SS 316 (CF8M) & SS 316L (CF3M)

 What are the differences between 316 and 316L, as it seems that there
are some differences. Would 316L be any much difference to
corrosion resistance than 316?

1. The main difference is the lower carbon content, 316 being 0.030, 316L
being as low as 0.016. Other elements are also somewhat lower,such as
sulfur, phosphorus and copper. The 316L is more ductile when annealed,
and is markedly more corrosion resistant, especially after welding. 316L is
much more weld friendly than 316, as it is less susceptible to intergranular
corrosion, after welding or air service up to 1600 °F (intermittent) 1700 °F
(continuous), due to carbide precipitation. In 316 carbide precipitation will
occur between 900 F-1070 F after 9 hours, whereas 316L will precipitate
carbides between 900 °F - 1010 °F after 181 hours, 316L showing much
more resistance to sensitization.

2. The difference between 316 and 316L is the amount of carbon that is in the
material.316 has .08 Max carbon content while 316L has a .03 Max carbon
content.I am not aware that there is a significant difference in the corrosion
resistance of one over the other. The primary reason for using an L grade
of stainless steel is that this will reduce the tendency of the material to
crack after welding.If you use a stainless steel with a high carbon content
the welds may crack spontaneously as they cool down from the welding.
This type of cracking is known as "hot brittleness".In short, if the item you
are fabricating will be welded then use an L grade material. If it is not then
it does not matter.

3.  316 and 316L differ only by the amount on carbon in them. As I

understand it, 316 L has lower carbon such that when welded the
chromium carbide that forms does not deplete the chromium to the point
where the corrosion of the stainless is deleteriously impacted. This effect,
known as chromium depletion, shows itself in most plating shops where
316 welded tanks are used. The welded corners typically rust whereas the
bulk of the exposed stainless is untouched. 316 has a carbon content of
0.08% Max whereas 316L is 0.03% Max.
4. I understand that the difference between SS316 and SS316L is the amount of carbon content in the
material. It is in less percentage in 316L than in 316. And CF3M and SS316L are the same except the latter
is forged and the former is cast body.
This difference, is it only valid when there is welding involved or does it also makes a difference in the kind
of medium in the pipelines.

In one of the projects we are working on, we have proposed to use SS316L valves for all socket weld
types (because of welding involved between valve and pipe) and to use SS316 valves for RF valves (no
welding required, valves will be bolted to mating flanges).

What is the difference between 17-4 and

316L stainless steel?

Stainless steel (SS) comes in all shapes, sizes, and compositions. It’s an alloy
comprised of several different elements such as iron, nickel, and chromium
with superior corrosion resistance compared to its constituent parts. Different
applications require different material properties. In fact, there are dozens of
individual grades of stainless steel alone, each with a unique proportion of
ingredients and application benefits. This article will focus on two types in
particular: 17-4 and 316L stainless steel.

17-4 Stainless Steel

17-4 stainless steel, also known as SAE Type 630, is a common and
exceptionally durable type of steel used in a diverse variety of industries and
applications. The numbers “17-4” refer to its composition: ≈17% chromium
and ≈4% nickel. It also can include between 3 and 5% copper. It is the most
common material used in the production of Setra’s variable capacitance
transducers. Its durability and mechanical properties make 17-4 SS the ideal
choice for transducers in both HVAC and general industrial applications.

316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is defined by its low carbon content: no more than 0.03%
carbon. In general, its composition is between 16-18% chromium and
between 10-14% nickel (as well as trace amounts of manganese, silicon,
phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen). The number 316 refers to a reference
number assigned by SAE International, a standards organization that serves
the automotive and aerospace industries.

316L SS is favored in many industrial applications for its resistance to

corrosion, especially when in prolonged contact with hydrogen. Hydrogen is
used as a process medium across many different applications and can cause
other materials to deteriorate over time — a process called hydrogen
embrittlement.

Hydrogen embrittlement can cause the process media to leak into the
immediate environment and pose serious safety and contamination risks.
316L SS is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, making it the standard wetted
material used in pressure transducers, such as the Setra Model 209H, that
use hydrogen and other corrosive gases as process media.
The Importance of Material Compatibility
Material Compatibility refers to a material's resistance to corrosion, rust or
stains when it comes in contact with a chemical.

