What is the difference between 316 and 316l stainless steel?

The difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel is that 316L has a .03 max carbon and is good for welding whereas 316 has a mid range level of carbon. … Even greater corrosion resistance is delivered by 317L, in which molybdenum content increases to 3 to 4% from the 2 to 3% found in 316 and 316L.