These steels are the second most regularly specified stainless steels after 304 and are part of the SAE defined 300 Series which encompasses a range of austenitic chromium-nickel alloys. Austenitic stainless steels like Type 316 are widely available, have good general corrosion resistance, good cryogenic toughness, and excellent formability and weldability.
Type 316 has 2-3% Molybdenum included in its chemical composition which slows specific forms of corrosion and generally enhances its corrosion resistance. Type 316 is often referred to as “marine grade” stainless due to its increased resistance to chloride corrosion compared to 304 making it a very suitable material for use in salt water environments.
Type 316L is a variant of Type 316 and differs by having a lower carbon content as well as slightly lower yield and tensile strengths. Type 316L offers improved weldability and also reduces the possibility of lower corrosion resistance around welded areas.