The properties of stainless steel (ss) make it an ideal material for numerous
applications, such as pipes, airplanes, bridges, architecture, pressure
transducers and manufacturing equipment. Although stainless steel is the
leading material choice for many applications, it is fundamental to review its
material compatibility. Since stainless steel's ability to withstand certain media
varies based on chemical processes, preparation should take place prior to
stainless steel usage in applications. Preparation ensures protection and
extends the lifetime of the stainless steel material when in contact with
chemicals. For example, products using wetted materials, especially pressure
transducers are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement caused by contact with
hydrogen.

On the right is a Material compatibility chart, comparing and highlighting the

major differences between 174SS and 316SS. Figure 1 shows how to
interpret the chart.    
Figure 1: 
A: Excellent 
B: Good - Minor Effect, slight corrosion or discoloration.
C: Fair - Moderate Effect, not recommended for continuous use. Softening, loss of strength, swelling
may occur.
D: Severe Effect - not recommended for ANY use.
*Options are ranked from highest to lowest order
 

Disclaimer: 
The information in this chart has been supplied to Setra by other reputable sources and is to be used ONLY AS A
GUIDE in selecting equipment for appropriate chemical compatibility. Before permanent installation, test the
equipment with the chemicals and under the specific conditions of your application. DANGER: Variations in chemical
behavior during handling due to factors such as temperature, pressure, and concentrations can cause equipment to
fail, even though it passed an initial test. Ratings of chemical behavior listed in this chart apply at a 48-hr exposure
period. Setra has no knowledge of possible effects beyond this period and does not warrant that the information in
this chart is accurate or complete or that any material is suitable for any purpose. To avoid serious injury, use suitable
guards and/or personal protections when handling chemicals.

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stainless-steel

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4%20ph%20vs
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What’s the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

Posted on September 27, 2012 by rob bohn

The simple answer is 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 contains
16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum is added to help
resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts). I found the
brochure Stainless Steel for Coastal and Salt Corrosion Applications to be very helpful
as a general reference for using stainless steel in our area.
Click here to view our 304 vs 316 stainless steel infographic!
The last thing you need is your outdoor electrical enclosure rusting out on you.

          Not
only is there the danger of exposing all your critical electrical components inside, it
could cost you a lot to replace when it shorts out. We’re talking parts damage and
replacement, repair costs including labor and downtime. I’ve seen some real horror
shows when enclosures rust out. It’s not pretty. The good news is we have a simple
cost effective solution. We found that by using 316 stainless steel instead of 304
stainless steel on an outdoor enclosure that will be exposed to the elements (like on an
oil rig, for example) not only increases the life span of the enclosure but it is much safer
to be around.
How do you know you’re getting 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless steel?

You can’t tell just by looking at it. There’s no visible difference

between two identical pieces of sheet metal, a polished or grained the exact same way.
That’s why you need a material test report (MTR) of the actual material to validate it as
being 304 or 316. We make sure we get one with every shipment we receive at Nema
Enclosures so that we can assure our customers that the enclosure and its parts are
constructed of the exact stainless steel material, as specified and ordered. Some small
parts such as clamps and mounting feet, constructed of 316 stainless steel are
specifically marked, in this case a number 6 within a circle, as shown in the photo
above.
What is Type 304 stainless steel and what’s it used for?

Type 304, with its chromium-nickel content and low carbon, is the
most versatile and widely used of the austenitic stainless steels. Its alloys are all
modifications of the 18% chromium, 8% nickel austenitic alloy. Type 304 proves to be
resistant to oxidation, corrosion, and durability. All provide ease of fabrication and
cleaning, prevention of product contamination offer a variety of finishes and
appearances. Type 304 stainless steels are used in corrosion resistant electrical
enclosures, auto molding and trim, wheel covers, kitchen equipment, hose clamps,
exhaust manifolds, stainless hardware, storage tanks, pressure vessels and piping.
What is Type 316 stainless steel and what’s it used for?

