Chainplates: 316 or 316L?

[Sea Mist]

I need to have new chainplates made for my 44 CSY Pilothouse. Are there any benefits or negatives with using 316 vs. 316L (low carbon) in this application?

[Frankly]

If you are going to weld parts, the low carbon version is preferred. A little time in a stress relieve furnace post welding is also beneficial.


Frankly

[Oldwheels]

316L means lead is added to help machining.. Look it up. Both meet the same spec.
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[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Oldwheels

316L means lead is added to help machining.. Look it up. Both meet the same spec.
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The Grade 316L has maximum carbon levels of 0.030%, while its silicon levels sit at a maximum of 0.750%. Maximum manganese, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur levels are at 2.00%, 0.045%, 0.100% and 0.030%, respectively. It is made up of chromium levels at 16% min and 18% max, while its nickel levels are at 10% min and 14% max. Meanwhile, its molybdenum levels have a minimum level of 2.00% and a max of 3.00%.
316L does not contain lead or cadmium.
316L is generally easier to machine than 316 steel, because of its lower carbon levels.

[Oldwheels]

I stand corrected.

[sailortype]

"316L means lead is added to help machining.. Look it up"
thanks Gord for the definitive clarification. That was sounding pretty fishy.
One has to be very careful about so many of the 'opinions' offered here which are often not factual and simply misleading (no lead pun)

[chris95040]

Originally Posted by Oldwheels

316L means lead is added to help machining.. Look it up. Both meet the same spec.
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"Look it up" he says. Clearly having never went to that trouble himself.

Why are internet forums so full of this? What possesses people to speak in an authoritative tone on subjects they don't have any familiarity with?

[sailortype]

there have been so many experts offering expert opinions on S/S, fiberglass techniques, epoxy/polyester/matt compatibility, silicone sealants on fiberglass, acetone to clean fenders and shorepower cords, on and on... all either inadvisable or totally wrong. One has to verify ALL sources critically before proceeding.

[jhulmer]

Originally Posted by Oldwheels

316L means lead is added to help machining.. Look it up. Both meet the same spec.
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This only applies in carbon steel cases - 12L15 for example has lead added to make machining easier.


This does not apply in stainless - 316L means, as Gord pointed out, low carbon (.03 max).
That said: 316 and 316L have the same mechanical properties - tensile 90ksi, yield 40ksi etc. So strength wise the same.



As pointed out above 316L is better for welding because of carbon precipitation at temps between 800-1500F. The carbon on the surface of the welds starts crevice corrosion and must be removed (weld pickle compounds and passivation).


So to finally answer your question -either 316 or 316L will give you the most corrosion protection. However, it needs passivation. You can do this with hot lemon juice and then polishing. You can Google this procedure. Personally, I'd choose 316L.

Cheers Jim

[jhulmer]

Originally Posted by sailortype

there have been so many experts offering expert opinions on S/S, fiberglass techniques, epoxy/polyester/matt compatibility, silicone sealants on fiberglass, acetone to clean fenders and shorepower cords, on and on... all either inadvisable or totally wrong. One has to verify ALL sources critically before proceeding.

I'm not an expert but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night! lol


Oh and a degree in Mechanical Engineering and own and operate a production machining business making component parts and assemblies for the big guys. Jim

[chasfgr]

316 has more carbon than 316L, probably slightly higher tesnsile strength, probably not so easy to work.
The L version will probably show a little mor oxidation.

[sailortype]

"This is incorrect. See my previous post"


ergo, my point above : )
thanks for the info

[jhulmer]

Originally Posted by chasfgr

316 has more carbon than 316L, probably slightly higher tesnsile strength, probably not so easy to work.
The L version will probably show a little mor oxidation.

yeah and no. do a little more research.

[Sea Mist]

Thank you everyone for all the info. 😎🙂😎

[RiverRat37]

I went with manganese/bronze for my chainplates.