316 and 316L are types of stainless steel, both falling under the austenitic stainless steel banner. These two grades of steel are widely used in various industries due to their corrosion resistance, versatility, and performance under high temperatures. Within the steel world, 316 stainless steel is one of the most commonly used stainless steel grades. It contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and small amounts of other elements. In contrast, 316L is a low-carbon variant of 316 stainless steel, with the 'L' standing for 'Low Carbon'. 316L has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, compared to the maximum of 0.08% with 316 stainless steel.
Key Benefits of 316 & 316L Stainless
Corrosion Resistance Beyond Compare: Renowned for their
outstanding corrosion resistance, 316 and 316L stainless steel are the go-to
choices for applications demanding resilience against harsh environments,
chemicals, and corrosive elements. The molybdenum content in these grades
enhances their resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Versatility Across Industries: The versatility of 316 and
316L stainless steel extends across various sectors, including marine, chemical
processing, pharmaceuticals, and more. Their ability to withstand extreme
conditions, coupled with excellent weldability, makes them indispensable in
critical applications.
High Temperature Performance: With a higher nickel content
than 304 stainless steel, 316 and 316L exhibit exceptional performance at
elevated temperatures. This makes them ideal for applications involving
exposure to heat, such as exhaust systems and industrial furnaces.
As a leading 316 and 316L stainless steel supplier UK, we stock 316 and 316L stainless steel plate and sheet in thicknesses from 1mm to 100mm, available as full plates or precision-cut profiles to meet your exact requirements. As an established 316 and 316L stockholder UK, we offer fast nationwide delivery throughout the whole of the UK.
All our material is supplied fully certified with EN10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates as needed. Additional client or third party inspections of material is also available on request with all our material.
Have any requirements for 316 & 316L Stainless plates or profiles? Get in touch today!