Type 316 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless

and heat-resisting steel with superior corrosion resistance as compared to other
chromium-nickel steels when exposed to many types of chemical corrodents such as
sea water, brine solutions, and the like. Since Type 316 stainless steel alloy contains
molybdenum bearing it has a greater resistance to chemical attack than 304. Type 316
is durable, easy-to-fabricate, clean, weld and finish. It is considerably more resistant to
solutions of sulfuric acid, chlorides, bromides, iodides and fatty acids at high
temperature. Stainless steels containing molybdenum are required in the manufacture
of certain pharmaceuticals in order to avoid excessive metallic contamination. The
bottom line is that Type 316 stainless steel costs a little more upfront but you could save
a whole lot on the back end – especially if your enclosure is going to be used outdoors.
Something worth keeping in mind when you’re designing your next enclosure. To place
an order or if you have questions please contact us today at 888-900-4124.
For more information on stainless steel electrical enclosures: 304 Stainless Steel 316 Stainless
Steel Stainless Steel Enclosures

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 17-4PH & 316L STAINLESS STEEL

IN PRESSURE SENSORS & TRANSDUCERS?

Stainless steel pressure sensors and transducers are most commonly manufactured
from either 316L or 17-4 PH. Both materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to
machine, but there are differences in their material properties that drive a
preference for each material.  

Stainless steel pressure sensors and transducers are most commonly manufactured from
either 316L or 17-4 PH. Both materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to machine in
comparison to high-strength nickel alloys, offer good material strength, and good elasticity,
which allows for movement of a diaphragm. There are differences in their material properties
that relate to both industrial and hazardous location applications that drive a preference for
each material. 

While different variations of these materials exist, here are the most basic and common forms
used in the sensor marketplace today for comparison. The difference in iron content
contributes to the magnetism and corrosion resistance.  The 17-4 pH stainless steel is magnetic
and less corrosion-resistant than 316L stainless steel. Standard 316L is slightly magnetic, but
non-magnetic versions are available.

Material Strength
While the general understanding that stainless steel has a high material strength is true when
comparing it to a materials such as plastic, the differences between types of stainless steel can
be significant. When comparing 17-4 pH to 316L, it has a higher material strength. For many
hydraulic pressure systems, where pressure surges and high cycles are common, 17-4 is more
frequently used since it is a good spring material. Pressure sensors and transducers can be
specified with proof (typically two times the rated pressure) and burst (typically five times the
rated pressure) pressure rating that are equal between the materials; yet there is a greater
chance that 17-4 pH will measure accurately for a longer period of time when higher pressures
and pressure transients above the rated pressure are present.
Liquid and Gas Compatibility
Stainless steel is stainless steel, right? When measuring liquids and gases, the type of pressure
sensor material will be critical. 17-4 pH is used in various non-corrosive or mildly corrosive
liquids and gases. Hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, fuels, and other standard industrial liquids will
work well with 17-4 pH stainless steel. With higher nickel content, 316L stainless steel will work
for these fluids in addition to many liquids and gases with more corrosive properties. For
example, natural gas with low H2S content will need 316L to survive corrosion. Water (excluding
salt water) is often considered a non-corrosive liquid, although 316L is preferred for pressure
measurement. Various pH levels can cause 17-4 pH material to generate mineral deposits and
clog process connections. Gases, such as hydrogen, require 316L material. Hydrogen ions are
small enough to penetrate the grain structure of 17-4 pH stainless steel, thus breaking down
the diaphragm over time as a result of embrittlement.

For ultra-high purity applications such as semiconductor process equipment, 316L VAR
(Vacuum Arc Melting) material is introduced to reduce non-metallic impurities. Further, material
surface finish is put through a process called electro-polishing. This further reduces impurities
from coming in contact with the liquid or gas by removing non-metallic imperfections as well as
a small amount of the metallic surface.

NACE MR0175/ISO15156
NACE MR0175/ISO15156 recommends materials for oil and gas equipment in production and
treatment applications. Currently 17-4 pH stainless steel is not an accepted material. While its
strength is high, the corrosion resistance factor for oil and gas, where liquids and gases can
have corrosive media such as hydrogen sulfide, prohibits the materials usage for pressure
transducers. 316L is a listed and accepted material. Similarly, ABSA (Alberta Boiler Safety
Association) currently does not accept 17-4 pH material under code ASME B31.3 for
instrumentation and fittings, while 316L stainless steel is approved with certain restrictions.
Boiler and process installations require the sensor documentation be registered and approved
with a CRN (Canadian Registration Numbers) code.

