316L stainless steel pipe is a widely used pipe in construction projects. The shape of the tube is an oblong hollow steel tube. Mechanical equipment, petrochemical equipment, food and light industrial transmission piping or mechanical components will use 316L stainless steel pipe, but many friends will confuse 316 L with 316. The following is a brief description of the difference between 316L stainless steel pipe and 316 stainless steel pipe.
1, the difference in production costs
316 L stainless steel contains low carbon content, easy to weld, so 316 L stainless steel pipe is more expensive than 316 stainless steel pipe, but the difference is not significant. In addition, 316 L stainless steel can also be called ultra-low carbon steel plate 316 stainless steel.
2, the difference in the strength of stainless steel pipe
316 stainless steel pipe tensile strength is higher than 316 L stainless steel pipe. 316 stainless steel pipe tensile strength is higher than 520 MPa ~ (316 L) stainless steel pipe. 316 stainless steel pipe tensile strength is only greater than 480 Mpa. This is because the element carbon is a strong austenite forming element, can significantly improve the strength of stainless steel pipe.
3, the difference between the practical application
The cost difference between 316 L stainless steel and 316 stainless steel is not significant, and the corrosion resistance and weldability of 316 L stainless steel is significantly better than that of ordinary 316 stainless steel. From the producer’s point of view, stainless steel factories are reluctant to produce because the demand for ordinary 316 stainless steel is very low. So the actual circulation in the market is basically low carbon 316 L stainless steel, general 316 stainless steel is rarely sold, unless there is a specific demand.
4、The difference of welding treatment
Carbon has a negative impact on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel tubes. Especially stainless steel that needs to be welded, the corrosion resistance of low carbon 316 L stainless steel after welding is lower than that of 316 stainless steel. I thought I could get it. Corrosion resistance is good, 316 stainless steel welded cross-section needs to be solid solution annealed after welding. If you use 316 L stainless steel, you do not need to weld after solution annealing.
5, the difference in corrosion resistance
316 L stainless steel pipe has stronger corrosion resistance and is suitable for strong corrosion areas such as the seaside. In addition, 316 stainless steel pipe is not recommended to consider the previous conditions.
6、Difference in the scope of use
In most cases, 304 stainless steel pipe is sufficient to meet the application requirements. As 316L stainless steel pipe is expensive, from the material cost, the use of 316L stainless steel pipe is about 1.5 times that of 304 stainless steel pipe, so the use of 316L steel pipe is advisable to customize.