316L / 316 Stainless - X2CrNiMo17-12-2 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2

Where can 316L / 316 Stainless steel be used?

316L / 316 can be used in many different industries, choosing between the two steel grades should always take the applications and their requirements as well as the environment in which they are applied into consideration.

316L can be used in the food processing industry, and the 316 as a pharmaceutical grade steel for chemical processing and storage of chemicals, paper industry, pharma industry due to its high resistance to chloride and acids. They will also find its uses in the automotive and aviation industries.

What is the difference between the 316L and the 316 stainless steel

The “L” for the 316L stands for Low carbon, which makes it  highly resistant to sensitization (grain boundary carbide precipitation) and therefore is used extensively in heavy gauge welded components and allows the use of this grade in the as-welded condition in a wide variety of corrosive applications.  

316 stainless steel has a mass fraction of 0.08% of carbon while the 316L has a mass fraction of 0.03%. 

Other differences are for example the molybdenum content, the 316 contains between 2 - 2.5% of molybdenum, the 316L has a lower molybdenum content in comparison.

Is 316L / 316 Steel corrosion resistant?

316L / 316 Stainless Steel general corrosion

316L / 316 has considerably more resistance than other chromium-nickel grades to most complex sulfur compounds used for example in the paper industry. In temperatures as high as 120°F (48°C) alloy 316L/316 is resistant to concentrations of sulfuric acid up to 5%. At temperatures under 100°F (30°C) they have excellent resistance to higher concentrations.

316L / 316 Steel gas corrosion

Corrosion resistance is reduced in sulphurous flue gases. In such environments, 316L / 316 can be used at temperatures up to 1110 - 1380°F (600 - 750°C), depending on service conditions. Consideration must be given to whether the atmosphere is oxidizing or reducing, e.g. the oxygen content, and whether impurities such as sodium and vanadium are present.

316L / 316 Stainless steel crevice / pitting corrosion

In the presence of chloride or halide ions, austenitic stainless steels are resistant to pitting and/or crevice corrosion when higher chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen content is present. The molybdenum in these steels will handle water with up to about 0.017lb/gal. (2,000 ppm) of chloride. Although considered adequate for some marine environment applications such as boat rails or facades of buildings near the ocean, it is not recommended in seawater containing 0.159lb/gal. (19,000ppm) of chloride.

316L / 316 Steel intergranular corrosion

Intergranular corrosion is the result due to the precipitation of chromium carbides at the grain boundaries for the 316 when exposed to a temperature range of 800-1500°F (427-816°C).

To avoid intergranular corrosion, 316L with its lower carbon content can be used for applications where heavy cross-sections cannot be annealed after welding or if lower temperatures for stress relieving are wanted or when exposed to short periods of temperatures of 800-1500°F (427-816°C).

Without affecting the normal excellent corrosion resistance of 316L, short stress relieving treatment can be applied. When heavy and bulky parts have been annealed, it is not necessary to cool them rapidly from high temperatures.

316L / 316 Steel atmospheric corrosion

With the addition of molybdenum stainless steel develops a maximum resistance to staining and pitting, therefore austenitic stainless steels surpass virtually all other engineering materials. In atmospheres where chlorides, sulfur compounds and solids are found either individually or in combination, these grades are regularly used.

316L / 316 Steel oxidation

316L / 316 stainless steel used for short periods at temperatures up to 1600°F (870°C) or a constant temperature of 1700°F (925°C) have good oxidation resistance. Temperature ranges of 850 - 1550°F (454 - 845°C) are not recommended for 316 stainless steel as there is the possibility of carbide precipitation but it performs well in varying temperatures above or below that range. For those applications in the former mentioned temperature range the 316L should be used.

316L / 316 Steel stress corrosion cracking

Austenitic steels are prone to stress corrosion cracking, as can be encountered at temperatures above 140°F (60°C) when the steel is exposed to tensile stresses or comes into contact with solutions containing chlorides, for example, at the same time.

Is  the 316L / 316 Steel magnetizable?

As an austenitic stainless steel the 316L / 316 is not magnetizable and not suitable for magnetic clamping.

