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316-316L?

316-316L?

316-316L?

(OP)
hi friends:
how can i distinguish between 316 and 316L?

best regards

RE: 316-316L?

By measuring the carbon concentration using a suitable method.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

RE: 316-316L?

Also, keep in mind that there are dual certifications of 304/304L and 316/316L.

RE: 316-316L?

You can tell if it is 316L by measuring the carbon.
To find out if your 316L also qualifys as 316 you need to know the mechanical properties.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
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RE: 316-316L?

There are portable optical emmission spectrographic equipment that can readily determine carbon content of the alloy for you.

RE: 316-316L?

stanweld, can it also be done by doing simple metallography (i.e. grinding, polishing, etching, and observing under microscope)?

RE: 316-316L?

No.  Austenite has a considerable solubility for carbon, and therefore the carbon is not present as a second phase such as Fe3C (cementite).

RE: 316-316L?

I have to disagree with TVP as it was very common practice to separate or verify 304 SS and 304L by optical microscopy for many years.  
The procedure is to use a mountable sample of 304 and the piece in question and sensitize for 1 hour at 1000°F, mount together, grind and polish, and lightly etch using electrolytic 10% Oxalic.  
You then compare the grain boundaries, the 304 SS will have a continuous interconnected, highway network, and the 304L will have interrupted or discontinuous grain boundaries.  The difference is normally quite pronounced.  
With practice you can bracket the carbon in 304L SS.  

RE: 316-316L?

Forgot to add that there are a couple of other test that use the optical microscope than can be use to assist in identifying 304L or whether other material are sensitized.

RE: 316-316L?

If you can cut a smaple and polish it why not shoot a carbon on your Leco?  It is faster and definitive.  I have taken a WC tool and cut a sliver of metal off of a piece of equipment for C analysis.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection
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RE: 316-316L?

Not everyone has a Leco.
Normally you can get to a microscope quicker than you can get a carbon analysis.   

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