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Grade 316L, the low carbon version of 316 and is immune from sensitization (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.
SAE 316L grade stainless steel, sometimes referred to as A4 stainless steel or marine grade stainless steel, is the second most common austenitic stainless steel after 304/A2 stainless steel. Its primary alloying constituents after iron, are chromium (between 16-18%), nickel (10-12%) and molybdenum (2-3%), up to 2% manganese, with small (<1%) quantities of silicon, phosphorus & sulfur also present. The addition of molybdenum provides greater corrosion resistance than 304, with respect to localized corrosive attack by chlorides and to general corrosion by reducing acids, and other acids such as sulfuric acid; while sulfur is added to improve ease-of-tooling/machinability. 316L grade is the low carbon version of 316 stainless steel, which improves relative corrosion-resistance. When cold worked, 316 can produce high yield and tensile strengths similar to Duplex stainless grades.
It is commonly used in chemical and petrochemical industry, in food processing, pharmaceutical equipment, medical devices, jewellery, luxury watches (especially diver's watches), in potable water piping, wastewater treatment,[5] in marine applications[6] and architectural applications near the seashore or in urban areas.
The table below provides the compositional ranges of grade 316L stainless steels:
Composition ranges of grade 316L stainless steels
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| Grade | UNS | DIN | EN | AMS | ASTM | JIS | |
| 316L | S31603 | - | 1.4404 | AMS 5507 | ASTM A240 ASTM A666 |
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When determining whether to use 316 or 316L stainless steel for your application, it is important to consider the following factors:
316L is the superior choice for high corrosion and high temperature applications. Since 316L contains less carbon than 316, it has better intergranular corrosion resistance, meaning its welds won't decay, unlike with 316 stainless steel.
Although 316L contains less carbon, 316 and 316L stainless steels cost approximately the same.
316 stainless steel has very low responsiveness to magnetic fields. Unlike basic stainless steels, which are ferromagnetic, most stainless steel varieties (including 316) are austenitic - or effectively nonmagnetic.
However, some 316 stainless steel goods can undergo processes, like cold forming and welding, where the austenitic crystal structure is transformed into ferromagnetic martensite. 316L steel is more susceptible to gaining some degree of magnetism.
Both types of stainless steel are useful in a wide variety of industries. However, 316 is primarily used in construction and infrastructure because it is strong, resistant to pitting, and corrosion resistant in most circumstances. 316L is popular for pharmaceutical and photography equipment because it can withstand welding and corrosive chemicals.
Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media - generally more resistant than 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60 °C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000 mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500 mg/L at 60 °C.
316 is usually regarded as the standard "marine grade stainless steel", but it is not resistant to warm seawater. In many marine environments, 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish.
Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870 °C and in continuous service to 925 °C. Continuous use of 316 in the 425-860 °C 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.
Solution Treatment (Annealing) - Heat to 1010-1120 °C and cool rapidly. These grades cannot be hardened by thermal treatment.
Excellent weldability by all standard fusion and resistance methods, both with and without filler metals. 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.
316L stainless steel tends to work harden if machined too quickly. For this reason, low speeds and constant feed rates are recommended.
316L stainless steel is also easier to machine compared to 316 stainless steel due to its lower carbon content.
316L stainless steel can be hot worked using the most common hot working techniques. Optimal hot working temperatures should be in the range 1150-1260 °C, and certainly should not be less than 930 °C. Post-work annealing should be carried out to induce maximum corrosion resistance.
Most common cold working operations such as shearing, drawing, and stamping can be performed on 316L stainless steel. Post-work annealing should be carried out to remove internal stresses.
316L stainless steel does not harden in response to heat treatments. It can be hardened by cold working, which can also result in increased strength.
Typical applications include:
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