ASTM A240 Type 316L Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
What is ASTM A240 Type 316L Stainless Steel Sheet?
As a professional stainless steel supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 316L Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate. Also known as SS316L or UNS S31603, this low-carbon version of Type 316 is specifically designed for welded constructions in corrosive environments.
The maximum carbon content of 0.030% significantly reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, providing outstanding resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition. Combined with 2.00–3.00% molybdenum, Type 316L offers excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing media. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 316L in both sheet and plate forms, covering thicknesses from 0.4 mm to 100 mm, with widths up to 2500 mm and lengths up to 12000 mm. Custom sizes and surface finishes are available.
The material is typically delivered in the solution-annealed condition with full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1). Whether for thin sheet fabrication or heavy plate applications, SHH STEEL provides consistent quality for chemical, marine, pharmaceutical and industrial projects worldwide.
Material Specification
ASTM A240 Type 316L stainless steel sheet and plate are manufactured in accordance with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240. This specification covers chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel plate, sheet and strip for pressure vessels and general applications.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 Type 316L | Full compliance |
| Product Form | Sheet and Plate | Both available |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 100 mm | Custom sizes available |
| Width / Length | Up to 2500 mm / 12000 mm | Custom fabrication supported |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, HL, No.4 | Multiple options |
| Heat Treatment Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard supply condition |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Available |
ASTM A240 Type 316L Chemical Composition
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A240 Type 316L is designed for excellent weldability and enhanced corrosion resistance through low carbon and molybdenum addition.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 | 0.030 max | Prevents intergranular corrosion after welding |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 | 2.00 max | Deoxidation and strength |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 | 0.045 max | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | 0.030 max | Cleanliness |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 | 0.75 max | Deoxidation |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 | 16.00 – 18.00 | Corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 | 10.00 – 14.00 | Austenite stability and toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 | 2.00 – 3.00 | Pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | 0.10 max | Strength contribution |
Mechanical Properties
In the solution-annealed condition, ASTM A240 Type 316L provides good strength combined with excellent ductility and toughness.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 40% | ASTM A370 |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB / ≤ 95 HRB | ASTM E10/E18 |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 316L primarily in the solution-annealed and pickled condition. Detailed capabilities by surface finish are as follows:
2B Finish (Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled and skin-passed)
- Typical thickness range: 0.4 mm – 6.0 mm (most common 0.5 mm – 3.0 mm)
- Maximum width: up to 1500–2000 mm depending on thickness
- Preferred for applications requiring a smooth, bright surface and good flatness.
No.1 Finish (Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled)
- Typical thickness range: 3.0 mm – 100 mm (most common 4.0 mm – 50 mm)
- Maximum width: up to 2000–2500 mm
- Standard finish for heavy plates used in chemical equipment, tanks and welded structures.
Other Finishes
- BA (Bright Annealed): Available in thinner gauges
- HL (Hairline) and No.4: Available for architectural or specific functional requirements
Protective PVC film can be applied on one or both sides. Precision cutting (plasma, laser or waterjet) and closer dimensional tolerances are available upon request.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASTM A240 Type 316L sheet and plate follow ASTM A480/A480M.
- Thickness tolerances vary by product form and thickness. Cold-rolled sheet has tighter controls, while hot-rolled plate follows standard allowable deviations.
- Width tolerance is typically +6 mm / 0 mm.
- Length tolerance for cut-to-length material is normally +10 mm / 0 mm.
- Flatness is controlled according to ASTM A480; improved flatness can be supplied for precision fabrication.
- Edge conditions include mill edge, slit edge, sheared edge or plasma/laser cut edge according to customer preference.
Tighter tolerances can be arranged for special projects.
Weldability
ASTM A240 Type 316L offers outstanding weldability due to its very low carbon content. It can be welded by all common fusion welding processes, including GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SMAW and plasma welding, without the need for post-weld annealing in most cases.
Matching filler metals such as ER316L are recommended. Preheating is generally not required. The low carbon content minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone, making Type 316L the preferred choice for welded equipment in corrosive environments. Proper cleaning and passivation after welding are recommended to restore full corrosion resistance.
ASTM A240 Type 316L Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 316L | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 | — |
| UNS S31603 | Unified Numbering System | S31603 |
| 1.4404 | EN 10088 / EN 10028-7 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 |
| SUS316L | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — |
| 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 | GB/T 20878 / GB/T 4237 | Chinese National Standard |
| X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | DIN / EN | — |
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 316L is widely selected for welded constructions requiring excellent corrosion resistance. Typical applications are shown below with relevant keywords:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Reactors, storage tanks, piping, heat exchangers – A240 316L Chemical Processing |
| Marine & Coastal Environments | Shipbuilding components, seawater equipment, offshore structures – A240 316L Marine |
| Food & Beverage Industry | Processing equipment, tanks, conveyors, hygienic systems – A240 316L Food Grade |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotech | Clean equipment, vessels, piping systems – A240 316L Pharmaceutical |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleach plants, chemical recovery equipment – A240 316L Pulp Paper |
| Architectural & Construction | Cladding, handrails, structural elements in corrosive atmospheres – A240 316L Architecture |
| General Industrial | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps and valves – A240 316L Industrial |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL maintains long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and acts as a first-level (primary) agent for these mills. This direct partnership enables us to offer competitive pricing advantages, faster delivery times and consistent quality assurance that many intermediate traders cannot match.
All ASTM A240 Type 316L material is sourced from reputable Chinese mills under strict quality control, supplied with complete Mill Test Certificates, and supported by our professional export team. Customers benefit from reliable supply, short lead times, technical support and cost-effective solutions for chemical, marine and industrial applications worldwide.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between ASTM A240 Type 316 and Type 316L?Type 316L has a maximum carbon content of 0.030%, while Type 316 allows up to 0.08%. The lower carbon in 316L provides superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
- When should I choose 316L instead of 316?Choose Type 316L when the material will be welded and used in corrosive environments, or when post-weld heat treatment is not practical.
- What are the equivalent grades of ASTM A240 Type 316L?Common equivalents include UNS S31603, EN 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2), JIS SUS316L and Chinese 022Cr17Ni12Mo2.
- What is the density of ASTM A240 Type 316L?Approximately 8.00 g/cm³.
- Can SHH STEEL supply dual-certified 316/316L material?Yes. Dual-certified 316/316L material is available when the chemical composition and mechanical properties meet the requirements of both grades.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 316L Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate from SHH STEEL provide excellent corrosion resistance, outstanding weldability and reliable performance for demanding welded applications. With strict quality control, flexible sizing options, competitive pricing through direct mill partnerships and professional global export service, we deliver trusted solutions for chemical processing, marine, food and industrial applications worldwide.
Contact SHH STEEL today for your ASTM A240 Type 316L requirements
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