AISI 316 vs 316L Stainless Steel, Difference of SS316 & SS316L Properties Composition Yield Strength Density

Both AISI 316 vs 316L stainless steel are molybdenum (Mo) containing austenitic stainless steel grades. The main difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel is the level of carbon content, weldability, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. SS316 has a 0.08% max carbon content while SS316L (UNS S31603) only has a maximum 0.03% carbon content. Since SS 316L has a much lower carbon content than SS316, the welding of 316L stainless steel is better than SS 316. In addition, AISI 316 might lead to stress-corrosion cracking or dimensional instability in service after welding, so postweld heat treatment is required for stress relief to reduce intergranular corrosion or stress-assisted intergranular corrosion, while SS316L generally does not have these problems. SS316L can be used in applications where annealing cannot be performed after welding and maximum corrosion resistance is required.