SS316 vs SS316L

[Frogprince]

whats the difference? is the 316L(elite) just a better quality for coils?

just put 2 same builds into steam engine and ss316 shows a slightly higher resistance.

nevermind, google has the answer.


It's the carbon content. 316 stainless steel has a max carbon content of 0.08%. 316L stainless has a max carbon content of 0.03%.

How do you remember which is which? 316L has a Low carbon content. Easy peasy.

Note these are the same materials as SS316 and SS316L, as well as AISI 316 and 316L. No matter how you slice it, the "L" is the difference.

Why Does the Choice Between 316 Vs 316L Stainless Matter?
316 VS 316L STAINLESS STEEL CORROSION RESISTANCE
Performance-wise, 316L is better than any other stainless steel for very high temperature, high corrosion applications. 316L is easy to fabricate, and is used often in construction, marine, and infrastructure industries due to its durability.

The low carbon content of 316L stainless steel means it's slightly more weldable than grade 316. With a higher carbon content, 316 is more likely to experience weld decay. In other words, 316L is more resistant to intergranular corrosion. However, this is only an issue if the metal needs to be welded over a period of several minutes or it's heated to temperatures between 425-815º C.

 

[Richard Winter]

I was looking forward to writing a detailed reply but you covered it and answered it in your question lol

 

[OzoreXS]

thanks for the info!
But whats the number stands for? for example SS904L

The higher the better quality of the stainless steel?

 

[LordOdin]

Ask a question and answer it yourself in the same post. way to go @OzoreXS

 

[Simon G]

thanks for the info!
But whats the number stands for? for example SS904L

The higher the better quality of the stainless steel?

It's just different types of steel, designed for different applications.

They all contain different % of metals, which will make them, softer, harder, more brittle, less susceptible to corrosion, more suitable for high temp/in water/ applications etc. It's not about 'quality' as such because it depends what properties you need in something made of steel.

 

[RAPTOREX]

Ask a question and answer it yourself in the same post. way to go @OzoreXS

But that's not actually the answer. The numbers denote composition, not quality. Take a look at this.
https://www.pennstainless.com/resources/product-information/stainless-grades/300-series/

edit. Sorry @Simon G . Didn't see your post.

 

[LordOdin]

Most of the things associated with SS316 and the rest won't be applicable if your just using it to make coils, i mean how long are you gonna keep the same coil. not till it corrodes i would think.

 

[Simon G]

But that's not actually the answer. The numbers denote composition, not quality. Take a look at this.
https://www.pennstainless.com/resources/product-information/stainless-grades/300-series/

edit. Sorry @Simon G . Didn't see your post.

No need to say sorry, thanks for finding the link.

 

[Simon G]

Most of the things associated with SS316 and the rest won't be applicable if your just using it to make coils, i mean how long are you gonna keep the same coil. not till it corrodes i would think.

No it doesn't matter at all probably..... apart from affecting the TC numbers.

 

[Simon G]

from wiki:

• Type 301—highly ductile, for formed products. Also hardens rapidly during mechanical working. Good weldability. Better wear resistance and fatigue strength than 304.
• Type 302—same corrosion resistance as 304, with slightly higher strength due to additional carbon.
• Type 303—free machining version of 304 via addition of sulfur and phosphorus. Also referred to as "A1" in accordance with ISO 3506.[6]
• Type 304—the most common grade; the classic 18/8 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) stainless steel. Outside of the US it is commonly known as "A2 stainless steel", in accordance with ISO 3506 (not to be confused with A2 tool steel).[6] The Japanese equivalent grade of this material is SUS304.
• Type 304L—same as the 304 grade but lower carbon content to increase weldability. Is slightly weaker than 304.
• Type 304LN—same as 304L, but also nitrogen is added to obtain a much higher yield and tensile strength than 304L.
• Type 305—same as 304, but with more nickel to decrease work hardening.
• Type 308—used as the filler metal when welding 304.
• Type 309—better temperature resistance than 304, also sometimes used as filler metal when welding dissimilar steels, along with inconel.
• Type 310 310S— is a highly alloyed austenitic stainless steel used for high temperature application. The high chromium and nickel content give the steel excellent oxidation resistance as well as high strength at high temperature. This grade is also very ductile, and has good weldability enabling its widespread usage in many applications. [7]
• Type 316—the second most common grade (after 304); for food and surgical stainless steel uses; alloy addition of molybdenum prevents specific forms of corrosion. It is also known as marine grade stainless steel due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to type 304. 316 is often used for building nuclear reprocessing plants.
• Type 316L—is an extra low carbon grade of 316, generally used in stainless steel watches and marine applications, as well exclusively in the fabrication of reactor pressure vessels for boiling water reactors, due to its high resistance to corrosion. Also referred to as "A4" in accordance with ISO 3506.[6]
• Type 316Ti—variant of type 316 that includes titanium for heat resistance. It is used in flexible chimney liners.
• Type 321—similar to 304 but lower risk of weld decay due to addition of titanium. See also 347 with addition of niobium for desensitization during welding.