There are very few 316 stainless steel on the market. The upper limit of carbon content of 316 stainless steel is 0.08%, while the upper limit of carbon content of 316L stainless steel is 0.03%. Because the current refining technology is very mature, steel mills can reduce the carbon content very well, and the market demand for 316 stainless steel is not large, so steel stock holders usually only provide 316L stainless steel, 316 stainless steel is needed to order fresh production from the steel mill.
316 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel are also different in performance because of their different carbon contents. The higher the carbon content is, the easier it is to initiate intergranular corrosion. Higher carbon content will also enhance the tensile and yield strength of 316L stainless steel. The upper limits of tensile strength and yield strength of 316 stainless steel are 515 and 205 MPa (ASTM A240M standard), The upper limits of tensile strength and yield strength of 316L stainless steel are 485 and 170 MPa (ASTM A240M standard), respectively. And the elongation and hardness of 316 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel are the same as HB217 and 40% respectively.
According to the above data, 316L stainless steel can be used if welding is needed. If there is no need for welding, it is necessary to use 316 stainless steel for higher strength requirements.
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