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Stainless steel is a popular rapid prototyping material for different functions due to its durability, corrosion resistance, strength and other factors. It is an important material prepared by processes such as sheet metal manufacturing and CNC machining, and has a wide range of uses. While useful, there are many grades of stainless steel, with the 316 vs. 316L stainless debate very common.

To work with stainless steel, especially in relation to 316 and 316L stainless steel, it is necessary to understand the difference between the two stainless steels. Therefore, this article will stop comparing 316 vs 316L stainless steel. It will discuss these two stainless steels in terms of composition and properties. The similarities and differences between 316 and 316L stainless steel will then be shown. This article will also show you several factors that can help you choose the right one. continue reading!

What is 316 stainless steel?

316 stainless steel or commonly known as grade 316 is an ordinary stainless steel alloy with austenitic properties. It has a maximum carbon content of 0.08% and a molybdenum content of 2-3%. The extra molybdenum is responsible for its corrosion resistance, use in acidic conditions, and resistance to pitting and high temperatures.

Characteristics of 316 steel

316 stainless steel is suitable for different rapid prototyping operations with different functions according to its characteristics. Here are some of its important properties:

It has high strength so you can shape it into different shapes without cracking

It is highly resistant to corrosion and pitting; therefore, it can be used to manufacture materials that will be exposed to chemicals and acids.

It has good shape and welding performance

The elastic modulus is about 193GPa

Melting point range is 13710C – 13990C

Its minimum tensile strength is 515MPa

The density is 7.98g/cm3

Application of 316 steel

316 stainless steel material is used to manufacture products used in fields where corrosion resistance is required. Examples of such uses are the manufacture of heat exchangers, pharmaceutical and photographic equipment, pumps and parts that are often exposed to marine environments. This alloy is also suitable for evaporators and chemical process equipment.

What is 316L stainless steel?

Compared to 316 stainless steel, 316L stainless steel or formally known as grade 316L has a lower carbon content. It contains 0.03 maximum carbon content and molybdenum in its composition. This low carbon content reduces the effects of carbide precipitation during sheet metal fabrication such as welding.

Characteristics of 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel is also suitable for different rapid prototyping operations with different functions according to its characteristics. Here are some of its important properties:

It has great creep resistance

It has an excellent ability to take different forms

316L will rupture with good tensile strength at elevated temperatures

The most notable property of 316L stainless steel is that it has less carbon and molybdenum than 316 steel. Therefore, it has better corrosion resistance compared to 316.

Application of 316L stainless steel

316l stainless steel is a common material used in a variety of industries to manufacture equipment and materials, including:

Food processing and chemical industry

Ocean

Jewelry

Water treatment company

Power generation

As a rapid prototyping material, it is also suitable for sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining due to its mechanical properties. In the medical world, metal splints printed with 316L have good mechanical properties, tensile strength, durability and good aesthetics.

316 vs 316L Stainless Steel: Similarities

Here we will look at some important similarities between 316 and 316L steel. This will further help us understand their differences and also help you decide which stainless steel to use for your project.

· They are corrosion resistant

Both 316 and 316lL stainless steels have high corrosion resistance, especially in applications where exposure to chlorides is inevitable. These stainless steel grades contain molybdenum and nickel to resist the effects of acids and chlorides.

·  Chemical composition

Their constituent elements also have similar chemical compositions. However, the composition of carbon is different.

· High flexibility

The 316 and 316L offer outstanding flexibility. Therefore, they can be easily processed into various shapes. They can also withstand production processes such as stretching, perforating, bending, rotating and other processes without cracking.

· Weldability

Due to its high strength, it is a good choice in applications where a lot of welding is involved in the manufacturing process. They can be machined into different shapes with no problem for use in your projects.

· Pricing

Even with a slight change in carbon content, cost is not the limiting factor in comparing 316 to 316L stainless steel. The prices for both grades of stainless steel are almost the same.

