What is SS316L material?
316L stainless steel belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family and features a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. It is non-magnetic and cannot be strengthened through heat treatment; instead, its strength can only be improved through cold working. Its product forms include sheets, plates, bars, pipes, strips, wires, and forgings.
316L stainless steel offers excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion in the sensitized condition, making it especially suitable for manufacturing welded components and equipment with thick cross-sections. It is widely used as a corrosion-resistant material in industries such as petrochemical processing, fertilizer production, papermaking, textile dyeing, and nuclear engineering equipment.
What is the material equivalent of SUS316L?
316L is a grade of stainless steel belonging to the U.S. ASTM standard system; its corresponding grade within the Chinese GB standard system is 022Cr17Ni12Mo2, and its unified numerical designation is S31603. Internationally recognized equivalents include the Japanese JIS SUS316L and the EU BSEN 1.4404.
What material is S31603?
S31603 is the Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation for 316L stainless steel. It is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in acidic and chloride-rich environments.
SUS316L Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | - | 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | - | 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | - | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | - | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | - | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 | 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 | 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 | 3.00 |
Mechanical Properties
Values measured at room temperature (20°C/68°F) in annealed condition.
| Property | Metric Unit | Imperial Unit (Approx.) |
| Tensile Strength (σb) |
≥485 MPa |
≥ 70 ksi |
| Yield Strength (σ0.2) |
≥ 170 - 205 MPa |
≥ 25 - 30 ksi |
| Elongation (A50mm) |
≥ 40 % |
≥ 40 % |
| Hardness (Brinell) |
≤ 187 HBW |
- |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) |
≤ 90 HRB |
- |
| Reduction of Area (ψ) |
≥ 50 - 60 % |
- |
Physical Properties
Standard values for austenitic stainless steel 316L.
| Property | Value | Unit |
| Density | 7.98 | g/cm³ (0.288lb/in3) |
| Melting Point | 1370 - 1400 | °C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 | GPa (28×106psi) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 | W/m·K (at 100°C) |
| Specific Heat | 500 | J/kg·K (0-100°C) |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.74 |
μΩ⋅m |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.0 |
μm/m °C (0-100°C) |
| Magnetic Permeability | < 1.02 | Non-magnetic (Annealed) |
Heat Treatment & Processing
| Process | Temperature Range | Cooling Method |
| Solution Annealing | 1010°C – 1150°C | Rapid Quench (Water/Air) |
| Forging / Hot Work | 900°C – 1200°C | Air Cool |
| Stress Relieving | 200°C – 400°C | Air Cool |
| Machinability | 36 - 45% | Relative to 1212 steel |
Which one is better, SS316 or SS316L?
Neither is universally "better"; it depends entirely on your project's needs. If you are welding the metal, SS316L is the better choice because its lower carbon content prevents weld decay. If structural strength and hardness are your main priorities, SS316 is superior.
Can 316 stainless steel be used as a substitute for 316L?
Yes, 316 can frequently be used as a substitute for 316L (the low-carbon version), especially for non-welded applications or general structural strength. However, because 316 has a higher carbon content, it is more susceptible to "weld decay" (intergranular corrosion) if the material is heavily welded.
Common Applications:
Marine and Architectural Sectors: Used for outdoor components, marine fittings, and coastal building panels.
Medical and Biomedical Sectors: Used for surgical implants, bone screws, and various medical devices.
Food and Pharmaceutical Sectors: Used for processing equipment, reactors, and sanitary piping systems.
SUS316L / SS316L Stainless Steel Supplier
Supply and Customization Services for SS316L / SUS316L Products
Available Product Forms
SS316L and SUS316L stainless steel is typically supplied in the following forms: sheets, coils and strips, tubes (seamless/welded), bars, and custom-fabricated parts.
Typical Specifications
Thickness: 0.3 mm – 50 mm (customizable)
Width/Length: Cut to size
Surface Finish: 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, Mirror finish
Standards: ASTM, AISI, JIS, EN, DIN
Processing Services: Laser cutting/plasma cutting, bending and forming, welding and fabrication, drilling/punching
Certification and Quality Control: Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), ISO certified production, third-party inspection available (SGS, BV, TUV)
