Jiangsu Steel Group Co., Limited

Stainless steel manufacturer OEM & ODM

The differences between a 316L and a 316 grade

Inquiries : 153 - 2015/9/29 11:30:49

The differences between a 316L and 316 stainless steel grade aretwo-fold both in chemistry and mechanical properties.  The 316L grade hasa lower maximum carbon limit and the straight grade has increased mechanicalproperties.  If material is certified as straight grade, the carboncontent would have to be at a level of 0.030% maximum in order to be dualcertified as 316L/316 grade. (presumably the mechanicals would have alreadybeen met). If the material is certified as 316L that implies the carbon is a ta maximum level of 0.030% and this can only be certified to the straight gradeif the increased mechanicals are met. Below is  a summary comparing thetwo grades for both the stainless steel  flat bar and stainless steel round bar product.

SpecificationASTM

Grade

Carbon% max

TensileKsi   min

YieldKsi min

Elongation%   min

Reduction of   Area% min

A479-bar

316L  annealed

0.030

70

25

30

40

A479-bar

316annealed

0.080

75

30

30

40

A240-flat

316Lannealed

0.030

70

25

40

na

A240-flat

316annealed

0.080

75

30

40

na

If carbon is at or below 0.030% and tensile is at 75KSI min (andyield is at 30 min), the grade becomes dual certified.