues or with sensitive skin.

Is 316l stainless steel surgical grade?

For an alloy to be a surgical grade, it is important to have carbon level up to 0.03% max. Therefore, 316l is a surgical grade. 316l stainless steel meaning it has low carbon level. It has high biocompatibility and high corrosion resistance which I suitable for application inside environment in human body.