Materials & grades
316L stainless steel: equivalents 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2), SUS316L and 316S11
316L is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel: the same molybdenum-bearing austenitic analysis with carbon held to 0.03 % or less. The low carbon keeps welds resistant to intergranular corrosion, and the counterparts are 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) in Europe, 316S11 in the UK and SUS316L in Japan.
Names by standard
What it is called in each region
| Region | System | Designation | Norm | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | AISI/ASTM | 316L | ASTM A240 (plate, sheet, strip); A276 (bar); A312 (pipe); A479 (bar and shapes) | Same material |
| UNS | S31603 | — | Same material | |
| AISI/ASTM | 316Standard-carbon sibling (C ≤0.08 %), UNS S31600. See the 316 entry. | ASTM A240 | Closest equivalent | |
| UK | BS (withdrawn) | 316S11Withdrawn British name for 316L; listed against S31603 and 1.4404 by Atlas and ICAST. New orders use EN 10088. | — | Equivalent |
| BS (withdrawn) | 316S31British name for standard-carbon 316. | — | Closest equivalent | |
| EU | EN 10027-1 name | X2CrNiMo17-12-2Molybdenum 2.00–2.50 % against 2.00–3.00 % in ASTM A240. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent |
| EN 10027-2 number | 1.4404Material number of X2CrNiMo17-12-2. | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Equivalent | |
| EN 10027-2 number | 1.4401X5CrNiMo17-12-2, the standard-carbon 316 (C ≤0.07 %). | EN 10088-2; EN 10088-3 | Closest equivalent | |
| Indien | IS 1570 (Part 5) | X02Cr17Ni12Mo2 | IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 | Equivalent |
| Japan | JIS G 4303 / G 4304 / G 4305 | SUS316LNickel 12.00–15.00 % against 10.0–14.0 % in ASTM A240. | JIS G 4303 (bar); JIS G 4304 / G 4305 (plate, sheet) | Equivalent |
| JIS G 4303 / G 4304 / G 4305 | SUS316Standard-carbon 316 (C ≤0.08 %). | JIS G 4303 (bar) | Closest equivalent |
On equivalence
- 316 versus 316L: the chromium (16–18 %), nickel (10–14 %) and molybdenum (2–3 %) ranges in ASTM A240 are identical. Only carbon (≤0.08 % against ≤0.030 %) and the minimum yield and tensile strength differ.
- Because the ranges overlap, mills can supply material that meets both 316 and 316L, and 316L is often sold as '316/316L'. The certificate should show both if both are required. The 316 entry covers 1.4401, S31600 and SUS316.
- 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) caps molybdenum at 2.50 %, against 3.00 % in ASTM A240, and sets sulphur at 0.015 % against 0.030 %. SUS316L raises the nickel floor to 12.00 %.
- 316S11 is the old British name and is withdrawn; use EN 10088 for new orders.
- Indian X02Cr17Ni12Mo2 is the IS 1570 Part 5 name and follows the AISI 316L analysis.
Chemical composition
Composition limits, mass %
| Element | 316L (S31603)USA · ASTM A240 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 (1.4404)EU · EN 10088-2 / EN 10088-3 (heat analysis) | X02Cr17Ni12Mo2Indien · IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 | SUS316LJapan · JIS G 4303 (bar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤1.00 | ≤1.0 | ≤1.00 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤2.0 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 16.0–18.0 | 16.50–18.50 | 16.0–18.0 | 16.00–18.00 |
| Ni | 10.0–14.0 | 10.00–13.00 | 10.0–14.0 | 12.00–15.00 |
| Mo | 2.00–3.00 | 2.00–2.50 | 2.0–3.0 | 2.00–3.00 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Strength and hardness
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnnealedSpecified minimums, plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240); hardness is a maximumASTM A240, via Atlas Steels Section 9 and ICAST | ≥485 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥170 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | ≤217 HB (≤95 HRB) |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Specified, bar and sections up to 160 mm, longitudinal testEN 10088-3, via thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) datasheet 1.4404 | 500–700 MPa73–102 ksi | ≥200 MPa≥29 ksi | ≥40 % | — |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Specified, hot rolled plate up to 75 mm, transverse testEN 10088-2, via thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) datasheet 1.4404 | 520–670 MPa75–97 ksi | ≥220 MPa≥32 ksi | ≥45 % | — |
| Solution annealed (+AT)Specified, cold rolled strip up to 8 mm, transverse testEN 10088-2, via thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) datasheet 1.4404 | 530–680 MPa77–99 ksi | ≥240 MPa≥35 ksi | ≥40 % | — |
| Solution treatedSpecified, bar; hardness is a maximumJIS G 4303, via Nose Stainless reference sheet | ≥480 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥175 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | ≤187 HBW |
| Annealed bars (X02Cr17Ni12Mo2)Specified minimumsIS 1570 (Part 5):1985, Table 3 | ≥483 MPa≥70 ksi | ≥172 MPa≥25 ksi | ≥40 % | — |
In practice
Behaviour, heat treatment and uses
Characteristics
- Carbon of 0.03 % or less means the grade resists intergranular corrosion in the as-welded condition, so welded parts normally need no post-weld anneal (thyssenkrupp, Nose Stainless).