316L / 316 Steel heat treatment

316L / 316 are not hardenable by heat treatment, cold working will increase tensile strength as well as hardness though. To eliminate the effects of cold forming or to dissolve precipitated chromium carbides due to thermal exposure, a heat treatment may be needed during or after fabrication.

316L / 316 Steel solution annealing

To anneal heat the 316L / 316 to 1870 - 2050°F (1020 - 1120°C) followed by quenching in water or air, depending on the dimensions of the part.

316L / 316 Steel stress relieving

316L as the lower carbon steel grade can be stress relieved at 850 - 1100°F (454 - 593°C) for 60 minutes with minimum danger of sensitization.

316 should be done at a lower temperature not exceeding 750°F (399°C) but with a longer soaking time. As there is a risk of grain boundary sensitization occurring, resulting in the loss of its corrosion resistance, stress relieving above 1100°F (593°C) is not recommended.

Hardening 316L / 316 steel

The 316L / 316 is not hardenable by heat treatment.

As an austenitic stainless steel the 316L / 316 can be hardened by cold working it. Care should be taken as to the extent to which it can be hardened by cold work as the material will get brittle and sensitive to stress corrosion cracking.

316L / 316 Steel heat resistance

The 316 stainless steel grade has a good resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1598°F (870°C) in intermittent operations and up to 1697°F (925°C) for continuous operations. For the 316 it is not recommended to use temperatures in the range of 797 - 1580°F (425 - 860°C) for continuous operations if the parts are used in a water based environment as the corrosion resistance in water will deteriorate. 

The 316L can be used for the former mentioned temperature range as it is more resistant to carbide precipitation. 

Dimensional changes for the 316L / 316 stainless steel

Like all materials, the 361L / 316 does expand and contract during heat treatment and as with all processes, when working with steel the dimensional changes should be carefully considered, especially when it is used for high temperature work or is exposed to temperature fluctuation.

316L / 316 Steel sub-zero treatment

Usually sub-zero treatment is done to convert remaining austenite to martensite. As an austenitic stainless steel 316L / 316 will keep its austenitic structure.

Sub-zero treating the 316L / 316 can improve its mechanical properties, resistance to stress corrosion cracking and slightly improve pitting and wear resistance. Care should be taken as sub-zero treatment has the potential for cryogenic embrittlement, even though the 316L / 316 in general has good cryogenic properties.

316L / 316 Steel Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

Stainless steel 316L / 316 can be worked by EDM. Adjusting the parameters, choosing the correct electrode and required surface finish should be taken into consideration. The recast layer should be removed and properties might be slightly altered in the heat affected zones. To have a clean and smooth surface, post treatments are necessary and should be factored in when the application requires a clean smooth surface.

316L / 316 Steel surface treatment

Surface treating the 316L / 316 is most often done to enhance its properties and/or appearance.

Nitriding 316L / 316 steel

Nitriding introduces nitrogen into the surface of the material. This process gives the material a harder outer layer. However, nitriding can reduce the corrosion resistance and should be regarded if the corrosion resistance is important.

316L / 316 Steel passivation

In general passivation improves the corrosion resistance by giving the material a passive oxide layer to ensure the surface is less reactive to its surrounding environment.

Passivation ensures a contaminant free surface and prevents in turn contamination when used in the food processing industry as food containers for instance.  

Pickling 316L /316 stainless steel

Pickling is mainly done to remove impurities like rust or scale from the surface by immersing the parts into an acid bath. This process can be followed up by other surface treatments like passivation which is explained above.

316L / 316 Steel abrasive blasting

Abrasive blasting  is a process where abrasive particles are propelled against the surface under high pressure. It is used to clean contaminants but as well rust, paint or scale or to promote a surface texture or finish.

Abrasive particles can include glass beads, silica sand, steel grit, coal or copper slag and also organic materials like walnut shells or corn cob which are used for a less aggressive cleaning.

Abrasive blasting can be done by dry blasting where air propels the abrasive material for this method. Another methode is wet blasting, where the abrasive particles are mixed with water.

