Difference Between SS316 and SS316L
| Chemical Composition | SS316 | SS316L |
| C (Carbon) | C≤0.08 | C≤0.03 |
| Yes (Silicon) | Si≤1.00 | Si≤1.00 |
| Mn (Manganese) | Mn≤2.00 | Mn≤2.00 |
| P (Phosphorus) | P≤0.035 | P≤0.035 |
| S (Sulphur) | S≤0.03 | S≤0.03 |
| Ni (Nickel) | 10.0-14.0 | ASTM: 10.0-14.0 (JIS: 12-15) |
| Cr (Chromium) | 16.0-18.5 | 16.0-18.0 |
| Mo (Molybdenum) | 2.0-3.0 | 2.0-3.0 |
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Stainless Steel Strip
| Item | SS316 | SS316L |
| Tensile strength (Mpa) | 515 MIN | 485 MIN |
| Yield strength (Mpa) | 310 MIN | 170 MIN |
| Elongation(%) | 30 MIN | 30 MIN |
| Area reduction(%) | 40 MIN | 40 MIN |
| Density | 8.03 g/cm 3 | 8.03 g/cm 3 |
| Melting point | 1375 ~ 1450 ℃ | 1375 ~ 1450 ℃ |
| Rockwell Hardness(HRB) | ≤95 | ≤95 |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | ≤217 | ≤217 |
| China | Japan (JIS) | US(ASTM) | US(UNS ) | European Union |
| 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (old) /022Cr17Ni12Mo2 (new) | SUS316L | 316L | S31603 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404) |
Note: According to the American standard, the Ni content of 316L is 10-14%, while the Ni content is 12-15% on the basis of the Japanese standard. While the 2% difference in Ni content has a quite huge difference in price. When purchasing, please confirm the standards clearly.
4. Price
Actually, the price difference between SS316 and SS316L is very slight. Their cost is approximately the same.
5. Features
The low carbon content of 316L stainless steel makes it difficult to form chromium carbide during welding, which can reduce the corrosion of the welded part. Hence, SS 316L has great weldability and excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion.
6. Applications
The applications of SS316 and SS316L are very similar. They have excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance. So they are often used in boilers, auto parts, medical appliances, building materials, heat exchangers, pulp and paper making equipment, film processing equipment, pipes, bracelets and cases for high-end watches, dyeing equipment, chemical industry, food industry, bolts, nuts, marine equipment, etc. However, 316 is better in construction and infrastructure because of its higher strength. While 316L is popular for photography equipment and marine facilities.
How to Choose SS316 or SS316L?
SS316 and SS316L are very similar in features and applications. Which one is better? It depends. If stainless steel needs to be welded, 316L is a better choice. If you have a higher requirement for strength, then choose SS316. But SS316L is more popular on the market. For one reason, the current refining technology is very mature, the carbon content is well controlled. For the other reason, there is a large demand for 316L. While if you want a cheaper solution, the SS304 series will be a great choice.
However, SS304 does not resist pitting corrosion. Pitting corrosion will cause leakage, which will cause safety accidents in the chemical industry. Therefore, it is recommended to check the chemical composition during purchase. XINYONGYUAN Steel promises to supply according to the contract. Besides, third-party quality inspection is acceptable. Welcome to contact us for more details!

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