Before examining the properties of 316 L grade stainless steel, it would be useful to examine the progressive path leading to this steel. In this sense, we can start from 304 grade stainless steel, which is the center for the comparison of steel material properties worldwide.
Grade 304 stainless steel is known worldwide as the steel material with the most standardized properties and has a very wide range of uses. On the other hand, 316 grade stainless steel is a steel with higher corrosion resistance, which is produced by improving 304 grade stainless steel. 316 grade stainless steel contains more nickel and molybdenum in its content compared to 304 grade. With these features, it can be said that it is more durable than 304 in terms of tensile strength.
When both 304 and 316 grade stainless steels are identified with the “L” code, it is understood that they have Low Carbon feature. Here, the additional feature intended for 304 stainless steel with less than 0.03% carbon is to strengthen weldability. In this respect, 316, which is a stainless steel material that stands out with its corrosion resistance, comes to a better level in terms of weldability when defined as 316 L. 316 L grade stainless steel is considered chemically identical to 316 and are substitutes for each other. However, if steel materials are to be joined by welding, in this case, 316 L grade stainless steel is preferred instead of 316, eliminating the corrosion risk in the welded areas and obtaining maximum corrosion resistance. Due to its lower carbon content, 316 L grade stainless steels do not require annealing after production and this application is not performed.
Corrosion Resistance (* * * * *)
316 L grade stainless steel contains more nickel and molybdenum in addition, so it shows a high performance in terms of corrosion resistance. Moreover, since it has Low Carbon properties, the risk of corrosion after welding is reduced. On the other hand, if the corrosion conditions in the working environment are very harsh, duplex (1.4462) grade stainless steel can be used instead of 316 L grade.
Mechanical Properties (* * *)
The mechanical properties of 316 L grade stainless steel are similar to 316, 304 and 304 L grades. If higher mechanical strength is required in the working environment; 431, duplex (1.4462) or 630 grade stainless steels can be used.
Malleability (* * * *)
316 L stainless steel is more advantageous in terms of forging and shaping properties due to its lower carbon content compared to 316 quality. The possibility of breakage or cracking during forging application is lower in 316 L.
Weldability Feature (* * * * * * *)
316 L grade stainless steel shows a good performance in weldability and is more resistant to carburization that may occur during welding due to its Low Carbon.
Machinability (* * *)
316 L grade stainless steel has good machinability, but if corrosion resistance is not important in the application environment and machinability is more important, then 303 or 430 F grade stainless steels may be preferred.
Due to its component properties, 316 L type, which is one of the steel products with the highest level of corrosion resistance in total due to its component properties, has a reduced carbon ratio unlike 316, which makes this material one step further. It is a stainless steel quality that can be easily used in the construction of liquid tanks with corrosive properties, in the food industry, in the chemical and petrochemical industry, in the paint industry. Especially if both corrosion resistance is important and joining by welding is to be done, the choice of 316 L provides very high success and performance in such environments. With its low carbon feature, there is no carburization after welding.
316L Quality Stainless Steel Material List (Immediate Delivery from Stock)
Stainless Steel Rod: Min Diameter: 2mm -Max Diameter: 250mm
Stainless Steel Hexagon: Min Edge: 8mm -Max Edge: 70mm
Stainless Steel Lama: Min Thickness: 5mm -Max Thickness: 20mm, Min Width: 20mm -Max Width: 100mm
Stainless Steel Square: Min Edge: 12x12 -Max Edge: 150x150
Other Measurement Ranges We Supply (Within 2.5 - 3 Weeks)
Stainless Steel Rod: Min Diameter: 350mm -Max Diameter: 625mm
Stainless Steel Square: Min Edge: 10x10 -Max Edge: 200x200
Grade: 316 L (1.4404) Chemical Composition: C: 0.030%, Mn: 2.0%, P: 0.045%, S: 0.03%, Si: 1.0%, Cr: 16.0% to 18.0%, Ni: 10% to 14.0%, Mo: 2.0% to 3.0%
Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature
Quality: 316L (1.4404) X2CrNiMo17-12-2
Tensile strength 485 MPa
Yield strength, (0.2%): 170 MPa
Hardness, Rockwell (HB): 95
Summary of Quality Attributes
In terms of its properties, it has similarities with 316 quality. In addition to all these properties, it provides a higher resistance to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. If it is improved against high temperatures with the addition of molybdenum, it will gain incredible resistance to oxidation at temperatures of approximately 1100°C. In this way, it will show a high resistance in environments with mechanical friction.
In terms of weldability, other welding techniques other than gas fusion welding are fully applicable. Again, like the problems experienced in other welding applications, it will be necessary to remove the color changes on the surface. It can be used mostly in the chemical industry, heat exchangers, steam boilers, fruit juice production facilities, industrial kitchen materials, meat combinations and stock transport warehouses, architectures that will meet acidic or salty water. It is available in the market in the form of hot and cold rolled pipes, sheets, strips, plates and profiles like other steels.
