

In the USA, as well as in European and non-European countries, different specific designations systems are used for this stainless steel grade. The rules for forming the grade’s name, which consists of alphabetical and numerical symbols, are governed by the regulations and ordinances of each country. V4A, X2CrNiMo17-12-2, 1.4404 – Synonyms of AISI 316 / AISI 316LĪISI 316 / 316L inox sheets and plates have become a popular material in today's markets and are being manufactured in various countries around the globe. However, there is a significant difference – L stands for "low" in relation to the slightly lower carbon content. When comparing AISI 316 and AISI 316L, we can see quite identical chemical compositions.

The ending "L" has been added to some of the alloys. The abbreviation AISI stands for "American Iron and Steel Institute", which set up the standards to which stainless steel grades AISI 304, AISI 316 and AISI 316L should correspond. In addition to these properties, this material is easy to process, form and weld. The addition of molybdenum makes 316 stainless steel sheets more corrosion and oxidation-resistant and very suitable for applying for instance in areas near the sea or a slightly alkaline environment. What is stainless steel AISI 316 / AISI 316L?ĪISI 316 / AISI 316L, also known in German-speaking countries as "Edelstahl 1.4401/1.4404" and "V4A", is a higher-quality alloy compared to the material AISI 304 ("1.4301" and "V2A" in German-speaking countries) with added molybdenum and an increased chromium and nickel content, which means that the material has a higher resistance to corrosion. One of the most popular stainless steel grade for applications in architecture, industry and especially in the chemical industry, is the material AISI 316 or AISI 316L.Īt mirrorINOX, we offer a wide range of surface finishes for 316 stainless steel sheets, which can be selected in different thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1mm, 2mm, etc.) and custom-sized: Depending on the amounts of special additives contained in the steel alloy, the different proportions determine the physical properties of the material and therefore its possible applications. AISI 316 / 316L stainless steel sheets and platesĭifferent grades of stainless steel, also called inox, are distinguished according to their chemical composition.
