Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade, second in
importance to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels. The
molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than
Grade 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice
corrosion in chloride environments.Grade 316L, the low carbon
version of 316 and is immune from sensitisation (grain boundary carbide
precipitation). Thus it is extensively used in heavy gauge welded
components (over about 6mm). There is commonly no appreciable price
difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel.The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures.Compared
to chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels, 316L stainless steel
offers higher creep, stress to rupture and tensile strength at elevated
temperatures.
Composition
Table 1. Composition ranges for 316L stainless steels.Grade CMnSiP CrMoNiN316LMin-----16.02.0010.0-Max0.032.00.750.0450.0318.03.0014.00.10
Mechanical Properties
Table 2. Mechanical properties of 316L stainless steels.GradeTensile Str (MPa) minYield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) minElong (% in 50mm) minHardnessRockwell B (HR B) maxBrinell (HB) max316L4851704095217