Difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel sheet 2B mill finish

There are slight differences in appearance between 2B mill finish 316 and 316L stainless steel sheets. 2B surface treatment usually means a smooth surface treatment after cold rolling, but may be slightly rough. Although both have similar appearance features such as brightness and a certain degree of smoothness, they are not exactly the same.

The main difference is that 316L stainless steel sheet has a lower carbon content compared to standard 316 stainless steel. This makes 316L more corrosion-resistant and reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding. On the contrary, standard 316 stainless steel may be affected by intergranular corrosion, especially in high-temperature environments.

Due to its improved performance, 316L stainless steel sheet is commonly used in applications that require higher corrosion resistance, such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, and marine industries. Standard 316 stainless steel is more suitable for general engineering projects. Therefore, when selecting materials that are suitable for project requirements, it is necessary to consider differences in their corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness.