316L Stainless Steel

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 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.

Composition

Table 1. Composition ranges for 316L stainless steel.

Grade		C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Mo	Ni	N
316L	Min	-	-	-	-	-	16.0	2.00	10.0	-
Max	0.03	2.0	0.75	0.045	0.03	18.0	3.00	14.0	0.10

Mechanical Properties

Table 2. Mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel.

Grade	Tensile Str (MPa) min	Yield Str 0.2% Proof (MPa) min	Elong (% in 50 mm) min	Hardness
Rockwell B (HR B) max	Brinell (HB) max
316L	485	170	40	95	217

Machining

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.

Hot and Cold Working

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.

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