AISI 316 (1.4401), AISI 316L (1.4404) and AISI 316LN (1.4406) are Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic stainless steels, which are commonly used due to their very good corrosion resistance in various aggressive environments.
The main difference between AISI 316 (1.4401) stainless steel and AISI 316L (1.4404) stainless steel is the carbon content. The "L" stands for "low carbon" content.
Due to the lower carbon amount, AISI 316L (1.4404) stainless steel has a reduced risk of sensitization (grain boundary carbide precipitation). Yet, at the same time, it loses some of its strength.
AISI 316LN (1.4406) stainless steel is alloyed with nitrogen to compensate for the loss of strength.
|
AISI 316 (1.4401) |
AISI 316L (1.4404) |
AISI 316LN (1.4406) |
Cr (Chromium) |
16.5 – 18.5 % |
16.5 – 18.5 % |
16.5 – 18.5 % |
Ni (Nickel) |
10 - 13 % |
10 - 13 % |
10 – 12.5 % |
Mn (Manganese) |
≤ 2 % |
≤ 2 % |
≤ 2 % |
Mo (Molybdenum) |
2 – 2.5 % |
2 – 2.5 % |
2 – 2.5 % |
Si (Silicon) |
≤ 1 % |
≤ 1 % |
≤ 1 % |
N (Nitrogen) |
0.11 % |
0.11 % |
0.12-0.22 % |
P (Phosphorus) |
0.045 % |
0.045 % |
0.045 % |
C (Carbon) |
≤ 0.07 % |
≤ 0.03 % |
≤ 0.03 % |
S (Sulphur) |
0.03 % |
0.02 % |
0.015 % |
|
AISI 316 (1.4401) |
AISI 316L (1.4404) |
AISI 316LN (1.4406) |
Density |
8 g/cm³ |
8 g/cm³ |
8 g/cm³ |
Elastic modulus |
193 GPa |
193 GPa |
200 GPa |
Hardness, Brinell |
215 Max HB |
215 Max HB |
220 Max HB |
Tensile strength |
500 - 700 MPa |
520 - 680 MPa |
580-780 MPa |
Yield strength |
200 MPa |
220 MPa |
205 MPa |
Coefficient of thermal expansion |
1.59*10-5 1/K |
1.59*10-5 1/K |
|
Thermal conductivity |
16.3 W/(m·K) |
16.3 W/(m·K) |
15 W/(m·K) |
Melting point |
1400 °C |
1400 °C |
1400 °C |