What is the difference between sus 316 and sus 316L?
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What is SUS316 material?
SUS316 is a grade of austenitic stainless steel, also known globally as AISI 316, that is superior to SUS304 due to the addition of 2–3% molybdenum. This makes it highly resistant to corrosion from chlorides and other chemicals, making it ideal for marine, medical, and chemical processing applications. The "SUS" designation comes from the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).
What is the meaning of SUS 316L?
SUS 316L means "Steel Use Stainless" grade 316L, according to the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) designation. It refers to a type of austenitic stainless steel with a low carbon content, which is highly resistant to corrosion and is ideal for welding.
What is the difference between sus 316 and sus 316L?
The main difference between SUS 316 and SUS 316L lies in their carbon content; 316L has a lower carbon content (0.03%) than 316 (0.08%). The lower carbon content of 316L makes it less prone to carbide precipitation during welding, thus eliminating the need for post-weld annealing to improve corrosion resistance, making it ideal for welding applications. 316 has slightly higher yield strength and tensile strength than 316L.
What are the differences between SUS 316 and SUS 316L grades?
| Grade | Standard | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| SUS 316 | JIS G4303 / G4304 | ASTM 316 / EN 1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| SUS 316L | JIS G4303 / G4304 | ASTM 316L / EN 1.4404 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
Chemical Composition (Typical Values)
| Element | SUS 316 | SUS 316L |
|---|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Cr (Chromium) | 16.0 – 18.0% | 16.0 – 18.0% |
| Ni (Nickel) | 10.0 – 14.0% | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Mo (Molybdenum) | 2.0 – 3.0% | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Mn (Manganese) | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 2.0% |
| Si (Silicon) | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 1.0% |
| Fe (Iron) | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | SUS 316 | SUS 316L |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 515 | ≥ 485 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 205 | ≥ 170 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 217 | ≤ 217 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
SUS 316 vs. SUS 316L: Corrosion Resistance
Comparing the Corrosion Resistance of 316 Stainless SteelSUS 316L offers superior corrosion resistance compared to SUS 316, particularly in welded applications, due to its lower carbon content. This reduced carbon in 316L prevents the formation of corrosive chromium carbide precipitates in the heat-affected zone during welding, which can lead to intergranular corrosion in standard SUS 316. Both alloys are highly corrosion-resistant, but the "L" grade is the better choice for applications that involve welding.
SUS 316 vs. SUS 316L: Weldability
SUS 316L is superior to SUS 316 for welding because its lower carbon content prevents weld decay (sensitization and intergranular corrosion) without needing post-weld heat treatment. While both grades can be welded, 316 is more susceptible to this form of corrosion and typically requires annealing to restore corrosion resistance in welded areas. For projects requiring extensive welding, especially in corrosive environments, 316L is the better choice.
SUS 316 vs. SUS 316L: Formability
Both SUS 316 and SUS 316L have excellent formability, meaning they are both easily bent, stretched, and shaped without cracking. The main difference is that 316L has superior weldability due to its lower carbon content, which makes it the preferred choice for applications involving heavy-gauge welding and where post-weld corrosion resistance is crucial.
If you are sourcing corrosion-resistant stainless steel for industrial or marine environments, choosing between SUS 316 and SUS 316L is essential.
At Gnee, we supply both grades of stainless steel in various forms-plates, coils, tubes, and bars-all certified to JIS, ASTM, EN, and ISO standards. With over 18 years of export experience and a monthly stock of more than 2,000 tons, Gnee provides reliable quality, fast delivery, and tailored processing solutions for your project needs.
✅ Available Forms:
Plates / Sheets: Thickness 0.3 – 100 mm, surface finish 2B, BA, No.4, HL, Mirror
Coils / Strips: Cold-rolled or hot-rolled, cut-to-length or slit edges
Pipes / Tubes: Seamless & welded, OD 6 – 600 mm
Bars / Rods: Round, square, hexagonal, customized cut lengths
✅ Processing Services:
Laser cutting, CNC bending, polishing, welding, punching
Surface treatments: Pickling, mirror polishing, brushing
Moisture-proof packaging with wooden pallets and steel straps
Fast delivery within 7–15 days
✅ Certifications:
ISO 9001, SGS, BV, and mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1)
