316L Stainless Steel
As a leading
Our Supply Forms & Dimensions of 316L stainless steel
As a premier
Sheets/Plates | Thickness: 0.5mm–100mm; Width: 600–2500mm | ASTM A240, EN 1.4404 |
Coils | Thickness: 0.3–6mm; Width: 10–1500mm | JIS SUS316L, GB/T 4237 |
Bars/Rods | Diameter: 5mm–500mm; Length: 1–12m | ASTM A276, ASTM A479 |
Tubes/Pipes | OD: 6–1200mm; Wall Thickness: 0.5–50mm | ASTM A312, ASTM A269 |
Wire | Diameter: 0.1–10mm | ASTM A580, DIN 17440 |
Custom tolerances (±5%), finishes (e.g., 2B, BA, No.8 mirror), and packaging solutions available.
What is 316L Stainless Steel?
316L stainless steel (UNS S31603) is a low-carbon variant of the standard 316 alloy, designed to minimize carbide precipitation during welding and high-temperature exposure. With a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, it offers superior intergranular corrosion resistance compared to 316 stainless steel. Huaxiao-Alloy, as a premier
Applications of 316L Stainless Steel
Key Industrial & Commercial Uses
Chemical & Petrochemical: Tanks, heat exchangers, and piping systems exposed to sulfuric acid, chlorides, and bromides. Marine Engineering: Offshore platforms, ship components, and desalination plants due to superior chloride resistance. Pharmaceuticals: Bioreactors, sterile tubing, and clean-in-place (CIP) systems. Medical Implants: Surgical instruments, orthopedic devices, and implants (ASTM F138/F139 compliant). Oil & Gas: Subsea equipment, pipelines, and flare stacks in corrosive environments. Food Processing: Equipment for acidic food products (e.g., vinegar, citrus juices).
Why Partner with Huaxiao-Alloy?
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ASME, and PED 2014/68/EU compliance. Custom Fabrication: Precision cutting, welding, polishing, and CNC machining. Global Logistics: Efficient delivery to Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Chemical Composition of 316L stainless steel
The exceptional corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel stems from its optimized chemistry:
Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0 | Forms a passive oxide layer for corrosion resistance. |
Nickel (Ni) | 10.0–14.0 | Stabilizes austenitic structure and ductility. |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–3.0 | Enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. |
Carbon (C) | ≤0.03 | Minimizes carbide precipitation during welding. |
Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 | Improves hot workability. |
Silicon (Si) | ≤1.0 | Deoxidizer during smelting. |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 | Reduces brittleness. |
Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 | Enhances machinability. |
Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base metal. |
Complies with ASTM A240, EN 1.4404, and JIS SUS316L specifications.
Mechanical Properties of 316L stainless steel
316L stainless steel balances strength, ductility, and weldability:
Tensile Strength | 485–690 MPa |
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 170 MPa (min) |
Elongation (50mm gauge) | 40% (min) |
Hardness (Brinell) | 217 HB (max) |
Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
Note: Annealing at 1010–1120°C followed by rapid cooling optimizes corrosion resistance.
Physical Properties of 316L stainless steel
Density | 8,000 kg/m³ |
Melting Point | 1375–1400°C |
Thermal Conductivity | 15.0 W/m·K (at 100°C) |
Electrical Resistivity | 0.74 μΩ·m |
Magnetic Permeability | <1.02 (Annealed, non-magnetic) |
316L vs 316 Stainless Steel: Key Differences
Carbon Content | ≤0.03% | ≤0.08% |
Weldability | Superior (no post-weld annealing required) | Requires post-weld annealing for heavy sections |
Intergranular Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
Applications | Welded structures, high-temperature environments | General-purpose uses with moderate welding needs |
316L’s low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, making it ideal for welded components and high-temperature applications.
Yes, it resists sulfuric acid at moderate concentrations and temperatures. Consult Huaxiao-Alloy’s corrosion resistance charts for specific conditions.
Yes, its molybdenum content provides excellent resistance to chloride-induced pitting corrosion in seawater.
Options include 2B (cold-rolled), BA (bright annealed), No.8 mirror, and electro-polished finishes for hygienic or decorative applications.
Yes, we provide ASTM F138/F139-certified 316L for surgical tools and implants.
Yes, we provide Mill Test Reports (MTRs), ISO 9001, and material traceability documentation.