316L Vs. 316LVD Stainless Steel Sheet: Key Differences
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What is 316L stainless steel plate?
316L stainless steel is a low-carbon, austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum, offering superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 304 stainless steel. Its lower carbon content ("L") makes it ideal for welded components, minimizing carbide precipitation and improving weldability. This durable, easily formable material is widely used in marine, chemical, pharmaceutical, and construction applications.
What is 316LVD stainless steel plate?
316LVD stainless steel plate is a vacuum-degassed, low-carbon variant of 316L stainless steel designed to meet the high cleanliness and purity requirements of the pharmaceutical, medical, and food processing industries. It offers the same excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and mechanical properties as standard 316L, but with lower inclusion content and a smoother surface finish.
Typically, 316LVD stainless steel plate is produced in accordance with EN 1.4404/EN 1.4435 standards in thicknesses ranging from 0.3 mm to 50 mm. It offers a tensile strength of 480-620 MPa and an elongation exceeding 40%, ensuring excellent performance in sanitary and vacuum applications.
316L vs. 316LVD Stainless Steel Sheet: Key Differences
1. Material Standards and Definition
| Grade | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 316L | ASTM A240 / A276 / A312 | Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, ideal for corrosion-resistant applications |
| 316LVD | ASTM A240 / A276 | 316L grade produced by vacuum degassing, reducing sulfur, oxygen, and other impurities for improved weldability and corrosion performance |
Key Point:Vacuum degassing in 316LVD enhances cleanliness, making it suitable for critical applications like chemical reactors,pharmaceutical equipment, and marine environments.
2. Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | 316L | 316LVD |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0 – 18.0% | 16.0 – 18.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0 – 14.0% | 10.0 – 14.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0 – 3.0% | 2.0 – 3.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 2.0% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
Key Difference:316LVD has lower sulfur and oxygen content, which reduces inclusions and improves corrosion resistance, especially in welded structures.
3. Mechanical Properties
| Property | 316L | 316LVD |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485 – 620 | 485 – 620 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 170 | ≥ 170 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 95 | ≤ 95 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Both grades have similar mechanical properties, but 316LVD ensures better performance in welded or heavily machined components due to reduced impurity levels.
Applications of 316L vs. 316LVD
| Grade | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| 316L | Chemical tanks, piping, marine fittings, food processing equipment, heat exchangers |
| 316LVD | Pharmaceutical equipment, surgical instruments, marine hardware, chemical reactors, cryogenic equipment |
5. Surface Finish Options
Both grades are available in a variety of surface finishes depending on application:
2B finish – standard mill finish, smooth surface, ideal for general applications
No.1 finish – hot-rolled, annealed surface for industrial use
No.4 finish – brushed finish, commonly used in architectural applications
Electropolished – mirror-like, enhances corrosion resistance and hygienic applications
316L vs. 316LVD Stainless Steel Plate & Coil Specification
| Specification | 316L | 316LVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.3 – 14 mm | 0.3 – 14 mm |
| Width | 100 – 2000 mm | 100 – 2000 mm |
| Length | Coils / Sheets | Coils / Sheets |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed | Annealed / Vacuum Degassed |
| Certifications | ASTM, ISO, SGS, BV | ASTM, ISO, SGS, BV |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent, superior for critical welds |
| Machinability | Good | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior, especially in welded joints |
How to choose?
316L is an ideal choice for general corrosion-resistant applications and a cost-effective solution. 316LVD is well-suited for critical, highly weldable, or high-purity applications, such as chemical reactors, pharmaceuticals, and marine equipment.
GNEE has over 18 years of export experience in stainless steel plates, coils, and pipes. As a factory-direct supplier with strict quality control, our products comply with ISO, SGS, and BV certifications. We maintain comprehensive stock of 316L and 316LVD stainless steel products and offer customized services including cutting, polishing, electropolishing, punching, and bending. All items are packaged with moisture-proof and anti-corrosion protection for global shipping.
Packaging and Delivery
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Package | Standard export seaworthy packaging: waterproof paper, edge protection, wooden pallets or crates |
| Loading Port | Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, or other China seaports |
| Container Capacity | 1×20ft: Max 25 Tons, Max 5.8m length 1×40ft: Max 25 Tons, Max 11.8m length |
| Delivery Time | 7–15 working days depending on order quantity |
| Special Packaging | Anti-corrosion film, plastic wrapping, or customized packaging for medical/pharma applications |
