316L – Ultra-Low Carbon Austenitic Steel: Welded Structures’ Corrosion-Proof Solution

Overview

316L is the ultra-low carbon variant of 316 stainless steel, with a carbon content limited to ≤ 0.03% to eliminate the risk of intergranular corrosion. By reducing carbon content, it prevents the precipitation of chromium carbides at grain boundaries during welding or high-temperature service (450-850°C), avoiding "chromium depletion" and ensuring long-term corrosion resistance. It retains the same core alloy composition (16.00-18.00% Cr, 10.00-14.00% Ni, 2.00-3.00% Mo) as 316, maintaining excellent chloride corrosion resistance. Non-magnetic, highly ductile, and easy to weld, 316L is specifically designed for large welded structures and thick-section components where post-weld heat treatment is not feasible.

Chemical Composition (wt%)

C ≤ 0.03, Si ≤ 1.00, Mn ≤ 2.00, P ≤ 0.040, S ≤ 0.030, Cr: 16.00-18.00, Ni: 10.00-14.00, Mo: 2.00-3.00, N ≤ 0.10

Typical Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Tensile Strength (Rm): ≥ 485 MPa; Yield Strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 170 MPa; Elongation (A): ≥ 40%; Brinell Hardness (HB): ≤ 217

Core Advantages

Ultra-low carbon content prevents intergranular corrosion in welded joints; no post-weld heat treatment required; superior chloride corrosion resistance inherited from 316; excellent low-temperature toughness; non-magnetic and easy to form; ideal for large welded structures.

Applications

Seawater desalination plants, large chemical storage tanks, pharmaceutical and food processing pipelines, offshore platform structures, cryogenic storage vessels, and medical instruments.

Equivalent Grades

UNS S31603, STS316L, SUS316L, EN 1.4404, GB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2

Stainless Steel Suppliers

If you have project requirements for stainless steel, we welcome your order. GNEE has a large inventory of popular products for you to choose from. It can be processed into various practical product forms, including plates, coils, tubes, bars, wires, etc. For detailed chemical composition information and free samples, please contact our factory immediately. We offer competitive prices and excellent service.Email: info@gneestainless.com

 

Testing and Documentation: Factory test certificate, EN 10204 3.1, chemical report, mechanical report, destructive testing report, non-destructive testing report, PMI test report, visual inspection report, third-party inspection report, NABL certified laboratory report.
Packaging: Wooden crate packaging, bubble wrap packaging, steel strapping, or packaging according to customer requirements.