uns31600 vs.uns 31603 stainless steel
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For procurement professionals in industries like chemical processing, marine engineering, food equipment, or medical device manufacturing, choosing between UNS 31600 and UNS 31603 stainless steel can directly impact project costs, performance, and longevity. While both belong to the 316 family-renowned for superior corrosion resistance due to molybdenum addition-key differences in composition and properties make them suited for distinct scenarios.
What is the uns s31600?
Type 316 (UNS 31600) is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel alloy containing molybdenum. This addition increases corrosion resistance, improves resistance to pitting chloride ion solutions and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures.
What is UNS S31603?
UNS S31603 refers to 316L stainless steel, a low-carbon variant of the 316 stainless steel grade. It is an austenitic chromium-nickel steel. The "L" in 316L refers to its low carbon content, which helps prevent sensitization during welding, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring resistance to intergranular corrosion.
Difference Between SS316 and SS316L - Chemical Composition
|
SS316 and SS316L Chemical Composition (%) |
|||||||||
|
UNS |
Grade |
C, ≤ |
Si, ≤ |
Mn, ≤ |
P, ≤ |
S, ≤ |
Ni |
Cr |
Mo |
|
UNS S31600 |
316 |
0.08 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.045 |
0.030 |
10.0-14.0 |
16.0-18.0 |
2.0-3.0 |
|
UNS S31603 |
316L |
0.03 |
1.00 |
2.00 |
0.045 |
0.030 |
10.0-14.0 |
16.0-18.0 |
2.0-3.0 |
SS316 vs SS316L Mechanical Properties
| ASTM Type |
AISI Type |
Conditions |
Tensile Strength, MPa(ksi), ≥ |
0.2% Yield Strength, MPa(ksi),≥ |
Elongation in 50 mm (2 in.), %, ≥ |
Reduction of Area, %, ≥ |
Brinell Hardness (HBW), ≤ |
Rockwell Hardness (HRBW), ≤ |
Product forms |
|
ASTM A276/A276M |
316 |
Annealed, Hot finished |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
Bars and Shapes |
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
40 |
50 |
– |
– |
|||
|
316 |
Annealed, Cold finished, Dia.≤12.7 mm (0.5 in.) |
620 (90) |
310 (45) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
||
|
316L |
|||||||||
|
316 |
Annealed, Cold finished, Dia>12.7 mm (0.5 in.) |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
||
|
316L |
485 (70) |
170 (25) |
30 |
40 |
– |
– |
|||
|
ASTM A240/A240M |
316 |
515 (75) |
205 (30) |
40 |
– |
217 |
95 |
Plate, Sheet, and Strip |
Corrosion in Welded Structures:
UNS 31603 (316L) is the go-to choice for projects requiring extensive welding (e.g., chemical reactors, offshore platforms). Its low carbon content prevents chromium carbides from forming in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) during welding-these carbides deplete chromium near grain boundaries, making the material prone to intergranular corrosion in acidic or chloride-rich environments. For non-welded parts, UNS 31600 offers sufficient corrosion resistance at a lower cost.
Cost vs. Performance:
While 31603 costs 10–15% more than 31600, the premium is often justified in industries where corrosion failures are costly (e.g., pharmaceutical or offshore). For budget-sensitive projects with minimal welding (e.g., architectural trim), 31600 delivers reliable performance at a better price point.
What is the difference between SS316 and AISI 316?
The main difference between AISI 316 and SS 316 is in their composition. AISI 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. SS 316 contains 18% chromium, 12% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The additional chromium in SS 316 gives it better corrosion resistance than AISI 316.
who choose us?
Whether you need UNS 31600 stainless steel for cost-sensitive, non-welded components or UNS 31603 stainless steel for high-corrosion welded applications, we offer certified and fully traceable material (including mill test reports per EN 10204 3.1).
UNS S31600 (316) and UNS S31603 (316L) are widely used austenitic stainless steels, available in a variety of product forms, including: stainless steel plate (cold-rolled/hot-rolled), stainless steel round bar, hexagonal bar, angle, pipe (welded/seamless), coil, wire, flanges, butt-weld fittings, fasteners, and more.
Contact our technical team today with your project details (material form, dimensions, application) to receive a free, personalized quote and secure the best price! Email: info@gneestainless.cominfo@gneestainless.com
