What is ASTM 316?
ASTM 316 is a specific grade of austenitic stainless steel (Type 316) that exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride environments (such as marine environments). Due to the addition of molybdenum, it is considered a "marine grade" stainless steel, offering superior durability and weldability compared to common grades like 304. Therefore, it is widely used in industries such as chemical processing, marine applications, and food processing. Its main variants include 316L (low carbon, for improved weldability) and 316Ti (stabilized with titanium).
AISI 316 equivalent material
| GRADE | SS 316 | JAPAN JIS | SUS 316 |
| USA | UNS S31600 | RUSSIAN AFNOR | Z7CND17‐11‐02 |
| GERMAN WERKSTOFF NR. | 1.4401 / 1.4436 | BRITISH BS | 316S31 / 316S33 |
| RUSSIAN GOST | - | SWEDISH SS | 2347 |
| EUROPE EN | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X3CrNiMo17-13-3 |
What is the ASTM 316 standard?
ASTM 316 typically conforms to various ASTM specifications, such as A240 for plates or A312 for pipes. 316L is a low-carbon version with improved weldability.
what is SAE 316L stainless steel?
SAE 316L stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic grade of stainless steel, similar to Type 316 but with reduced carbon content (≤0.03%). This "L" (low carbon) designation makes it highly resistant to sensitization and intergranular corrosion after welding, improving its performance in harsh environments like marine, chemical, and food processing applications. Key elements include Chromium (16-18%), Nickel (10-14%), and Molybdenum (2-3%), giving it superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides, compared to Type 304.
What is the difference between ASTM 316 and 316L?
ASTM 316 and 316L are both molybdenum-bearing stainless steels, but the key difference is carbon content: 316 has a max 0.08% carbon, while 316L (Low Carbon) has a max 0.03% carbon, making 316L superior for welding because it resists sensitization (weld decay) and offers better corrosion resistance in welded areas, while 316 offers slightly higher strength and hardness.
Difference Between SS316 and SS316L - Chemical Composition
|
SS316 and SS316L Chemical Composition (%) |
|||||||||
|
UNS |
Grade |
C, ≤ |
Si, ≤ |
Mn, ≤ |
P, ≤ |
S, ≤ |
Ni |
Cr |
Mo |
|
UNS S31600 |
316 |
0.08 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.045 |
0.030 |
10.0-14.0 |
16.0-18.0 |
2.0-3.0 |
|
UNS S31603 |
316L |
0.03 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.045 |
0.030 |
10.0-14.0 |
16.0-18.0 |
2.0-3.0 |
SS316 vs SS316L Mechanical Properties
| ASTM Type |
AISI Type |
Conditions |
Tensile Strength, MPa(ksi), ≥ |
0.2% Yield Strength, MPa(ksi),≥ |
Elongation in 50 mm (2 in.), %, ≥ |
Reduction of Area, %, ≥ |
Brinell Hardness (HBW), ≤ |
Rockwell Hardness (HRBW), ≤ |
Product forms |
|
ASTM A276/A276M |
316 |
Annealed, Hot finished |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
Bars and Shapes |
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
|||
|
316 |
Annealed, Cold finished, Dia.≤12.7 mm (0.5 in.) |
620 (90) |
310 (45) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
||
|
316L |
|||||||||
|
316 |
Annealed, Cold finished, Dia>12.7 mm (0.5 in.) |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
||
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
|||
|
ASTM A580/A580M |
316 |
Annealed |
520 (75) |
210 (30) |
35 |
50 |
Wire |
||
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
35 |
50 |
– |
– |
|||
|
316 |
Cold finished |
620 (90) |
310 (45) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
||
|
316L |
|||||||||
|
ASTM A240/A240M |
316 |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
40 |
– |
217 |
95 |
Plate, Sheet, and Strip |
|
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
40 |
– |
217 |
95 |
|||
|
ASTM A473/A473M |
316 |
Annealed |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
Forgings |
|
316L |
450 (65) |
170 (25) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
316 Vs 316L yield strength
316 stainless steel generally has a higher yield strength (around 30 ksi) than 316L (around 25 ksi) in the annealed state, due to its slightly higher carbon content, which acts as a hardening agent, making 316 stronger but 316L more weldable and resistant to carbide precipitation in welded sections.
316 vs 316L hardness
316 stainless steel is generally slightly harder and stronger than 316L due to its higher carbon content, but both have comparable maximum hardness ratings (around 95 HRB or 217 HBW) in their annealed states, with 316L's low carbon making it better for welding to prevent sensitization and corrosion.
316 vs 316L machinability
316L (Low Carbon) is generally considered slightly easier to machine than standard 316 because its lower carbon content makes it more ductile and less prone to work hardening, though both are challenging austenitic stainless steels requiring sharp tools, slow speeds, and ample coolant to manage heat and work hardening, with 316 L being favored for welded parts due to less carbide precipitation, while 316 offers slightly higher strength.
Cost difference between 316 and 316L
The cost difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel is generally minimal, with 316L sometimes being slightly more expensive due to the extra processing for lower carbon, but often they are priced almost the same, especially since they can be dual-certified as 316/316L, making your choice depend more on application needs (like welding) than budget.