Although 316 stainless steel pipe and 316L stainless steel pipe have only one letter difference literally, in fact they still have many differences.
1. The differences in production cost
316L stainless steel pipe has low carbon content and is easy to weld. Therefore, the price of 316L stainless steel pipe is more expensive than that of 316 stainless steel pipe, but the difference is not big. In addition, 316L stainless steel can also be called low-carbon steel 316 stainless steel.
2. The differences in strength of stainless steel pipe
The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is higher than that of 316L stainless steel pipe. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is higher than 520 MPa. The tensile strength of 316L stainless steel pipe is only greater than 480 Mpa. This is because carbon is a strong austenite forming element that can significantly increase the strength of stainless steel pipes.
3. The differences in corrosion resistance
316L stainless steel pipe has stronger corrosion resistance and is suitable for strong corrosion areas such as seaside.
4. The differences in welding treatment
Carbon has a negative effect on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel pipes, especially for stainless steel that needs to be welded. The corrosion resistance of low-carbon 316L stainless steel pipe after welding is higher than that of 316 stainless steel pipe. The welded section of 316 stainless steel pipe needs to be solution annealed after welding. If 316L stainless steel pipe is used, solution annealing after welding is not required.
