ASME SA240 317 Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 317
What is ASME SA240 317 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASME SA240 317 Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 317.
ASME SA240 Type 317 is a higher-alloy austenitic stainless steel containing 3–4% molybdenum. The increased molybdenum content provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than the standard Type 316 and Type 316L grades, especially in chloride-rich and acidic environments. Type 317 retains the good formability, toughness, and fabricability of the austenitic family while offering a higher level of localized corrosion resistance for more demanding chemical process applications.
Because the carbon content is limited to 0.08% maximum (not the ultra-low carbon of the L grade), heavy multi-pass weldments can still be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in aggressive media. In such cases the low-carbon version SA240 Type 317L is usually preferred. Type 317 is commonly selected for equipment in chemical processing, pulp and paper, flue-gas desulfurization, and other severe corrosion services where 316/316L is no longer adequate.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 317 as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability, and shorter lead times. We offer thicknesses from 1 mm to 80 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 full range of surface finishes.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASME SA240 / SA240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 317 (UNS S31700) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 1 mm – 80 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, No.4, and others on request | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / ASME Mill Test Certificate | Available |
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASME SA240 Type 317:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11.00 – 15.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.00 – 4.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Product Analysis (typical permissible variations):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.90 – 20.10 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.90 – 15.10 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.90 – 4.10 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
The higher molybdenum range of 3–4% is the defining feature of Type 317. This increased Mo content substantially raises the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) compared with Type 316, delivering superior resistance to localized corrosion in chloride and acidic media.
Mechanical Properties
Room-Temperature Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 35% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB / ≤ 95 HRB |
Physical Properties
- Density: approximately 7.98–8.00 g/cm³
- Melting Range: approximately 1370–1400°C
- Magnetic: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
Type 317 retains good toughness and formability characteristic of austenitic stainless steels.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Molybdenum Content | Carbon | Primary Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 316 | 2–3% | ≤ 0.08% | Good pitting resistance | Moderate chloride service |
| SA240 Type 316L | 2–3% | ≤ 0.030% | Pitting resistance + superior weldability | Heavy welded chloride service |
| SA240 Type 317 | 3–4% | ≤ 0.08% | Higher pitting & crevice corrosion resistance | More aggressive chemical environments |
| SA240 Type 317L | 3–4% | ≤ 0.030% | Highest combination of pitting resistance + weldability | Severe welded corrosive service |
| SA240 Type 904L | 4–5% + high Ni/Cu | Very low | Exceptional resistance to reducing acids | Highly aggressive acid service |
When 316/316L no longer provides adequate resistance to pitting or crevice corrosion, ASME SA240 317 is the next logical step. For heavy welded construction in severe environments, the low-carbon version astm a240 type 317l stainless steel sheet plate is usually preferred. In even more aggressive reducing acid or high-chloride conditions, astm a240 type 904l stainless steel sheet plate may be required.
Corrosion Resistance
ASME SA240 Type 317 offers substantially better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than Type 316 in chloride-containing environments. The higher molybdenum content increases the critical pitting temperature and improves performance in acidic chloride media, phosphoric acid, and many chemical process streams.
In the properly annealed condition, the grade has good resistance to intergranular corrosion. However, because carbon can reach 0.08%, heavy weldments may become sensitized. In aggressive service after welding, Type 317L or post-weld solution annealing is recommended.
Resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride media is better than that of the 304 family but remains limited at elevated temperatures under high tensile stress.
Weldability
ASME SA240 Type 317 can be welded by all standard fusion and resistance welding methods. Matching filler metals (E317 / ER317) are commonly used. When maximum corrosion resistance of the weldment is required, low-carbon fillers (E317L / ER317L) are preferred.
Because of the higher carbon potential compared with the L grade, multi-pass welds in thick sections may be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in aggressive environments unless post-weld annealing is performed or Type 317L is selected.
Heat Treatment
ASME SA240 Type 317 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 to ensure uniform temperature throughout the cross-section
- Cooling: Rapid cooling is essential. Water quenching is preferred for thicker plates to prevent carbide precipitation and to restore maximum corrosion resistance.
Proper solution annealing dissolves chromium carbides and returns the material to its optimum corrosion-resistant condition.
Surface Finishes
FinishDescriptionTypical UseNo.1Hot-rolled, annealed and pickledMost common for industrial and pressure vessel plate2BCold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passedGeneral fabricationNo.4Brushed finishWhen improved surface appearance is requiredSpecialGround or custom finishesOn request
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances conform to ASME SA240 and the general requirements of ASTM A480. Thickness, width, length, and flatness are controlled within standard limits. Tighter tolerances can be provided when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 317 | ASME SA240 | — |
| A240 Type 317 | ASTM A240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S31700 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4449 / X3CrNiMo18-12-3 | EN related | Closest European equivalent |
| Related 317 grades | JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
Related grades frequently evaluated with ASME SA240 317 include astm a240 type 317l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316 stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 904l stainless steel sheet plate.
Applications
ASME SA240 Type 317 is used in more aggressive corrosive environments where 316/316L is insufficient:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Reactors, tanks, piping in acidic chloride media |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleaching equipment |
| Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) | Absorber components, ducting |
| Pharmaceutical | Process equipment in corrosive service |
| Marine & Offshore | Seawater systems with higher chloride severity |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells and components in aggressive media |
| Pressure Vessels | ASME Code vessels requiring higher pitting 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 317 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 material selection in severe corrosive environments
- Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of SA240 317 over SA240 316?The higher molybdenum content (3–4% vs 2–3%) gives Type 317 significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride and acidic environments.
- When should I choose SA240 317L instead of SA240 317?Choose 317L when the material will undergo heavy welding and must maintain maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition.
- Is ASME SA240 317 magnetic?on-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
- What is the density of SA240 Type 317?Approximately 7.98–8.00 g/cm³.
- Can SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 317?Yes, dual certification is commonly available.
Conclusion
ASME SA240 317 Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 317) is a high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel that provides a clear upgrade in pitting and crevice corrosion resistance over the standard 316 grades. It is the material of choice for many chemical, pulp-and-paper, and flue-gas applications where 316/316L is no longer sufficient.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASME SA240 Type 317 plate with competitive pricing, full certification, and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, processing options, or a competitive quotation.
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