1. The difference in production cost
316 L stainless steel has low carbon content and is easy to weld, so the price of 316 L stainless steel pipe is more expensive than that of 316 stainless steel pipe, but the difference is not big. In addition, 316 L stainless steel can also be called low carbon steel 316 stainless steel.
2. Differences in the strength of stainless steel pipes
The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is higher than that of 316 L stainless steel pipe. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is higher than that of 520 MPa~(316 L) stainless steel pipe. The tensile strength of 316 stainless steel pipe is only greater than 480 Mpa. This is because carbon is a strong austenite-forming element that can significantly improve the strength of stainless steel pipes.
3. The difference in corrosion resistance
316 L stainless steel pipe has stronger corrosion resistance and is suitable for strong corrosion areas such as seaside. In addition, 316 stainless steel pipe is not recommended considering previous conditions.
4. The difference of welding treatment
Carbon has a negative effect on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel pipes. Especially the stainless steel that needs to be welded, the corrosion resistance of low carbon 316 L stainless steel after welding is higher than that of 316 stainless steel. The welded section of 316 stainless steel needs to be solution annealed after welding. Solution annealing after welding is not required if 316 L stainless steel is used.
5. The difference in the scope of use
In most cases, 304 stainless steel pipe is sufficient for the application. Since 316L stainless steel pipe is expensive, from the perspective of material cost, the usage of 304 stainless steel pipe is about 1.5 times that of 316L stainless steel pipe, so the usage amount of 316L steel pipe should be customized.