AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

AISI 316L

AISI 316L is listed in the AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL material family. The reference data below should be checked against the governing product specification, product form and delivery condition before selection or certification.

AISI 316L
MATERIAL INTRODUCTION

AISI 316L

The reference chemistry table for AISI 316L lists Chromium (Cr): Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element; Nickel (Ni): Austenite stabilizer; Molybdenum (Mo): Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion; Nitrogen / stabilizer (N / Ti / Nb): Varies by grade suffix. Confirm exact limits and analysis tolerances against the governing standard and product form.

The mechanical-property table for AISI 316L lists Tensile Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Yield Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Elongation: Condition and product-form dependent %; Hardness: Grade and condition dependent —. These are reference entries; supplied condition, dimensions, test method and governing specification control the requirements, and the figures are not design allowables.

Werkstoff / EN cross-reference for AISI 316L: 1.4404. This comparison does not guarantee interchangeability; confirm chemistry, product form and condition against the governing specification.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Material Identification

Standard identification and material designation information for AISI 316L.

Material AISI 316L
UNS Number S31603
Werkstoff Number 1.4404
Material Type Austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel
MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Chemical Composition

The reference chemistry table lists Chromium (Cr): Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element; Nickel (Ni): Austenite stabilizer; Molybdenum (Mo): Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion; Nitrogen / stabilizer (N / Ti / Nb): Varies by grade suffix. Confirm the governing standard, product analysis tolerances and product form before ordering.

Element / feature Symbol Grade information
Chromium Cr Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element
Nickel Ni Austenite stabilizer
Molybdenum Mo Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion
Nitrogen / stabilizer N / Ti / Nb Varies by grade suffix
Other elements — Limits controlled by applicable specification
PERFORMANCE DATA

Mechanical Properties

The table reports Tensile Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Yield Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Elongation: Condition and product-form dependent %; Hardness: Grade and condition dependent — as reference data for AISI 316L. Actual requirements depend on condition, dimensions, test method and specification; these values are not design allowables.

Property Value Unit
Tensile Strength Condition and product-form dependent —
Yield Strength Condition and product-form dependent —
Elongation Condition and product-form dependent %
Hardness Grade and condition dependent —
MATERIAL DATA

Physical Properties

Density Typically about 7.9–8.1 g/cm³
Elastic Modulus Typically about 193 GPa
Thermal Conductivity Typically about 14–17 W/m·K
Specific Heat Typically about 500 J/kg·K
Melting Range Typically about 1370–1450°C
WHY SELECT THIS MATERIAL

Material Characteristics

AISI 316L is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel used where improved corrosion resistance over 304-series grades is required. Key performance features vary by grade and condition.

01

Low carbon

AISI 316L is selected when low carbon is important in service.

02

Molybdenum-bearing corrosion resistance

The grade provides molybdenum-bearing corrosion resistance, subject to product form and specification.

03

Good weldability

This characteristic supports use of AISI 316L in appropriate industrial environments.

04

Good chloride resistance

Performance depends on the certified material condition and governing specification.

AISI 316L Bolting Products

INDUSTRIAL USE

Typical Applications

AISI 316L is selected for bolting and engineered components where its corrosion, temperature or fabrication characteristics match the service environment.

01

General Industrial Use

Typical applications include chemical processing. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

02

Process & Chemical Service

Typical applications include marine equipment. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

03

Bolting & Fasteners

Typical applications include process piping. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

04

High-Temperature / Special Service

Typical applications include bolting and fasteners. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

ENGINEERING GUIDE

Engineering Considerations

Material Selection

Consider corrosion environment, temperature, product form, fastener size, heat treatment and the governing specification when selecting AISI 316L.

Formability

Corrosion Resistance: AISI 316L is intended for corrosion-resistant service, but actual performance depends on the environment, concentration, temperature and surface condition.

Mechanical Requirements

Mechanical Requirements: use certified mechanical properties for the exact grade, product form and condition; do not substitute generic family values for design allowables.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Werkstoff number for AISI 316L?

The commonly listed Werkstoff / EN cross-reference for AISI 316L is 1.4404. Treat this as a grade comparison, not a guarantee of interchangeability. Verify chemistry, product form, condition and governing specification against the supplier certificate before substitution.

Where is AISI 316L used?

Typical applications include chemical processing, marine equipment, process piping. Suitability depends on service environment and product condition.

Are the mechanical properties of AISI 316L condition dependent?

Yes. Tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and hardness vary with product form, heat treatment, cold work, section size and the governing specification.

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