Physical properties of 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 (AISI316) and 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 (AISI316L) steels

The Physical Properties of AISI 316 and AISI 316L Steels

AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) 316 and AISI 316L are two commonly used stainless steel grades. AISI 316 and AISI 316L are both austenitic stainless steels, mainly composed of an iron-based alloy containing nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. However, AISI 316L contains a lower percentage of carbon than AISI 316, making it a preferred choice for resistance to corrosion. The mechanical and physical properties of AISI 316 and AISI 316L are discussed below.

Density and Specific Gravity

The density of stainless steel AISI 316 is 7.98 g/cm³, and the specific gravity is 8.03 g/cm³. The density of AISI 316L is 7.93 g/cm³, and the specific gravity is 7.99 g/cm³. Both densities are similar, however the AISI 316L grade is slightly less dense due to its low carbon content.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of AISI 316 and AISI 316L is similar except AISI 316L has a lower carbon content. The chemical composition of AISI 316 consists of 11 – 15.5 % chromium, 2 – 3.5 % molybdenum, 2 – 3 % nickel, and 0.15 – 0.3 % carbon. The chemical composition of AISI 316L consists of 11 – 15.5 % chromium, 2 – 3.5 % molybdenum, 2 – 3 % nickel, and 0.03 % carbon.

Strength, Hardness and Elasticity

The tensile strength of AISI 316 is 538 MPa whereas the tensile strength of AISI 316L is 454 MPa. Furthermore, the yield strength of AISI 316 is 207 MPa and that of AISI 316L is 173 MPa. The maximum hardness of AISI 316 is 88 HRB whereas that of AISI 316L is 88 HRB. The modulus of elasticity for AISI 316 is 193 GPa and that of AISI 316L is 193 GPa.

Thermal Properties

The melting point of AISI 316 and AISI 316L is 1454 – 1458°C and 1399 – 1454°C respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient of AISI 316 is 17.2 μm/m-°K and that of AISI 316L is 15.9 μm/m-°K. AISI 316 also has a thermal conductivity of 16.2 W/m-K, while AISI 316L has a thermal conductivity of 15.9 W/m-K. AISI 316 has a slightly higher coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity compared to AISI 316L, which reflects the higher carbon content.

Corrosion Resistance

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel grades is dependent on the chromium content. The higher the chromium content, the better the level of resistance. AISI 316 grade has a higher chromium content than AISI 316L, providing superior resistance to both general and localized corrosion.

Conclusion

AISI 316 and AISI 316L are two austenitic stainless steels which have similar chemical compositions but vary in terms of carbon content. The increased carbon content in AISI 316 provides higher strength, hardness and thermal properties but lower corrosion resistance than AISI 316L. AISI 316L has higher corrosion resistance but lower mechanical and thermal properties due to its lower carbon content.

Physical Properties of AISI316 & AISI316L Steel

AISI316 and AISI316L steel are two kinds of stainless steel often used in structural engineering and piping system. AISI stands for American Iron and Steel Institute, and 316 and 316L are often referred to as the UNS (United Nations Standard) designation which is S31600 and S31603.

AISI316 steel has high strength and excellent corrosion resistance due to the high chromium and nickel content of the material, it has excellent tensile strength and toughness. The tensile strength at a high temperature can reach 550MPa, with excellent creep resistance. The yield strength is approximately 240MPa at a temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius.

AISI316L steel is slightly different from AISI316, with a lower carbon content of only 0.03%. This lower carbon content makes this steel have higher weldability and formability. At a high temperature, the tensile strength can reach 550MPa, with excellent creep resistance. The yield strength is approximately 250MPa at a temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius.

AISI316 and AISI316L steel both have a high melting point of 1350 - 1400 degrees Celsius. The density of both steels is generally 7.90 g/cm3, and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa. The corrosion resistance remains high even in hot water, and are perfect for use in outdoor applications in cities near the ocean.

In conclusion, AISI316 and AISI316L steel have excellent physical properties, making them suitable for use in pipes and structural frameworks, especially in marine environments. Both steels stand up well to extremely high temperatures and corrosive elements, making them highly reliable and durable.