316 vs 316L Stainless Steel: Difference Between 316 and 316L Stainless Steel

While the two variants of stainless steel have similar qualities, you might be wondering

What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel. In this section, we'll dive into the various factors that differentiate 316 from 316L stainless steel.

· Corrosion resistance

Compared with 316, 316L stainless steel has higher resistance to chloride and acid corrosion. This is because it contains more molybdenum and less carbon. Therefore, 316lL stainless steel is a better choice for your project as it can withstand higher environmental factors, chemicals and acid exposure rates.

· Low carbon content

316lL stainless steel is a better choice in manufacturing where a lot of welding is performed because it has a lower carbon content than 316. This is the most important difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel. As a result, carbide precipitation is reduced, a condition that can lead to post-welding rot. This makes the 316L a better choice for applications that require a lot of soldering.

· General mechanical properties

Compared with 316L stainless steel, 316 stainless steel has better mechanical properties. It is stiffer, more ductile, and has higher tensile strength than 316L.

316 and 316L Stainless Steel: Choosing the Right Stainless Steel

Depending on your project needs, here are some factors to consider when comparing 316 vs 316L stainless steel.

· Corrosion resistance

The main difference between 316 and 316lL stainless steels is their carbon content. 316L stainless steel has a lower carbon content than the 316 variant. Therefore, in terms of use, such as those related to corrosion, 316L is superior to 316 stainless steel.

· Cost

Cost is an important factor in choosing any grade of steel. However, even cost in the comparison of 316 vs 316L stainless steel is not a limiting factor, as they have slightly different carbon content. Therefore, your choice should depend on your project needs.

· Magnetic

316 stainless steel is non-magnetic because its response to magnetic fields is negligible. However, with further processing, such as welding, the crystal structure of some 316 stainless steels can change, making them somewhat magnetic.

  · Manufacturing process

Depending on the sheet metal machining or CNC machining process you use, you must understand how 316L stainless steel compares to 316 stainless steel before choosing. For example, if in the design of sheet metal, the method is to be used in welding, the sheet metal tip is cooled down after it has cooled down, to avoid using stainless steel with a high carbon content as it may cause cracks (hot brittleness). Therefore, you should use products with lower carbon content. From the properties mentioned, 316L stainless steel has a lower carbon content.

  ·  Mechanical behavior

Both variants are good sheet metal types. Based on mechanical properties (ductility, tensile strength and hardness) of two alloys, 316

Stainless steel has better performance than 316L. So your choice between these steels depends on what your project requires.

FAQ

What does L stand for in 316L?

The "L" in 316L simply means "low", referring to the low carbon content of 316L stainless steel up to 0.08%. This is the main difference between 316 and 316lL stainless steel and it determines its use. For example, for projects that require the use of crack-resistant stainless steel, 316L stainless steel is a better choice due to its low carbon content.

Will 316L stainless steel rust?

316L stainless steel contains molybdenum, which increases its corrosion resistance. This helps prevent rust when used to make products exposed to environmental conditions such as air, chlorides and salt.

Will 316L stainless steel change color?

When used in manufacturing, 316L steel probably won't cause an allergic reaction in most people because it contains a small amount of nickel. This makes it hypoallergenic and an excellent choice for making medical devices and jewelry.

In conclusion

Depending on the project needs, the type of steel used is important. Therefore, there is a lot of debate and comparison in terms of steel grades. A popular comparison is 316 vs 316lL stainless steel. Both grades are machined under different conditions, which shows the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel. To explain the difference between 316 and 316lL stainless steel, this article discusses both variants, their properties and their applications. It then shows the similarities and differences between 316 and 316lL stainless steels and how to choose the right stainless steel when considering 316 and 316L stainless steels.

Shenzhen Xiehe Company is mainly engaged in the production and manufacture of non-standard precision hardware parts. It has been deeply involved in the industry for many years and has rich experience. If you have CNC machining, CNC lathe machining, and five-axis machining service requirements for products including aluminum, copper, iron, titanium alloys, plastics, etc., you can contact Xiehe, and we will provide you with an integrated solution with low price and high quality Program.