The “300” series contains different types of stainless steel; however, all types of stainless steel in the series contain about the same amount of nickel, iron and chromium. 316L stainless steel is simply a low-carbon type of 316 stainless steel that contains molybdenum.
316L stainless steel contains molybdenum, which gives it increased corrosion resistance, more so than the corrosion resistance provided by 304 stainless steel. In chlorine environments, 316L stainless steel offers a higher resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting than 304 stainless steel.
316L stainless steel is often employed in heavy gauge welding applications because the risk of pitting, cracking and corrosion is reduced. 304 stainless steel is often used in the creation of cookware and in the construction of dairy equipment, such as milking machines.