The Difference between 316 Stainless Steel Welded Pipe and 316L Stainless Steel Welded Pipe

316L stainless steel welded pipe is a widely used in mechanical equipment, petrochemical equipment, medical equipment, food and light industry pipelines or mechanical parts. There is only one letter difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel welded pipes. What is their essential difference? Now 316 is replaced by 316L stainless steel welded pipe in market. So what is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel welded pipe?

1. Cost

316L welded pipe has lower carbon content and is more convenient to weld. Therefore, the price of 316L stainless steel welded pipe is a bit higher than 316 stainless steel welded pipe. In addition, 316L welded pipe can also be called ultra-low carbon 316 stainless steel.

2. Corrosion resistance

316L stainless steel welded pipe has stronger corrosion resistance and is suitable for strong corrosion areas such as seaside and seawater.

3. The difference in intensity

The tensile strength of 316L stainless steel welded pipe is higher than 316 welded pipe. The tensile strength of 316L stainless steel welded pipe is higher than 520MPa. The tensile strength of 316 welded pipe is only higher than 480Mpa. It is because carbon is a strong austenite forming element that can increase the strength of stainless steel welded pipes.

4. Differences in welding

Carbon (C) has a negative effect on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel welded pipes. Especially for stainless steel welded pipes, the corrosion resistance of low-carbon TP316L welded pipes after welding is lower than that of 316 welded pipes. Good corrosion resistance, 316 stainless steel welded section needs to be solid solution annealed after welding which 316L stainless steel pipe not required.

Based on the above factors, the current market are low-carbon 316L stainless steel welded pipe. Generally, 316 welded pipe is rarely in the market unless there is a specific demand. Changsha HCADTO Stainless Steel Co., Ltd. We are positioned as a stainless steel supplier and exporter, happy to introduce you the knowledge of stainless steel pipe. Following use to know more about stainless steel.