Many people are easy to confuse 316 stainless steel pipe and 316L stainless steel pipe, thinking that they are the same kind of steel pipe, but actually they are not.
The specific differences between 316 and 316L stainless steels are as follows:
1. Chemical composition
The carbon content of 316L stainless steel is lower than that of 316 stainless steel. It can be said that “316L” is an ultra-low carbon 316 stainless steel. 316L stainless steel has higher molybdenum content than 316.
2. Corrosion resistance
316L stainless steel has better corrosion resistance.
3. Strength
316 has stronger mechanical properties. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is higher than that of 316L stainless steel pipe. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel is required to be greater than 520MPa, while that of 316L stainless steel is only required to be greater than 480MPa. This is because carbon (C) is a strong austenitic forming element, which can significantly improve the strength of steel.
4. High temperature resistance
316L stainless steel can be used continuously at high temperature, while 316 cannot. In the range of 800~1575 degrees, it is better not to continuously act on 316 stainless steel. The carbide precipitation resistance of 316L stainless steel is better than that of 316 stainless steel, and it can be continuously used in the range of 800~1575 degrees.
5. Welding
316 stainless steel has good weldability, which can be welded by general standard welding methods. The welding section of 316 stainless steel needs post welding annealing to improve its corrosion resistance. However, if 316L stainless steel is used, post weld annealing is not required.
