AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate | 316L China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate ?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 316L (UNS S31603) is the low-carbon variant of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel AISI 316. It contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel and 2–3% molybdenum, with carbon limited to a maximum of 0.03%. The molybdenum addition provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments compared with 304/304L, while the extra-low carbon content ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
AISI 316L is the preferred grade for welded constructions in chemical processing, marine environments, pharmaceutical equipment, food processing, pulp and paper, and architectural applications where both enhanced corrosion resistance and reliable as-welded performance are required. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and offers good formability and toughness.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316L as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. SHH STEEL offers AISI 316L in plate, sheet and coil form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 316L is frequently compared with a240 316, a240 304, a240 304l, a240 316ti, a240 317l and a240 2205 when selecting materials for corrosive or welded service. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers choose the most appropriate grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 316L / UNS S31603 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS G4305 (SUS316L), EN 1.4404 / 1.4435 | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 100 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL, Polished, Mirror | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 316L dual-certified to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 316L (UNS S31603):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 |
| 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 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The combination of molybdenum (2–3%) and extra-low carbon (≤ 0.03%) is the defining feature of AISI 316L. Molybdenum enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, while the low carbon content effectively prevents chromium carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion. SHH STEEL carefully controls composition to guarantee consistent performance.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
AISI 316L has slightly lower strength than standard 316 due to the reduced carbon content, but it retains excellent ductility and toughness. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of fabrication and welding processes.
Physical Properties
Density is approximately 8.00 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1370–1400°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Mo (%) | Carbon | Pitting Resistance | Weldability & IGC | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | — | ≤ 0.08 | Good | Good | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | — | ≤ 0.03 | Good | Excellent | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 316 | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.08 | Better | Good | Chloride environments (light welding) |
| AISI 316L | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.03 | Better | Excellent | Welded chloride & chemical service |
| AISI 316Ti | 2.0–3.0 | ≤ 0.08 | Better | Good (stabilized) | High-temp welded chloride service |
| AISI 317L | 3.0–4.0 | ≤ 0.03 | Superior | Excellent | More severe chloride environments |
AISI 316L is the preferred grade whenever both improved pitting resistance and excellent as-welded performance are required. Compared with a240 316, the low carbon content provides superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. For higher molybdenum content and even better pitting resistance, SHH STEEL recommends a240 317l. In more aggressive environments, duplex grades such as a240 2205 may be considered.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 316L offers excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many chemical environments. The molybdenum addition provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media compared with 304/304L, while the low carbon content ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
It performs well in marine atmospheres, chemical processing, pharmaceutical and food applications. In highly concentrated chlorides or at elevated temperatures, pitting or stress corrosion cracking can still occur. For more severe chloride service, SHH STEEL recommends a240 317l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 316L has excellent weldability using standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Matching or 316L filler metals are commonly used. Because of the very low carbon content, the risk of intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition is minimal, and post-weld annealing is generally not required.
This outstanding as-welded performance is the main reason SHH STEEL recommends AISI 316L for most welded constructions in chloride or chemical service instead of standard 316.
Heat Treatment
AISI 316L is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections). Proper annealing restores ductility after cold working and optimizes corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL ensures correct heat treatment for consistent performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 316L 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 316L BA – decorative and clean applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 316L No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 316L No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 316L HL – decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | AISI 316L Polished – high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 316L in 2B, BA and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.4 mm – 100 mm, width up to 2000–3000 mm, and length up to 12000 mm or coil/cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 316L | — | — |
| UNS S31603 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| ASTM A240 Type 316L | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| 1.4404 / 1.4435 | EN (Europe) | European equivalents |
| SUS316L | JIS G4305 (Japan) | Japanese equivalent |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 / 00Cr17Ni14Mo2 | GB/T (China) | Chinese equivalents |
| Related 316 / 316Ti / 317L | Multiple | Standard / stabilized / higher-Mo variants |
Related grades for comparison include a240 316, a240 316ti, a240 304, a240 304l, a240 317l and a240 2205.
Applications
AISI 316L is the preferred grade for welded constructions requiring both improved pitting resistance and excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion. Typical applications of AISI 316L include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical & Process Industry | AISI 316L tanks, vessels, reactors, piping and process equipment |
| Marine & Offshore | AISI 316L components exposed to seawater and marine atmospheres |
| Pharmaceutical & Medical | AISI 316L clean equipment, vessels and piping |
| Food & Beverage | AISI 316L processing equipment, storage tanks and piping |
| Pulp & Paper | AISI 316L process equipment and structural parts |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 316L decorative panels, cladding and structural elements |
| Water Treatment | AISI 316L tanks, filters and piping systems |
| General Fabrication | AISI 316L welded tanks, frames, enclosures and structures |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316L for these demanding welded and corrosive applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our petrochemical industry, marine industry, construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel welding services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 316L with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Low-carbon molybdenum-bearing material optimized for welded chloride service
- Wide range of thicknesses and surface finishes (including AISI 316L 2B, AISI 316L BA and AISI 316L No.1)
- Technical support for selection among 316, 316L, 316Ti, 317L and duplex grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 316L over AISI 316?The extra-low carbon content (≤ 0.03%) provides excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. SHH STEEL recommends 316L for most welded constructions in chloride or chemical service.
- How does AISI 316L compare with AISI 304L?AISI 316L offers significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion due to the molybdenum addition. SHH STEEL recommends 316L when chloride resistance is required.
- What is the density of AISI 316L?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
Conclusion
AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate is the low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic grade that combines superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion with excellent weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion. It is the preferred material for welded chemical processing equipment, marine components, pharmaceutical systems, food processing and architectural applications in chloride-containing environments.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 316L Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 316L 2B, AISI 316L BA and AISI 316L No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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