316L Stainless Steel Sheet
Low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel sheet for superior sensitization resistance
316L stainless steel sheet features reduced carbon content and molybdenum addition for exceptional corrosion resistance and sensitization immunity. Ideal for welded structures, marine applications, and aggressive chemical processing environments requiring long service life and reliable performance.
Quick Specifications
- UNS Designation
- S31603
- Werkstoff Number
- 1.4404
- Yield Strength (Annealed)
- 170 MPa (25 ksi) minimum
- Tensile Strength (Annealed)
- 515 MPa (75 ksi) minimum
- Elongation (Annealed)
- 40% minimum
- Density
- 8.0 g/cm³
Standards & Certifications
Product Description
316L stainless steel is the low-carbon variant of the standard 316 grade, developed specifically to eliminate chromium carbide sensitization that can occur in conventionally produced 316 stainless when exposed to elevated temperatures during welding or thermal processing. By limiting carbon content to 0.03% maximum, 316L prevents the formation of chromium-carbide precipitates that deplete chromium from the matrix and create preferential corrosion pathways in the heat-affected zone. This inherent sensitization resistance allows 316L to be used in as-welded condition without post-weld annealing.
The 316L composition with 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum provides exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly in chloride-containing environments including seawater, brine solutions, and salt-laden atmospheres. The molybdenum addition significantly increases the pitting resistance equivalent (PRE = 42), making 316L far superior to standard 304 stainless in aggressive environments. The low carbon content maintains this superior corrosion resistance without requiring post-weld heat treatment after welding.
316L stainless sheet is produced through vacuum induction melting followed by controlled hot rolling and careful thermal management to develop an optimal austenitic microstructure with fine, uniform grain structure. After hot rolling, the sheet is annealed at 1,040°C with rapid cooling to dissolve all carbides and lock the carbon in solid solution, preventing precipitation during cooling. Final pickling removes surface oxides while passivation establishes the protective chromium oxide film essential for corrosion resistance.
The austenitic structure of 316L provides excellent low-temperature toughness, outstanding formability, and superior weldability compared to ferritic stainless steels. The material maintains excellent impact strength even at cryogenic temperatures, making it suitable for liquefied gas handling equipment and low-temperature process vessels. Cold rolling capability allows production of cold-rolled sheet with higher strength and tighter dimensional tolerances for precision applications.
Specifications
| UNS Designation | S31603 |
| Werkstoff Number | 1.4404 |
| Yield Strength (Annealed) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) minimum |
| Tensile Strength (Annealed) | 515 MPa (75 ksi) minimum |
| Elongation (Annealed) | 40% minimum |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Sheet Thickness Range | 0.5 mm to 3 mm (hot rolled); up to 2 mm (cold rolled) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity (at 20°C) | 16 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion | 15.9 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (0-100°C) |
| Pitting Resistance Equivalent (PRE) | 42 (excellent chloride resistance) |
| Carbon Content | 0.03 max (sensitization resistant) |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0-14.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-3.0 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.03 max (low-carbon advantage) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.0 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.030 max |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 max |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Cold Rolled 50%) | 860 MPa minimum |
| Yield Strength (Cold Rolled 50%) | 690 MPa minimum |
| Elongation (Cold Rolled 50%) | 10% minimum |
| Hardness (Annealed) | 217 HV maximum |
| Impact Strength (Charpy V-notch) | 200+ J at room temperature |
| Impact Strength (Charpy at -196°C) | 180+ J (cryogenic toughness) |
Key Features & Advantages
Applications
Welded Marine Structures
Seawater cooling systems, marine piping, and offshore platform components requiring superior corrosion resistance in welded condition without costly post-weld annealing procedures.
Chemical Processing Equipment
Chemically welded reactor vessels, heat exchanger shells, and process equipment in petrochemical plants requiring both superior corrosion resistance and weldability.
Desalination Equipment
Reverse osmosis membrane housings, brine heat exchangers, and concentrated salt solution handling equipment requiring sensitization immunity and superior chloride resistance.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Sterile vessel construction, fermentation equipment, and precision process vessels requiring low-carbon sensitization immunity and superior corrosion resistance.
Cryogenic Equipment
Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium system components, LNG handling equipment, and low-temperature storage vessels maintaining toughness at sub-zero temperatures.
Pulp and Paper Industry
Bleach plant equipment, chemical recovery systems, and high-temperature pressure vessels in mills exposed to aggressive chemical and thermal environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensitization and why does 316L eliminate it?
Can 316L be cold rolled to higher strength levels?
What is the cost difference between 316L and standard 316?
How does 316L perform in seawater at high velocities?
What is the expected service life of 316L in seawater applications?
Related Products
Interested in 316L Stainless Steel Sheet?
Contact us for pricing, availability, and custom specifications. We provide mill test certificates and fast global shipping.
Get a Free Quote
