Stainless steel alloy 316L – properties, applications and technical data
Alloy 316L is a low carbon austenitic stainless steel that offers very good corrosion resistance in a range of industrial environments.
The alloy contains molybdenum, which provides improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to many other stainless steels.
316L is often used in the chemical industry, marine environments, food production and medical equipment where good corrosion resistance and good weldability are required.
Properties of Alloy 316L
316L belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family and is characterized by its low carbon content, which reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding.
The addition of molybdenum improves the material's resistance to chlorides and aggressive chemical environments.
- Type: austenitic stainless steel
- Alloy: Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo
- Structure: austenitic structure
- Designations: Alloy 316L, UNS S31603, EN 1.4404, AISI 316L, Werkstoff 1.4404
- Typical composition: Cr ~16–18%, Ni ~10–14%, Mo ~2–3%
Advantages
- Very good corrosion resistance
- Good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
- Excellent weldability
- Good formability and machinability
- Low risk of intergranular corrosion after welding
Limitations
- Not as resistant to chlorides as duplex or superalloys
- Lower strength than some duplex steels
- Can be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in high chloride concentrations
Common product forms for Alloy 316L
- Round bar
- Sheet and strip
- Tubes and pipes
- Forgings
- Special dimensions according to drawing
Typical components manufactured in 316L
- Process equipment in the chemical industry
- Heat exchangers
- Marine components
- Food and pharmaceutical equipment
- Pipe systems and tanks
Corrosion resistance
Alloy 316L has very good resistance to corrosion in many chemical and marine environments.
The molybdenum content improves the resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments compared to, for example, 304.
Environments where 316L performs well
- Chemical process industry
- Marine environments
- Food and pharmaceutical production
- Process equipment and tanks
Environments to avoid
- Environments with very high chloride levels
- Applications where duplex or nickel-based alloys are required
Technical data
| Yield strength (0.2%) |
~170–310 MPa |
| Tensile strength |
~485–620 MPa |
| Elongation |
~40 % |
| Density |
~8.0 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity |
~193 GPa |
| Maximum recommended temperature |
~870°C depending on environment |
With a global network of suppliers, we can offer Alloy 316L in technical dimensions for demanding industrial applications.
Contact us for price, availability and technical advice.
Supplier of Alloy 316L with certified quality
HARALD PIHL is one of Europe's largest suppliers of special alloys and advanced stainless steels, including austenitic materials such as 316L.
With over 100 years of experience in the metal industry, we deliver materials with full traceability and certification according to EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 as well as relevant ASTM and ISO standards.
Cutting, testing and quality assurance are carried out in-house to ensure the right tolerances and fast global delivery for technically demanding projects.
- Europe's largest stock of nickel and titanium alloys
- Special alloys from stock
- ASTM / ISO standards
- Top quality for safety-critical applications
- Fast global delivery
- Full material certification (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
- Over 100 years in the metal industry
- Nickel and titanium experts