- Molybdenum of 2–3 % gives better pitting and crevice resistance than 304 in chloride-bearing media such as sea water (Nose Stainless, on 316).
- Lower minimum strength than 316: ASTM A240 requires 485 MPa tensile and 170 MPa yield for 316L, against 515 and 205 MPa for 316.
- Austenitic and non-hardenable by heat treatment; strength rises only with cold work, which also makes it slightly magnetic (thyssenkrupp).
- Welds with TIG, MAG, arc and submerged-arc processes, and laser. No preheat is needed; a similar 316L filler (1.4430 type) is standard (thyssenkrupp).
- Density about 8.0 g/cm³, modulus of elasticity 200 GPa and thermal conductivity about 15 W/m·K at 20 °C (thyssenkrupp).
Heat treatment
- Solution annealing: 1030–1110 °C (1885–2030 °F) with water or air cooling (EN guidance, thyssenkrupp). JIS gives 1010–1150 °C (1850–2100 °F) with rapid cooling.
- Hot forming: 1150–850 °C (2100–1560 °F), then air cool (thyssenkrupp).
- No hardening treatment exists; strength comes from composition and cold work only.
Typische Anwendungen
- Welded tanks, pressure vessels and pipework in chemical and process plants
- Chemical tankers and offshore modules
- Food, beverage and pharmaceutical equipment
- Architectural cladding, doors, windows and armatures
- Paper, textile and synthetic-fibre plant
Stainless steels
Similar grades compared
| Güteklasse | C % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Tensile, first listed condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥485 MPa |
| 201 / 1.4372 | ≤0.15 | 5.50–7.50 | 16.0–18.0 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 301 / 1.4310 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 6.0–8.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 303 / 1.4305 | ≤0.15 | ≤2.0 | 17.0–19.0 | 8.0–10.0 | 650 MPa |
| 304 / 1.4301 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | ≥515 MPa |
| 304L / 1.4307 | ≤0.030 | ≤2.00 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | ≥485 MPa |
| 309 / 309S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 22.0–24.0 | 12.0–15.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 310 / 310S | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 24.0–26.0 | 19.0–22.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 316 / 1.4401 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 16.0–18.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ≥515 MPa |
| 321 | ≤0.08 | ≤2.00 | 17.0–19.0 | 9.0–12.0 | ≥515 MPa |
Composition from the US standard where one exists, otherwise the first standard listed on each grade's page. Strength conditions differ between grades; open a grade for its full table.
Fragen und Antworten
Common questions
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel?
Carbon and minimum strength. 316L is limited to 0.030 % carbon; 316 allows 0.08 %. The chromium, nickel and molybdenum ranges are the same in ASTM A240. Low carbon makes 316L resistant to intergranular corrosion after welding, while 316 has slightly higher minimum strength (205 MPa yield against 170 MPa).
What is the equivalent of 316L?
1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) in Europe, SUS316L in Japan, 316S11 in old British standards and X02Cr17Ni12Mo2 in India. The EN grade caps molybdenum at 2.50 %, against 3.00 % for AISI 316L.
Is 316L stronger than 316?
No. ASTM A240 sets minimum values of 485 MPa tensile and 170 MPa yield for 316L, against 515 and 205 MPa for 316.
Is 316L weldable without annealing afterwards?
Yes, for most work. Low carbon keeps chromium carbides from forming at grain boundaries, so thyssenkrupp states that intergranular corrosion resistance is retained in the welded condition and that preheating and post-weld heat treatment are not normally needed.
Is 1.4404 the same as 316L?
They are close equivalents but not identical. Both limit carbon to 0.030 %. 1.4404 allows 16.5–18.5 % chromium, 10–13 % nickel and 2.0–2.5 % molybdenum; 316L allows 16–18 %, 10–14 % and 2–3 %.
From the Corona catalog
Products listed with 316L
Keep reading
Related references
References
Sources
- thyssenkrupp Materials (UK): Stainless Steel 1.4404 Material Data Sheet (11/2017) — EN composition, mechanical properties by product form, solution annealing, hot forming, welding.
- Atlas Steels, Product Reference Manual Section 9: stainless steel properties and equivalent grades — UNS, old British BS, Euronorm and JIS cross-reference with ASTM A240 composition and specified mechanical properties. States that cross-references are approximate.
- ICAST: ASTM A240 UNS S31603 — Second source for the ASTM A240 composition and minimum mechanical properties.
- Nose Stainless: steel types, composition and mechanical properties (JIS reference sheet) — JIS composition, solution-treatment temperature, proof stress, tensile strength, elongation and hardness for SUS309S, SUS310S, SUS316L and SUS321.
- Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 1570 (Part 5):1985 Schedules for wrought steels, stainless and heat-resisting steels (Public.Resource.Org copy) — Table 1 composition and Table 3 bar mechanical requirements. The scanned text is poor quality, so figures were read against neighbouring rows.
- ATI 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel — ASTM A240 / SA-240 composition and minimum properties for 316L (485 MPa, 170 MPa, 40 %, 95 HRB max).
- Outokumpu: Steel Grades, Properties and Global Standards — EN 10088-2 plate minimums for 1.4404 and the old British name 316S11.
Values summarize published limits and typical data. The governing standard and the current edition control; check them before specifying.