What is 316L steel ? It is a specialised low carbon version of 316 stainless steel. It has enhanced weldability. Standard stainless steel can be exposed to post-weld corrosion, which it can avoid. It makes for strong and durable stainless steel pipe and fittings.
What is 316L Steel? The Weld-Friendly 316!
What is 316L steel? It is an austenitic stainless steel that is virtually identical to 316 steel, with the main difference being its carbon content. 316L steel has a lower maximum carbon content (0.03% vs. 0.08%), and this lower carbon minimises chromium carbide precipitation. This low carbon minimises chromium carbide precipitation and greatly improves post-weld corrosion resistance.
Core Advantages
The low carbon content prevents sensitisation and means that the weld is resistant to intergranular corrosion.
316L steel is particularly easy to weld and has a low risk of welding defects. Ensures strong and reliable stainless steel pipe joints.
Like 316 steel, 316L steel resists pitting and crevice corrosion. It is resistant to chlorides and a wide range of acids. This extensive protection extends the service life of components and is suitable for demanding chemical processes.
316L has good mechanical properties, performs well at high temperatures and is creep resistant. It is stable in heat processing applications.
Ideal for a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, pharmaceuticals and marine. Can handle corrosive media and high temperatures.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Cr | Ni | Mo | C | Mn | Si | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 | ≤0.03 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 |
What We Do
Typical Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation | Hardness (HRB) | Density | Melting Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥485MPa(70ksi) | ≥170MPa(25ksi) | ≥40 | ≤95 | 8.0g/cm³ | 1370−1400°C |
316L Steel in Stainless Steel Pipe and Fittings
- Welded Piping Systems: For all welded piping, including chemical process lines.
- Pharmaceutical equipment: Welded vessels, pipes and fittings. Meets stringent hygiene requirements and maintains purity during processing.
- Marine applications: offshore platforms and ship pipework. Resists salt spray and seawater corrosion, keeping welded parts strong.
- Food & Beverage (corrosive): For processes involving corrosive detergents or brines. Ensures the long-term integrity of welded tanks and pipelines.
- Heat exchangers: Welded heat exchanger tubes. Handles corrosive fluids at high temperatures.
Sourcing 316 Steel Pipes and Fittings
Look for compliance with ASTM standards. ASTM A312 covers seamless and welded stainless steel pipe. ASTM A403 covers wrought austenitic stainless steel fittings.
Ensure that pipes and fittings are of the required size. This includes specifications (e.g. Sch 10, Sch 40), for which a proper fit is essential.
View Stainless Steel Tube Specification Document
Work with reputable manufacturers. They offer reliable 316 steel products and have certifications(e.g. ISO 9001 and CE-PED).
Contact Us
- RM901 No.22 Tangjiaqiao Road Wenzhou China
- +86 577 8551 1171
- [email protected]
- https://www.kaysuns.com/
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