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Views: 7 Author: Shirley Publish Time: 2025-07-28 Origin: Site
316L stainless steel is for industrial and commercial applications requiring exceptional corrosion resistance and durability. As part of our comprehensive "316L stainless steel chain," we offer this alloy in diverse product forms, including plates, tubes, bars, pipe fittings, forgings, and flanges. This article shows the technical nuances of 316L, such as composition, properties, pricing.
316L is a low-carbon variant of the standard 316 austenitic stainless steel. The "L" denotes its reduced carbon content (≤0.03%), a strategic modification that enhances corrosion resistance and ductility. 316L stainless steel alloy belongs to the 300 series, renowned for its chromium-nickel-molybdenum composition, which delivers superior performance in aggressive environments.
316L's lower carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, preventing "sensitization." This makes 316L an ideal choice for welded structures exposed to chlorides, acids or marine atmospheres. 316L has better formability and elongation than 316 stainless steel and will not crack during complex fabrication. Despite its superior performance, 316L is priced similarly to 316, making it a better alternative.
st 316l steel’s corrosion resistance stems from its composition:
Grade | C≤ | Mn≤ | P≤ | S≤ | Si≤ | Cr | Ni | N≤ |
304L | 0.03 | 2.0 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 0.75 | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-12.0 | 0.1 |
Low carbon is the defining differentiator from standard 316 (C ≤0.08%).
Density: 8.0 g/cm³
Melting Point: 1375–1400°C
Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K (at 100°C)
Electrical Resistivity: 74 μΩ·cm
316L Mechanical Properties:
| Properties | Value |
| 316L Yield Strength | 485MPa |
| 316L Tensile Strength | 170MPa |
| 316L Elongation | 40% |
| 316L Hardness | 201HB |
Corrosion Resistance: Excels in saline, acidic, and high-humidity environments.
Ductility: High elongation (≥40%) enables deep drawing and bending.
Cryogenic Toughness: Retains integrity at temperatures as low as -200°C.
Hygienic Surface: Non-porous and easy to sterilize, ideal for medical/food equipment.
316L typically trades at a 5–15% premium over alloy 304L due to its molybdenum content. Current market pricing (2024) ranges as follows:
Raw Material: 2,500–3,500/tonne.
Finished Products:
Plates/Tubes: 4–8/kg
Bars/Forgings: 5–10/kg
Flanges: 8–15/kg
Cost Drivers:
Alloy Content: Mo and Ni significantly impact raw material costs.
Fabrication Complexity: Machined/forged parts command higher prices.
Volume: Bulk orders reduce per-unit costs.
Despite the premium, 316L offers ROI in corrosive environments by minimizing maintenance/failure costs.
Grade | N≤ | Cr | Mo | Cu | P≤ | C≤ | Mn≤ | S≤ | Si≤ | Ni |
904L | 0.1 | 19.0-23.0 | 4.0-5.0 | 1.0-2.0 | 0.045 | 0.02 | 2.0 | 0.035 | 1.0 | 23.0-28.0 |
304L | 0.1 | 18.0-20.0 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 2.0 | 0.03 | 0.75 | 8.0-12.0 |
Steel 904L has significantly more Nickel, Molybdenum, and adds Copper compared to 316L. It has superior corrosion resistance but also increases cost.
316L: Excellent general corrosion resistance for an austenitic stainless steel. Resists atmospheric corrosion, many organic/inorganic chemicals, food processing, marine atmospheres, and mild reducing acids. Susceptible to strong reducing acids and concentrated chlorides.
904L: Superior corrosion resistance, especially in
Sulfuric Acid: Excellent resistance across a wide range of concentrations and temperatures due to high Ni, Mo, and crucially, Cu.
Phosphoric Acid: Excellent resistance.
Organic Acids: Excellent resistance.
Chloride Environments: Significantly better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance due to much higher Mo and Ni.
Reducing Acids: Much better resistance than 316L due to the synergistic effect of high Ni, Mo, and Cu.
904L is vastly superior in aggressive environments, particularly those involving sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, chlorides, and reducing conditions. 316L is excellent for less severe conditions.
316L: Relatively cost-effective and widely available. The standard "go-to" austenitic stainless for demanding applications.
904L: Significantly more expensive (often 3-5x the cost of 316L) due to its high nickel, molybdenum, and copper content.
316L Used in:
Marine hardware & fittings
Chemical processing equipment
Pharmaceutical & food processing equipment
Medical implants & surgical instruments
Architectural applications in coastal areas
Heat exchangers
904L especially:
Chemical processing equipment handling sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and organic acids.
Seawater cooling systems and heat exchangers in very aggressive chloride environments.
Pulp & paper digesters.
Pollution control scrubbers (SO₂).
