316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 vs 316L: Same alloy family — 316 standard vs 316L low-carbon
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 vs 316L
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2
1.4401
Standard-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum. Higher C than 316L (max 0.07% vs 0.03%) giving slightly higher strength. Same corrosion resistance as 316L. Used where welding is not required or post-weld solution annealing is possible.
316L
1.4404
Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
| 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 316L | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 1.4401 | 1.4404 |
| Category | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Standard | EN 10088-2 | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 316L | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | 0–0.03% | OK |
| Si | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| Mn | 0–2% | 0–2% | OK |
| P | 0–0.045% | 0–0.045% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 316L | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 530–680 | 520–680 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 220 | ≥ 220 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 40 | ≥ 40 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
316 has max 0.07% C; 316L has max 0.03% C. 316L resists intergranular corrosion after welding without post-weld heat treatment. 316 has slightly higher strength. Choose 316L for all welded applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 the same as 316L?
316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and 316L have a 93% composition overlap. Same alloy family — 316 standard vs 316L low-carbon
Can I replace 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 with 316L?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (93%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 and 316L?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. 316 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 is a Stainless Steel grade, while 316L is a Stainless Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.