What is 316L stainless steel?

What is 316L stainless steel

In exploring the world of stainless steel materials, we often hear about “316 stainless steel” which is known for its excellent properties and wide range of applications. However, there is another variant of this family of materials that gets a lot of attention, and that is “316L stainless steel”. This “316L” is not just a variation of a letter, but a stainless steel with unique properties and applications.

What is 316L stainless steel?

316L stainless steel is an ultra-low carbon, highly corrosion-resistant austenitic stainless steel, belonging to the improved type of 316 stainless steel. Its chemical composition mainly includes iron, chromium, nickel, and a small amount of molybdenum, titanium, and other elements. Among them, the content of chromium is more than 18%, and the content of nickel is more than 12%. These elements’ specific proportions and content make 316L stainless steel have excellent corrosion resistance, especially in the chlorine ion environment.

In metallurgy, austenite is a metallic crystal structure, and 316L stainless steel is also austenitic at room temperature. However, compared to 316 stainless steel, 316L stainless steel has a lower carbon content, which makes its corrosion resistance even better. In the manufacturing process, to achieve better corrosion resistance, 316L stainless steel usually needs to undergo solution treatment and aging treatment to obtain finer grains and higher strength.

In addition to excellent corrosion resistance, 316L stainless steel has excellent high-temperature performance and machinability. Under high-temperature environments, 316L stainless steel can maintain excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, so it is widely used in high-temperature chemical plants, oil refineries, and other fields. In addition, because of its good processing performance, 316L stainless steel can be processed into various shapes and specifications of products, such as pipe, plate, coil, bar, etc.

chemical components of 316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is a low carbon type stainless steel alloy with a slightly different chemical composition than regular 316 stainless steel. Its main chemical composition is as follows:

316LC%Si%Mn%P%S%Ni%Cr%Mo%N
ASTM A240/ASME SA240≤ 0.03≤ 0.75≤ 2.00≤ 0.045≤ 0.03010.0-14.016.0-18.02.0-3.0≤ 0.10
EN 10028-7≤ 0.03≤ 1.00≤ 2.00≤ 0.045≤ 0.03010.0-13.016.0-18.02.0-2.5≤ 0.11
JIS G4304/4305≤ 0.03≤ 1.00≤ 2.00≤ 0.045≤ 0.03010.0-14.016.0-18.02.0-3.0≤ 0.11
GB/T 4237/4238≤ 0.03≤ 1.00≤ 2.00≤ 0.045≤ 0.03010.0-14.016.0-18.02.0-3.0≤ 0.10

These precisely controlled chemical compositions give 316L stainless steel excellent corrosion and heat resistance as well as good mechanical properties for a wide range of applications such as medical devices, food processing, chemicals, and marine engineering. For 316L stainless steel suppliers, precise control of these compositions is an important part of ensuring the production of high-quality 316L stainless steel products.

properties of 316L stainless steel

Among the many stainless steel materials, 316L stainless steel is highly regarded for its unique properties and wide range of applications. Its properties in terms of chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength have made it the material of choice in several industries. Let’s delve deeper into the properties of 316L stainless steel and reveal its importance in engineering and manufacturing.

Physical PropertyValue and Unit
Density~8,000 kg/m³
Melting Point1375-1400 °C
Specific Heat Capacity500 J/(kg·K)
Thermal Conductivity16.2 W/(m·K)
Electrical Resistivity7.4 × 10^-7 Ω·m
Magnetic Permeability1.02 (Approx.)
Mechanical PropertyValue and Unit
Tensile Strength485 MPa
Yield Strength≥ 170 MPa
Elongation at Break≥ 40%
Hardness (Brinell)≤ 217 HB
Hardness (Rockwell B)≤ 95 HRB
Impact Strength79 J
Fatigue Strength186 MPa (at 2×10^7 cycles)

These properties make 316L stainless steel one of the preferred materials in many fields, especially in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, high strength and heat resistance.

316LVS 316 stainless steel

There are small but significant differences in chemical composition between 316L stainless steel and 316 stainless steel. The main difference is the low carbon content in 316L (around 0.03%), which makes 316L stainless steel more weldable, avoids carbide formation, and improves durability in corrosive environments. In addition, 316L is more suitable for specific applications, such as medical device manufacturing and food processing, because it is more biocompatible and easier to clean.

Properties316 Stainless Steel316L Stainless Steel
Chemical CompositionHigher carbon content (≤ 0.08%)Lower carbon content (approx. 0.03%)
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentEnhanced in aggressive environments
WeldabilityGoodBetter due to reduced risk of carbide precipitation
BiocompatibilityHigher due to reduced carbon content
StrengthSlightly higherSlightly lower
UsageGeneral applications in engineeringSpecialized applications like medical, food processing, and chemical industries requiring higher corrosion resistance and biocompatibility

Applications of 316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel finds widespread use across numerous industries and sectors that require a combination of excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and hygiene. Industries such as medical, marine, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical, and petrochemical rely on the exceptional properties of 316L stainless steel to meet their stringent requirements.

316L stainless steel In the medical field

medical field

In the medical field, 316L stainless steel is utilized in surgical instruments, implants, medical equipment, and dental tools due to its biocompatibility, ease of sterilization, and resistance to body fluids and acids.

316L stainless steel In the marine field

marine industry

In the marine industry, 316L stainless steel is employed in boat fittings, offshore structures, and components exposed to seawater and harsh environments. Its high corrosion resistance protects against saltwater, humidity, and atmospheric conditions.

316L stainless steel In the food processing field

food processing industry

The food processing industry utilizes 316L stainless steel for equipment like storage tanks, piping systems, and food handling surfaces. Its corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and non-reactivity with food make it ideal for maintaining sanitary conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, 316L stainless steel stands as a pivotal material in various industries owing to its distinct properties. With a reduced carbon content compared to 316 stainless steel, it offers enhanced corrosion resistance and weldability. This variant’s significance lies in its application across specialized sectors like medical devices, food processing, and chemical industries where higher corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and weld quality are crucial.

The role of the 316L stainless steel supplier is imperative in ensuring the provision of high-quality materials that meet stringent industry demands. Their commitment to precise chemical compositions and manufacturing processes ensures the reliability and performance of 316L in critical applications.

The exploration of 316L stainless steel offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of material science and engineering. Understanding its unique properties and applications sparks inspiration for innovation and research, encouraging the pursuit of advanced materials that cater to evolving industrial needs. Looking ahead, advancements in the realm of stainless steel alloys, guided by precision manufacturing, hold the promise of breakthroughs that will further revolutionize industries and contribute to technological progress.

As we delve deeper into the realms of metallurgy and engineering, the evolution of materials like 316L stainless steel signifies an exciting journey toward improved performance, reliability, and sustainability in diverse sectors.

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Huaxiao Stainless Steel is Here to Help

The key difference between 316L and 316 stainless steel is the carbon content. While 316L has a maximum carbon content of only 0.03%, 316 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%.

At Huaxiao Stainless Steel, we provide an inventory of stainless steel products, including 304L/304 stainless steel, 316L/316 stainless steel, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about our Stainless Steel Products selection. You can also request a quote to start your order. 

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