Note: Care has to be taken during this process as the process produces dust and small parts might be propelled back. Protective gear like masks, helmets and protective clothing should be worn and adequate ventilation or dust extraction should be provided.

316L / 316 Stainless steel machinability

During deformation, 316L/316 is subject to work hardening and chip breaking. For the best machining results, it is better to use slower speeds, excellent lubrication, sharp tooling, heavier feeds and high performance equipment.

Welding 316L / 316 Steel

Stainless steel 316 has a medium weldability and can be welded by all standard methods. Fillers should be equal or slightly better alloyed than the base. 316 should be annealed after welding to remove any chromium carbide precipitation. Weld discoloration should be removed by pickling and passivation to restore maximum corrosion resistance. 

316L / 316 Stainless steel wear resistance

On a scale where 1 is low and 6 is high the 316L / 316 stainless steel scores a 2 for its wear resistance.

316L / 316 Steel tensile strength

Stainless steel 316L / 316 has a tensile strength of approx. 100.0 KSI on delivery (0.145 KSI = 1MPa). In order to reach this value, a tensile test is performed to show how much force is needed to stretch or elongate a sample before it breaks.

316L / 316 Steel yield strength

The yield strength shows when a material starts deformation beyond the point that it might return to its original shape (plastic deformation). The yield strength is impacted by the carbon content and heat treatment of the various steel grades. The range for the 316L / 316 stainless steel is approx. 297 KSI (2048MPa). 

316L / 316 Steel working hardness

The working hardness for the 316L / 316 on delivery is approx. 215 BHN.

316L / 316 Steel Specific heat capacity

The specific heat capacity of 316L / 316 is at room temperature at 0.5J/g-°C (0.119BTU/lb-°F). This value shows how much heat is needed  to heat 1lb of material by 1 Fahrenheit.

316L / 316 Stainless Steel Properties

316L / 316 Steel Hot work

All the usual hot working processes can be performed and are done in a temperature range of 2100 - 2300°F (1149 - 1260°C). Hot working should be avoided below the temperature of 1701°F (927°C).

Annealing is recommended post work to ensure the optimal corrosion resistance.

316L / 316 Steel cold work

The 316L / 316 is suitable for drawing, heading and can readily be shaped at room temperature. Through this process the steel becomes harder and stronger but also less ductile. Post work annealing should be done to restore some of the ductility.

316L / 316 Steel Density

Typically the density of 316L / 316 stainless steel is 0.289 lb/in3 (8.0g/cm3) at room temperature.

316L / 316 Steel thermal conductivity

The heat conductivity for 316L / 316 Steel is at 15.0 W/(m*K) (104 BTU/(h-ft*°F)) at room temperature.

316L / 316 Steel thermal expansion coefficient

The following table shows expansion or contraction at various temperatures, which may be very important for high temperature works or when working with high temperature changes.

316L / 316 Steel specific electrical resistivity

You can find the temperature dependent material constant (Resistivity) in the following table. The electrical conductivity is the reciprocal value of the specific resistance.

316L / 316 Steel modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus)

The stress and strain modulus or modulus of elasticity (Young’s modulus) for the 316L / 316 stainless steel is at 28000 KSI (193 GPa).

Is 316L / 316 Steel a knife steel?

316L / 316 is not usually taken as knife steel. It does not have the edge retention needed due to the lower carbon. Though it has good toughness which gives it a resistance to chipping and breaking it again jeopardizes edge retention. The lower carbon content makes this steel softer compared to other knife steels this makes it easier to sharpen but will have to be sharpened more often.

316L / 316 Steel conclusion

These two stainless steel grades are widely used due to their excellent corrosion resistance. They offer excellent resistance in a wide range of chemicals and find their use in chemical processing equipment but also in marine applications. 

Dual certification is given to the 316L / 316 which means both materials meet the chemical and mechanical properties and strictest requirements of both grades. This gives the user more flexibility  and the confidence to interchange the materials in applications either one is specified. 

316L / 316 Steel datasheet

As a steel supplier we provide you with the datasheet for 316L / 316 Stainless steel in PDF format.

316L / 316 Steel Steel alternatives or equivalent

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