ASME SA240 317L Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 317L
What is ASME SA240 317L 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 317L Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 317L.
ASME SA240 Type 317L is the low-carbon version of the high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel Type 317. With a maximum carbon content of 0.030% and molybdenum in the range of 3–4%, this grade delivers two decisive advantages: significantly higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 316L, and excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition. These properties make Type 317L the preferred material for heavily welded process equipment operating in aggressive chloride and acidic environments.
Compared with standard Type 317, the ultra-low carbon content of 317L minimizes chromium carbide precipitation during welding, allowing the material to be used without mandatory post-weld solution annealing in most corrosive services. It retains the good formability, toughness, and fabricability of the austenitic stainless steel family while offering a higher level of localized corrosion resistance for demanding chemical, pulp-and-paper, and flue-gas applications.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 317L 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 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 complete range of surface finishes.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASME SA240 / SA240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 317L (UNS S31703) | 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, BA, 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 317L:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 |
| 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) | ≤ 0.030 |
| 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 combination of ultra-low carbon (≤ 0.030%) and higher molybdenum (3–4%) is the defining feature of Type 317L. Low carbon ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, while the elevated molybdenum content substantially improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared with 316L.
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) | ≥ 40% |
| 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 (may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working)
Type 317L offers excellent toughness and ductility, making it suitable for forming and fabrication of process equipment.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Molybdenum | Carbon | Primary Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 316L | 2–3% | ≤ 0.030% | Good pitting resistance + excellent weldability | Standard chloride service, heavy welding |
| SA240 Type 317 | 3–4% | ≤ 0.08% | Higher pitting resistance | Aggressive environments, limited welding |
| SA240 Type 317L | 3–4% | ≤ 0.030% | Highest pitting resistance + superior weldability | Severe welded corrosive service |
| SA240 Type 904L | 4–5% + Cu | Very low | Exceptional resistance to reducing acids | Highly aggressive acid environments |
When 316L no longer provides adequate resistance to localized corrosion, ASME SA240 317L is the recommended upgrade for welded constructions. In even more severe reducing-acid or high-chloride conditions, astm a240 type 904l stainless steel sheet plate may be required. For applications where welding is limited and maximum high-temperature strength is needed, standard astm a240 type 317 stainless steel sheet plate can be considered.
Corrosion Resistance
ASME SA240 Type 317L provides outstanding resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing and acidic environments, significantly better than 316L due to the higher molybdenum content. The low carbon level ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition, allowing the material to be used without post-weld annealing in most process applications.
It performs well in phosphoric acid, many organic acids, and chloride-bearing chemical streams. 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 317L 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 severe corrosive service.
Matching low-carbon filler metals (E317L / ER317L) 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 317L 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 severe corrosive service.
Matching low-carbon filler metals (E317L / ER317L) 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 317L 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 mandatory. Water quenching is preferred for thicker plates to prevent carbide precipitation and to restore maximum corrosion resistance.
Proper solution annealing ensures the optimum microstructure and corrosion performance of the material.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | SA240 317L No.1 – most common for industrial and pressure vessel plate |
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | SA240 317L 2B – general fabrication and process equipment |
| BA | Bright Annealed | SA240 317L BA – clean and special applications |
| No.4 | Brushed (satin) finish | SA240 317L No.4 – when improved surface appearance is required |
| HL | Hairline finish | SA240 317L HL – decorative or special surfaces |
| Polished | Mirror or custom polish | SA240 317L Polished – sanitary and high-end applications |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies ASME SA240 317L in No.1 and 2B finishes, and can provide BA, No.4, HL, and polished finishes according to project requirements.
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 317L | ASME SA240 | — |
| A240 Type 317L | ASTM A240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S31703 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4438 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4 | EN 10088-2 | European equivalent |
| Related 317L grades | JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
Related grades frequently evaluated with ASME SA240 317L include astm a240 type 317 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 904l stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 316ti stainless steel sheet plate.
Applications
ASME SA240 Type 317L is widely used in severe corrosive and welded applications:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Reactors, tanks, piping in aggressive chloride/acid media |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleaching equipment |
| Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) | Absorber vessels, ducting, components |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology | Process vessels and piping in corrosive service |
| Marine & Offshore | Seawater systems with higher severity |
| Heat Exchangers | Shells and components in aggressive media |
| Pressure Vessels | ASME Code vessels requiring high pitting resistance |
| Desalination & Water Treatment | Piping and process equipment |
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 317L 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 (including SA240 317L No.1 and SA240 317L 2B)
- Technical support for severe corrosive-service material selection
- Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of SA240 317L over SA240 316L?The higher molybdenum content (3–4% vs 2–3%) gives Type 317L significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride and acidic environments, while the low carbon content maintains excellent weldability.
- What is the difference between SA240 317 and SA240 317L?Type 317L has a much lower carbon content (≤ 0.030%), providing superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. Standard 317 has higher carbon (up to 0.08%).
- Is ASME SA240 317L magnetic?on-magnetic in the annealed condition. It may become slightly magnetic after heavy cold working.
- What is the density of SA240 Type 317L?Approximately 7.98–8.00 g/cm³.
- an SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 317L?Yes, dual certification is commonly available.
Conclusion
ASME SA240 317L Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 317L) is the high-performance low-carbon high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel designed for severe welded corrosive service. It offers an outstanding combination of superior pitting resistance and excellent intergranular corrosion resistance, making it the preferred upgrade from 316L in aggressive chemical, pulp-and-paper, and flue-gas applications.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASME SA240 Type 317L plate with competitive pricing, full certification, and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including SA240 317L No.1 and SA240 317L 2B), or a competitive quotation.
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