316ln vs 316l stainless steel pipe
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316LN vs 316L Stainless Steel Pipe: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the right stainless steel pipe grade is critical for long-term performance, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, or offshore engineering. If you're comparing 316L and 316LN stainless steel pipes, this article will help you decide faster-with fewer risks and more confidence.
What is 316LN Stainless Steel Pipe?
316LN Stainless Steel Pipe is a high-performance stainless steel pipe based on 316L austenitic stainless steel, which is enhanced in strength and corrosion resistance by adding an appropriate amount of nitrogen (N) element (usually 0.10% to 0.16%) to the composition. It is a low-carbon, high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel with a standard grade of EN 1.4429 / UNS S31653 / X2CrNiMoN17-13-3.
What is dual certified 316/316L dual certified stainless steel pipe ?
Dual certified 316/316L means the material meets both 316 and 316L standards in terms of mechanical properties and chemical composition. It contains low carbon (≤0.030%) to minimize weld-related corrosion but also meets the tensile strength requirements of standard 316.
What is the difference between 316 and 316LN stainless steel?
| Feature | 316L Stainless Steel Pipe | 316LN Stainless Steel Pipe |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | EN 1.4404 / UNS S31603 | EN 1.4429 / UNS S31653 |
| Nitrogen content | ≤ 0.10% (usually trace) | 0.10–0.16% |
| Yield strength | ~220 MPa | ≥300 MPa |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Chloride resistance | High | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
What is the advantages of 316LN Better Than 316L?
316LN has nitrogen (N) added to the base composition of 316L. This slight change brings many benefits: 35-50% higher yield strength, improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, and is widely used in nuclear energy, pharmaceutical and clean room systems.
For Buyers: When to Choose 316LN Over 316L?
| Situation | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Need stronger pipes with same outer diameter | ✅ 316LN |
| Working with ultra-pure or high-chloride media | ✅ 316LN |
| Cryogenic applications (e.g. LNG, liquid nitrogen) | ✅ 316LN |
| Budget-limited but still need 316 quality | ✅ 316L |
| General-purpose welded pipework | ✅ 316L |
316L Stainless Steel Pipe Stock and Standards
316L Stainless Steel Pipe Standards:
ASTM A312 / A213 / A269
EN 10216-5, EN 10217-7
Available in welded and seamless form
316LN Stainless Steel Pipe Standards:
ASTM A312 (S31653)
EN 10216-5 (1.4429)
Seamless is preferred for critical-pressure systems
Ready to Choose? We Can Help
We supply seamless and welded 316LN / 316L stainless steel pipes with full traceability, 3.1/3.2 certification, and rapid delivery worldwide.
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📧 Contact our technical team today - we'll help you make the right choice based on your project specs and budget.