Famously used by Rolex for its superior polishability and corrosion resistance against sweat/saltwater.
Both are austenitic (non-magnetic, with good ductility/toughness).
Strength: Tensile and yield strengths are quite similar and relatively low. Both can be work-hardened.
Toughness/Ductility: Excellent for both, typical of austenitic grades.
Forming: Both are readily formable via bending and deep drawing. 904L work-hardens slightly faster than 316L due to higher alloy content.
Welding: Both are readily weldable using TIG, MIG, and MMA. 316L: Low carbon minimizes sensitization risk. 904L: Also low carbon, but its high alloy content can lead to slower cooling rates being beneficial to avoid micro-segregation. Post-weld annealing is sometimes recommended for maximum corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Machining: Both are gummy and difficult to machine compared to carbon steels. 904L is generally harder to machine than 316L due to higher work-hardening rates and toughness. Requires rigid setups, sharp tools, positive rake angles, slow speeds, and heavy feeds.
Availability
316L: Very widely available in all standard forms like sheet, plate, bar, tube, pipe, and fittings.
904L: Less common. Available, but often requires longer lead times and is stocked in fewer sizes/forms. Primarily found as plate, sheet, pipe, and fittings for industrial use.
316: Max carbon content ≤ 0.08%
316L (L = "Low-carbon"): Max carbon content ≤ 0.03%
This reduction mitigates chromium carbide formation during welding/heat exposure.
| Parameter | 316 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Weld Decay Risk | High risk in HAZ | Minimal risk (low carbon prevents sensitization) |
| Post-Weld Treatment | Often requires annealing to restore corrosion resistance | No post-weld annealing needed for most applications |
| Intergranular Corrosion | Susceptible in welded/HAZ regions | Superior resistance in welded structures |
| Properties | 316 | 316L |
| Tensile Strength | 485-515 MPa | 485 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (min) | 170 MPa (min) |
| Brinell Hardness | ≤ 217 HB | ≤ 217 HB |
Price Difference: ~1-4% premium for 316L over 316.
Lifecycle Value: 316L's corrosion resistance in welded assemblies often offsets its slight cost premium by reducing maintenance/failures.
1. Is 316L or 304L cheaper?
Answer: 304L is cheaper than 316L.
304L contains no molybdenum (Mo), while 316L has 2–3% Mo. Molybdenum is expensive and adds significant cost. 304L is more widely available for general-purpose applications, reducing its price.
2. Is 316L stainless steel good?
Answer: Yes, 316L is excellent for many demanding applications.
Key Strengths:
Corrosion Resistance: Superior to 304L, especially against saltwater, chemicals and acids.
Weldability: Low carbon content prevents "sensitization" during welding.
Durability: High strength, toughness, and heat resistance (up to ~870°C/1600°F).
Common Uses: Marine equipment, chemical tanks, medical implants, pharmaceutical machinery, and jewelry.
3. Does 316L stainless steel tarnish?
Answer: No, 316L is highly tarnish-resistant.
Its chromium content forms a passive oxide layer that protects against oxidation and rust. Molybdenum (2–3%) adds resistance to pitting and corrosion in harsh environments. Scratches or damage can dull its shine, but this is not true tarnishing. Polishing restores its luster.
4. Is 316L stainless steel hypoallergenic?
Answer: Yes, 316L is hypoallergenic for most people.
Nickel content is tightly bound in the alloy structure, minimizing leaching. Widely used in medical implants and jewelry due to biocompatibility.
A small percentage of people (<1%) with severe nickel allergies may still react. For piercings, implant-grade 316L ASTM F138 is preferred.
5. Is 316L stainless steel magnetic?
Answer: Generally non-magnetic, but can show slight magnetism.
316L is austenitic stainless steel, which is non-magnetic in its annealed state. Cold working can induce slight magnetism in localized areas. If a magnet sticks weakly, it’s due to processing, not the base alloy.
6. Is 316L stainless steel good for jewelry?
Answer: Yes, 316L is a top choice for affordable, durable jewelry.
Tarnish-resistant: Withstands sweat, water, and daily wear.
Hypoallergenic: Safe for most skin types.
Strong and Lightweight: Holds up to scratches better than sterling silver.
Cost-Effective: More affordable than titanium or gold.
Popular For: Rings, bracelets, chains, and fashion earrings.
7. Is 316L stainless steel good for piercings?
Answer: It’s acceptable but not the best choice for new piercings.
Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) or niobium for optimal healing. 316L is widely used for body jewelry due to affordability and corrosion resistance. Choose ASTM F138-certified 316L medical implant grade to minimize nickel risks.
Caution: Avoid 316L in fresh piercings if you have a known nickel allergy.
