Stainless steel is widely used in life and has many types. According to the type, its uses are also different. For example, what are the differences between 316 and 316l stainless steel?
The Difference Between 316 And 316L Stainless Steel
1.Different Chemical Compositions
316 stainless steel contains 17-20% chromium, 11-14% nickel and 2-3% molybdenum, while 316L stainless steel contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel and 2-3% molybdenum. The carbon content of 316L stainless steel is low, usually below 0.03%, while the carbon content of 316 stainless steel is around 0.08%.
2.Different Corrosion Resistance
Both 316 and 316L stainless steel have good corrosion resistance and can resist corrosion from most chemical media, including acids, alkalis, and salts. However, due to the lower carbon content of 316L stainless steel, it has better intergranular corrosion performance during the welding process, so it is more suitable for applications in some special environments, such as seawater environments.
3.Different Strength And Hardness
316 has stronger mechanical properties. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is greater than that of 316L stainless steel pipe. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel is required to be greater than 520MPa, while the tensile strength of 316L stainless steel is only required to be greater than 480MPa. This is because carbon (C) is a strong austenitic It is a body-forming element that can significantly increase the strength of steel. Due to the lower carbon content of 316L stainless steel, its strength and hardness are relatively lower, but it has better toughness. 316 stainless steel has a higher carbon content, so it has higher strength and hardness.
4.Different Welding Performance And Welding Methods
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Different Welding performance
Due to its lower carbon content, 316L stainless steel has better welding performance and can reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion. 316 stainless steel may suffer from intergranular corrosion during the welding process.
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Different welding methods
316 stainless steel has good weldability, and it can be welded by general standard welding methods. The welded section of 316 stainless steel requires post-weld annealing treatment to improve its corrosion resistance. But if 316L stainless steel is used, post-weld annealing is not required.
5.Different Applications
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Applications of 316 stainless Steel
Due to the addition of molybdenum, 316 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, atmospheric corrosion resistance and high temperature strength, and can be used under harsh conditions; it has excellent work hardening properties (non-magnetic).
Scope of application: seawater equipment, chemical, dye, papermaking, oxalic acid, fertilizer and other production equipment; photography, food industry, coastal area facilities, ropes, CD rods, bolts, nuts.
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Applications of 316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel (L is low carbon):
As a low carbon series of 316 steel, in addition to having the same characteristics as 316 steel, it has excellent resistance to grain boundary corrosion.
Scope of application: Products with special requirements against grain boundary corrosion.
Note: Intergranular corrosion is also called grain boundary corrosion, which is a type of metal corrosion. Is corrosion that occurs along or next to grain boundaries. Localized corrosion occurs because the dissolution rate of grain boundary components in metal in the medium is much higher than the dissolution rate of the grain itself. It is a very harmful type of corrosion that greatly reduces the strength, plasticity and toughness of metal.
In order to prevent and slow down this intergranular corrosion, the chemical and physical methods adopted are called anti-intergranular corrosion measures.
Or metals that have taken anti-intergranular corrosion measures are called anti-intergranular corrosion materials.
