316 vs 316L
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
316
Stainless Steel
316 adds 2–3% molybdenum to the 18-10 base of 304, which markedly improves pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride media. It is the standard marine and chemical-process stainless.
Standards: DIN 1.4401 · AISI 316 · JIS SUS316 · GB 06Cr17Ni12Mo2
316L
Stainless Steel
316L is the low-carbon version of 316 and the most specified molybdenum-bearing stainless for welded equipment. It combines chloride pitting resistance with freedom from weld sensitisation.
Standards: DIN 1.4404 · AISI 316L · JIS SUS316L · GB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 316 | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.08 | ≤0.030 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 16.00–18.00 | 16.00–18.00 |
| Ni | 10.00–14.00 | 10.00–14.00 |
| Mo | 2.00–3.00 | 2.00–3.00 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | 316 | 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness | ≤217 HB (annealed) | ≤217 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 515–690 MPa | 485–690 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥205 MPa | ≥170 MPa |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 316 · 316L. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.