Typical applications include:
Food preparation equipment particularly in chloride environments.
Pharmaceuticals
Marine applications
Architectural applications
Medical implants, including pins, screws, and orthopedic implants like total hip and knee replacements
Fasteners

(*Carbon content on 316L 0.03% max)

Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media – generally more resistant than 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60 °C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000 mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500 mg/L at 60 °C.
316 is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”, but it is not resistant to warm seawater. In many marine environments, 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining. This is particularly associated with crevices and rough surface finish.

Excellent weldability by all standard fusion and resistance methods, both with and without filler metals. Heavy welded sections in Grade 316 require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion resistance. This is not required for 316L.
316L stainless steel is not generally weldable using oxyacetylene welding methods.

Heat the 316 slowly and uniformly throughout the section to 1150-1200°C. Re heat as necessary and avoid working below 900°C. Cool in air. Forgings will require annealing in order to obtain optimum corrosion resistance.