Sensor Technology

The technology used is an important factor. Certain technologies are limited in the material to
which they can be applied.  The strain gages applied to the diaphragm should match the
thermal properties of the material to which it is applied. 17-4 pH stainless steel has a mean
coefficient of thermal expansion of 6.0 x 10-6 in/in/°F with H900 heat treatment, whereas 316L
ranges from approximately 9 to 11 x 10-6 in/in/°F.  Technology such as thin film is limited to 17-
4 PH because the temperature of the sputtering process is too high at the diaphragm.

In summary, the difference in sensor material and technology can play a critical role in pressure
transducer selection. Be prepared with information regarding the liquid or gas being measured
and its application to help find the better option between materials. If neither 17-4 or 316L
suffice, special alloys can be offered.

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What is the difference between stainless steel grade

SS304 and AISI304?
1. AISI 304 is a guideline/reference only and does not give minimum or maximum
values regarding physical properties. SS304 when tested as per specification
refers to different standards of ASTM, BS etc. according to the nature of material
being tested e.g. SS304 plates follow a different ASTM standard with different
physical requirements, whereas SS 304 rods would be tested with a different
ASTM standard with different physical values. The chemical compositions are the
same.
2. Type 304 is a stainless steel grade that is commonly referred to as 18–8 stainless.
The 18 is the percentage of Chromium and the 8 is the percentage of nickel. AISI
stands for the American Iron & Steel Institute. AISI is one of several standards
like SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ASTM (AMERICAN Society for
Testing and Materials) etc. that name many grades of steel and grant criteria
based on chemical properties and sometimes mechanical properties. The proper
answer therefore is that both SS304 and AISI304 refer to the same stainless steel
grade.

Stainless Steel Grades 1.4404 vs.

1.4571 – What is the Difference?
Where are the differences between the stainless steel grades 1.4404 (316L) and 1.4571
(316Ti)? Please check the following analysis that highlights some of the main pros and cons of
both material grades.
Traditionally, in Germany, Austria and East Europe acid-resistant stainless steel is unified
under the material grade 1.4571 (316Ti, but also commonly called V4A). In other countries and
continents, like America, Asia and the other West European countries the grade 1.4404 (316L)
will be the chosen one.

Trivia About the Origins

Let’s go back of more than hundred years, at the time the company Krupp developed stainless
steels. The description V2A was born in 1912 when the stainless steel grade 1.4300 was melted.
This former grade is no longer in use but the denomination remains current for the
current austenitic stainless steel grades 1.4301, 1.4307 and 1.4305 as well. V2A stands for the
“test melt 2 austenite”. V4A is the further development and stands for “test melt 4 austenite”
with in addition more than two percent of the alloy molybdenum.
The outdated nominations are nowadays notional as:
Corrosion resistant -> V2A – 1.4301-1.4307 (304-304L)
Acid-resistant -> V4A – 1.4404 (316L) originally 1.4571 (316Ti)

Previous State of Technology
The first austenitic stainless steel grades (e.g. 1.4301 or 1.4401) had a high content of carbon,
which is responsible for decreasing the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel
(intergranular corrosion). This happens especially after heat input due to welding or hot
forming.
Until mid of the last century, the only technical way to avoid the reduction
of corrosion resistance was to bind the carbon with alloys like titanium and niobium. These
two bind the carbon in the form of carbides. Newly generated stainless steel grades were
1.4580 and 1.4571 for V4A and 1.4550 and 1.4541 for V2A.
 Technical Development in Producing
Stainless Steel
From the sixties and seventies of the last century on, the melting technologies of steel mills
developed noticeably. This opened ways to significant reductions of the carbon content to
values clearly below 0.03 percent. These new technologies are AOD (Argon-Oxygen-
Decarburisation) and VOD (Vacuum-Oxygen-Decarburisation). Only because of them, good
weldable stainless steel grades like 1.4307 and 1.4404 could be melted.
These two methods made it possible to develop many new stainless steel grades. Among
others, there are also the ferritic-austenitic grades, the so-called Duplex stainless steel
grades.

Tradition Slows Down Technical

Improvements
Due to the very good corrosion resistance in chloric atmosphere, the grade 1.4571 has
been used in the chemical industry since the 1920s. This led to an establishment in the
technical documentations and regulations. But actually, no one intends to carry the costs and
efforts to change all these documentats. Because of this, the step forward introducing the
grade 1.4404 is slowed down.
Even worksheet W541 of the DVGW – German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and
Water defines the requirements for drinking water pipes and specifies the grades 1.4401 and
1.4571 there. Only with the introduction of EN 10312 in 2002, 1.4404 also got specified.

