316 and 316L stainless steels are both austenitic stainless steels with similar corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, but they have some differences primarily in their carbon content and applications. This comparison will outline their chemical composition, properties, corrosion resistance, welding characteristics, and typical applications.


1. Chemical Composition

The primary difference between 316 and 316L is the carbon content.

Table 1: Chemical Composition

nach Extrusionsabschrecken und künstlicher Alterung HBS≥80Edelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
Chrom (Cr)16-18%16-18%
Nickel (Ni)10-14%10-14%
Molybdän (Mo)2-3%2-3%
Kohlenstoff (C)≤ 0.08%≤ 0.03%
Eisen (Fe)BalanceBalance

2. Mechanical Properties

Both grades exhibit similar mechanical properties, but the lower carbon content in 316L often leads to better resistance to corrosion and better weldability.

Table 2: Mechanical Properties

EigentumEdelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
Streckgrenze (MPa)290 – 600290 – 600
Zugfestigkeit (MPa)580 – 750580 – 750
Dehnung (%)40% or higher40% or higher
Härte (Rockwell B)70-9070-90

3. Corrosion Resistance

Both grades offer excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, but 316L has an advantage in certain applications due to its lower carbon content, which reduces the risk of carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.

Table 3: Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion TypeEdelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
General CorrosionVery goodVery good
Pitting ResistanceExzellentExzellent
SpannungsrisskorrosionMäßigBetter resistance
Intergranular CorrosionPossible if improperly weldedLower risk due to lower carbon content

4. Weldability

Weldability is an important factor in the selection of stainless steel grades for construction.

Table 4: Weldability Comparison

FeatureEdelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
General WeldabilityGood, but needs care to avoid carbide precipitationExcellent, lower carbon reduces risk of carbide formation
Pre-Weld TreatmentGenerally not requiredGenerally not required
Post-Weld TreatmentMay require annealing to restore propertiesGenerally does not require post-weld treatment

5. Applications

The choice between 316 and 316L often depends on specific application requirements, especially regarding corrosion resistance and welding conditions.

Table 5: Typical Applications

Application AreaEdelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
MarineanwendungenBoat fittings, marine hardwareMore commonly used for submerged applications where corrosion is critical
Chemische VerarbeitungTanks and piping for various chemicalsPreferred in environments with chlorine and high salinity
Food and Pharmaceutical IndustryLebensmittelverarbeitungsgerätePreferred for hygienic applications; less likely to corrode or rust
Welding FabricationsStructural applications requiring high strengthUsed for thin-walled sections to reduce distortion during welding
Oil and Gas SectorValves, piping, and equipmentUsed in environments exposed to corrosive media

Summary of Differences

FeatureEdelstahl 316Edelstahl 316L
Carbon Content≤ 0.08%≤ 0.03%
KorrosionsbeständigkeitGood, with potential for intergranular corrosionBetter due to lower carbon content
SchweißbarkeitGood, but care neededExcellent, reduced risk of corrosion
KostenIm Allgemeinen niedrigerSlightly higher due to lower carbon content and greater alloying
AnwendungenGeneral purpose applications, marineChlorine and high salinity environments, food/pharma industries

Fazit

Both 316 and 316L stainless steels are excellent choices for applications requiring high corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. The selection between them typically revolves around the specific environmental conditions and requirements like welding or susceptibility to intergranular corrosion.

  • Edelstahl 316 is suitable for a wide range of applications, but care must be taken during welding and in corrosive environments.
  • Edelstahl 316L offers enhanced resistance against intergranular corrosion and is preferred for more demanding conditions, especially when welding is involved.

Selecting the right grade is essential for ensuring the performance and longevity of components in various industries.