ASME SA240 316L Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 316L
General Description
As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASME SA240 316L Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 316L.
ASME SA240 Type 316L is the low-carbon version of the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel Type 316. With a maximum carbon content of 0.030% and 2–3% molybdenum, this grade delivers two critical performance advantages: significantly improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments compared with 304/304L, and excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. These characteristics make Type 316L the most widely specified stainless steel for welded process equipment in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, marine, and food industries.
Because the carbon content is kept very low, Type 316L can normally be used in the as-welded condition without the risk of sensitization that can affect standard Type 316 in aggressive environments. It retains the excellent formability, toughness, and fabricability of the austenitic family while offering a higher level of localized corrosion resistance.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 316L as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model provides competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability, and shorter lead times. We offer thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 100 mm (thicker plates available on request), widths up to 2000–3000 mm, and lengths up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length. Material is supplied in the solution-annealed condition with a complete range of surface finishes.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASME SA240 / SA240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 316L (UNS S31603) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 100 mm (thicker available) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | No.1, 2B, BA, No.4, HL, Polished | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / ASME Mill Test Certificate | Available |
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASME SA240 Type 316L:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| 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 |
Product Analysis (typical permissible variations):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.90 – 18.10 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.90 – 14.10 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.90 – 3.10 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
The combination of ultra-low carbon (≤ 0.030%) and 2–3% molybdenum is the defining feature of Type 316L. Low carbon minimizes chromium carbide precipitation during welding, while molybdenum strengthens the passive film against chloride attack.
Mechanical Properties
Room-Temperature Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB / ≤ 95 HRB |
Physical Properties
- Density: 7.98 g/cm³
- Melting Range: approximately 1370–1400°C
- Magnetic: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition (may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working)
Although the minimum strength values are slightly lower than those of standard Type 316, ASME SA240 316L still provides excellent toughness, ductility, and formability for the vast majority of process equipment applications.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Key Feature | Primary Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 304L | Low carbon, no Mo | Economical, excellent weldability | Mild environments, heavy welding |
| SA240 Type 316 | 2–3% Mo, C ≤ 0.08% | Better pitting resistance | Moderate chloride service, limited welding |
| SA240 Type 316L | Low carbon + 2–3% Mo | Pitting resistance + superior as-welded performance | Heavy welded chloride & chemical service |
| SA240 Type 316Ti | Ti-stabilized + Mo | High-temperature stability + pitting resistance | Elevated temperature + corrosive service |
| SA240 Type 317L | Higher Mo (3–4%) + low carbon | Even higher pitting resistance | Severe chloride or acidic environments |
ASME SA240 316L is the default choice when both improved chloride resistance and heavy welding are required. When the service temperature is high and stabilization is needed, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate is often selected. For more aggressive conditions, upgrading to astm a240 type 317l stainless steel sheet plate or astm a240 type 904l stainless steel sheet plate may be justified. Japanese equivalent material is commonly supplied as jis g4305 sus316l steel plate.
Corrosion Resistance
ASME SA240 Type 316L offers excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments, significantly better than 304L. It performs well in marine atmospheres, coastal applications, and many chemical process streams containing chlorides, organic acids, and dilute reducing acids.
The low carbon content provides outstanding resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition, eliminating the need for post-weld annealing in most applications. Resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride media is better than that of 304L but remains limited at elevated temperatures under high tensile stress.
Weldability
ASME SA240 Type 316L possesses excellent weldability by all standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Because of its low carbon content, it is the preferred grade for multi-pass welding in corrosive service.
Matching low-carbon filler metals (E316L / ER316L) are recommended to maintain corrosion resistance in the weld metal and heat-affected zone. The grade can be welded to other austenitic stainless steels and to carbon steels using appropriate procedures. Post-weld heat treatment is generally unnecessary for corrosion resistance purposes.
Heat Treatment
ASME SA240 Type 316L is supplied in the solution-annealed condition.
Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1040 – 1120°C (typically 1080 – 1100°C)
- Holding (soaking) time: – Plates ≤ 25 mm: minimum 10–20 minutes after the entire section reaches temperature – Plates 25–50 mm: minimum 20–40 minutes – Plates > 50 mm: 30–60 minutes or longer, depending on thickness and furnace loading
- Cooling: Rapid cooling is mandatory. Water quenching is preferred for thicker plates to prevent carbide precipitation and to restore maximum corrosion resistance.
Proper solution annealing ensures the material achieves its optimum microstructure and corrosion performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | Pressure vessels and industrial plate |
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | General fabrication |
| BA | Bright Annealed | Clean and decorative applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | Architectural and sanitary equipment |
| HL | Hairline finish | Decorative panels |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | High-purity and sanitary applications |
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances conform to ASME SA240 and the general requirements of ASTM A480. Thickness, width, length, and flatness are controlled within standard or tighter agreed limits.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 316L | ASME SA240 | — |
| A240 Type 316L | ASTM A240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S31603 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4404 / 1.4435 | EN 10088-2 | European equivalents |
| SUS316L | JIS G4305 | Japanese equivalent |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T 3280 | Chinese equivalent |
Related grades frequently evaluated with ASME SA240 316L include astm a240 type 316 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 317l stainless steel sheet plate, and jis g4305 sus316l steel plate.
Applications
ASME SA240 Type 316L is the preferred material for a wide range of welded equipment in corrosive service:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Chemical & Petrochemical | Reactors, columns, tanks, process piping |
| Marine & Offshore | Seawater systems, structural components, platforms |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology | Process vessels, piping, clean utilities |
| Food & Beverage | Storage tanks, processing equipment, piping |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleaching equipment |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells, channels, tubesheets |
| Pressure Vessels | ASME Code vessels in corrosive service |
| Desalination | Piping and process equipment |
| General Fabrication | Heavy welded structures requiring chloride resistance |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter of stainless steel plate. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and supply ASME SA240 Type 316L with the following advantages:
- Competitive mill-direct pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / ASME)
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes
- Technical support for corrosive-service material selection
- Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of SA240 316L over SA240 316?The much lower carbon content (≤ 0.030%) gives Type 316L excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, allowing it to be used in the as-welded condition in most corrosive environments.
- When should I choose SA240 316L instead of SA240 304L?Choose 316L when the environment contains chlorides or requires better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. 304L is more economical for milder service.
- Is ASME SA240 316L magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
- What is the density of SA240 Type 316L?Approximately 7.98 g/cm³.
- Can SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 316L?Yes, dual certification is commonly available and frequently requested.
Conclusion
ASME SA240 316L Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 316L) is the industry-standard low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel for welded equipment operating in chloride and chemical environments. It offers an outstanding combination of pitting resistance, intergranular corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASME SA240 Type 316L plate with competitive pricing, full certification, and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, processing options, or a competitive quotation.
ASME SA240 316L Stainless Steel Plate, SA240 Type 316L, SA240 316L, ASME SA240 Type 316L, 316L stainless steel plate, SA240 316L supplier
Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers
Related Products
