DIFFERENCES BETWEES SS-316 AND SS-316L By: Adrianus Prima M / 80900127

1. Background

SS stands for Stainless steel under SAE steel grades system

designation. SAE steel grades classify 300 Series as austenitic chromiumnickel alloys. Besides classifying stainless steel, SAE steel grades system also classify High-strength low-alloy steel, used in cable marker and cable tray marker. Grade 316 is the standard molybdenum-bearing grade, second most widely used next to 304 amongst the austenitic stainless steels. The molybdenum gives 316 better overall corrosion resistant properties than SS 304, particularly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. Grade 316 also has outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections. SS 316 is usually regarded as the standard marine grade stainless steel, but it is not resistant to warm sea water. In many marine environments 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish. Compared to chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels, 316L stainless steel offers higher creep, stress to rupture and tensile strength at elevated temperatures. SS 316L stainless steel tends to work harden if machined too quickly. For this reason low speeds and constant feed rates are recommended
Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) At 100C 16.3 At 500C 21.5

Carbon, and alloy steel. In

E&I of offshore production system, SS-316 and SS-316L usually being

Grade

Density (kg/m3)

Elastic Modulus (GPa) 193

Mean Co-eff of Thermal Expansion (m/m/C) 0-100C 15.9 0-315C 16.2 0-538C 17.5

Specific Heat 0100C (J/kg.K) 500

Elec Resistivity (n.m) 740

316/L/H

8000

Table 1. Typical physical properties for 316 grade stainless steels

2. Composition

The composition between the two steel is not quite different with SS

316 consist of Fe, <0.08% C, 16-18.5% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Mo, <2% Mn, <1% Si, <0.045% P, <0.03% S and SS 316L consist of Fe, <0.03% C, 16-18.5% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Mo, <2% Mn, <1% Si, <0.045% P, <0.03% S. So the differences only on the carbon percentage, with the SS316 has maximal 0,08% of C and SS316L has maximal 0,03% of C.

3. Properties Comparison
Even though the composition differences of SS316 and SS316 L only on a small fraction of the Carbon, the properties are quite different. Grade 316L is immune from sensitization of corrosive material. Continuous use of 316 in the 425-860C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important. Grade 316L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range. The lack of C in SS316L compared to SS316 affect the tensile and yield strength it could withstand. So the SS316 have a bigger tensile and yield strength compared to SS316L. SS316L stainless steel is also easier to machine compared to 316 stainless steel due its lower carbon content. Both of this steel has excellent weldability by all standard fusion and resistance methods, both with and without filler metals. But, generally 316L is easier to be welded because of its low carbon. Heavy welded sections in Grade 316 require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance. This is not required for 316L. 316L stainless steel is not generally weldable using oxyacetylene welding methods. SS316 cannot be hardened by thermal treatment but SS316L could be hardened using cold working.
Yield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) min 205 170 Elong (% in 50mm) min 40 40 B) max 95 95 Hardness Rockwell B (HR Brinell (HB) max 217 217

Grade 316 316L

Tensile Str (MPa) min 515 485

Table 1. Mechanical properties comparison of 316 grade stainless steels.

Even though the also share some properties such as both 316 and 316L has excellent performance in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media - generally more resistant than SS 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500mg/L at 60C. Both steel also has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870C and in continuous service to 925C. Solution treatment (Annealing) could be done on both steel by heating to 1010-1120C and cool rapidly.

4. Application
SS316 usually regarded as the standard marine grade stainless steel so it is widely used in the marine environment. SS 316L is immune from sensitization of corrosive material. Thus it is extensively used in heavy gauge welded components (over about 6mm). The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures such as in LNG tank. In the cable ladder marker, SS316 is used in Fixing Bolt/Nut and SS316L is used in cable ladder.

5. Conclusion

SS 316L is immune from sensitization of corrosive material. SS 316L

is could be used in higher temperature than SS316. SS316 have a bigger tensile and yield strength compared to SS316L. SS316L stainless steel is also easier to machine compared to 316 stainless steel due its lower carbon content. SS 316L is easier to be welded because of its low carbon. Heavy welded sections in Grade 316 require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance, this is not required for 316L. 316L stainless steel is not generally weldable using oxyacetylene welding methods. SS316 cannot be hardened by thermal treatment but SS316L could be hardened using cold working. Reference:
Atlas Specialty Metals Atlas Steel Australia

http://www.azom.com http://arengr.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/aisi-sae-steel-grades.pdf