Identification of Stainless Steel Names

The EN10027-2 introduces a cataloguing system for sequential stainless steel grade numbers
(1.4404, 1.4571 and so on).
Another system is the American AISI/ASTM with an alphanumeric name
formation: 316Ti or 316L.
Identification according to

EN 10027-1 EN 10027-2 AISI / ASTM

X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 1.4571 316Ti

X2CrNiMo17-12-2 1.4404 316L

However, chemical and mechanical characteristics of the grades respectively stated in the
European (EN 10088) and American (ASTM A240) norms are not always congruent.
While EN 10088 defines 1.4571 having the minimal content of titanium being five times the
carbon content, the ASTM A240 requires that the grade 316Ti must have an amount of titanium
of at least five times the sum of carbon and nitrogen content.
For this reason, a 316Ti is always a 1.4571 but a 1.4571 is not necessarily a 316Ti according to
ASTM, because the minimum chemical requirements are not sufficient.

Corrosion Properties of 1.4571 and 1.4404

Stainless Steel
The corrosion behaviour of the two grades 1.4571 and 1.4404 is in general very similar. Only a
few substantial differences are to mention:
 The titan-stabilized 1.4571 has a higher sensitivity for pitting corrosion.
 Therefore, the same grade is less consistent against (chloride-induced) stress corrosion
cracking.
 The welded and titan-stabilized 1.4571 has a lower stability against intergranular
corrosion
Towards other corrosion attacks, the two grades are almost identical in regard of their
behaviour.

Mechanical Properties of 1.4571 and

1.4404 Stainless Steel
Alloying with titanium generates an increase of the maximum application temperature. 1.4571
has a heat resistance up to 400 degrees Celsius. With 1.4404, it lies between 300 and 350
degrees Celsius.
With other mechanical properties, for example cold formability, cold compression and notch
impact strength the enrichment with titanium brings a degradation, compared to 1.4404. That
is why 1.4404 is often the preferred material when it comes to cryo liquids.

Processing Properties of 1.4571 and

1.4404 Stainless Steel
Depending on the application, the titanium influences the further processing of the material:

 Machinability: Both grades, 1.4404 and 1.4571, are not typical stainless steel grades
that are suitable for machining. For 1.4571, an additional negative aspect has to be
mentioned: The carbides of the titanium are very hard and therefore cause higher tooling
costs as well as slower machining speed.
 Ability for mirror-polishing: Theoretically the carbides cause dark titanium cords which
impair the mechanical surface refining.
However, due to modern melting technologies, the steel mills reduce the content of carbon
as well as titanium and the carbides are less present. Like this, the finish is flawless after
grinding and mirror polishing.
  Level of purity: Per definition, the presence of titanium carbides reduces the purity of
the material. With 1.4404, this is not the case, as there is no titanium.
 Weldability: Both grades are equally weldable with similar procedures and adequate
welding consumables. Same ease is also valid for laser welding.

Comparison Table of 1.4571 and 1.4404

Stainless Steel
1.4571 1.4404

erties

on equal equal

n worse better

cracking worse better

rrosion worse better

operties

better worse

worse better

worse better

on worse better

perties

equal equal

worse better

worse better
 1.4571 1.4404

equal equal

Material Availability of 1.4571 and 1.4404

Stainless Steel
Choosing between the both, grade 1.4404/316L is the preferred choice worldwide. Only in
Germany, Austria and in Eastern European countries, 1.4571 is applied as acid-resistant steel.

However, the technical characteristics do not really justify the use of the 1.4571 stainless steel.
The habits and practices over the decades settled and fixed its use majorly within regulations
and norms, which will keep stainless steel grade 1.4571 persistent over the years to come.
That is the reason why all stainless steel mills have 1.4404/316L as well as 1.4571 in their
product program.
Montanstahl produces structural stainless steel profiles per norms like stainless steel beams,
channels, stainless steel tees and angles bars both in 1.4571 and 1.4404. Even though this
causes nearly a doubling of the storage costs, as a worldwide exporter, Montanstahl is willing to
cover those in order to satisfy the customer’s requirements.

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