ASTM A240 Type 317L Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
What is ASTM A240 Type 317L Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate?
As a professional stainless steel supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 317L Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate. Also known as SS317L or UNS S31703, this low-carbon, higher-molybdenum austenitic grade is designed for welded constructions in more aggressive corrosive environments than standard Type 316L.
Type 317L contains 3.00–4.00% molybdenum, providing significantly improved resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and general corrosion in chemical processing media. The maximum carbon content of 0.030% ensures outstanding resistance to intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 317L in both sheet and plate forms, covering thicknesses from 0.5 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, pulp & paper and industrial projects worldwide.
Material Specification
ASTM A240 Type 317L 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 317L | Full compliance |
| Product Form | Sheet and Plate | Both available |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 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 |
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A240 Type 317L is designed for excellent weldability and enhanced corrosion resistance through low carbon and higher molybdenum content.
| 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) | 18.00 – 20.00 | 18.00 – 20.00 | Corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 11.00 – 15.00 | 11.00 – 15.00 | Austenite stability and toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.00 – 4.00 | 3.00 – 4.00 | Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | 0.10 max | Strength contribution |
Mechanical Properties
In the solution-annealed condition, ASTM A240 Type 317L provides good strength combined with excellent ductility and toughness.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 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 317L 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: 0.5 mm – 6.0 mm (most common 0.8 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 process equipment, tanks and welded structures.
Other Finishes
- BA (Bright Annealed): Available in thinner gauges
- HL (Hairline) and No.4: Available for specific 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 317L 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 317L 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 ER317L are recommended. Preheating is generally not required. The low carbon content minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone, making Type 317L highly suitable for welded equipment in aggressive chemical environments. Proper cleaning and passivation after welding are recommended to restore full corrosion resistance.
ASTM A240 Type 317L Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 317L | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 | — |
| UNS S31703 | Unified Numbering System | S31703 |
| 1.4438 | EN 10088 / EN 10028-7 | X2CrNiMo18-15-4 |
| SUS317L | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — |
| Related Chinese grades | GB/T series | Low-carbon high-Mo 18Cr-14Ni-3Mo types |
| X2CrNiMo18-15-4 | DIN / EN | — |
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 317L is widely selected for welded constructions in more aggressive corrosive environments. Typical applications are shown below with relevant keywords:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Chemical Processing | Reactors, storage tanks, piping, heat exchangers – A240 317L Chemical Processing |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, bleach plants, chemical recovery equipment – A240 317L Pulp Paper |
| Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals | Process vessels, piping systems – A240 317L Pharmaceutical |
| Petrochemical Industry | Process equipment exposed to chlorides and acids – A240 317L Petrochemical |
| Pollution Control | Scrubbers, absorbers, flue gas systems – A240 317L Pollution Control |
| General Industrial | Pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps and valves – A240 317L 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 317L 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 and industrial applications worldwide.
FAQ
-
What is the main difference between ASTM A240 Type 316L and Type 317L?
- Type 317L contains higher molybdenum (3.00–4.00%) compared with Type 316L (2.00–3.00%). This provides significantly better resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and general corrosion in aggressive chemical environments.
-
What is the difference between 317 and 317L?
- Type 317L is the low-carbon version (C ≤ 0.030%) of Type 317. The lower carbon content provides superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
-
What are the equivalent grades of ASTM A240 Type 317L?
- Common equivalents include UNS S31703, EN 1.4438 (X2CrNiMo18-15-4), JIS SUS317L and related low-carbon high-molybdenum Chinese grades.
-
What is the density of ASTM A240 Type 317L?
- Approximately 8.00 g/cm³.
-
Is Type 317L suitable for chloride environments?
- Yes. Due to its higher molybdenum content and low carbon, Type 317L offers better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than Type 316L in many chloride-containing media, while maintaining excellent weldability.
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