316L Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate

316L stainless steel (UNS S31603) is a low-carbon variation of 316 stainless steel. It retains all the key benefits of the standard 316 grade, such as excellent corrosion resistance and strength, but with a reduced carbon content (0.03% max) to improve weldability and prevent carbide precipitation during welding. This makes 316L stainless steel an ideal choice for applications that require both high resistance to corrosion and excellent weldability in critical or high-temperature environments.

Key Features

• Corrosion Resistance: 316L stainless steel offers exceptional resistance to a wide variety of corrosive environments, including chloride corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion. The low carbon content also enhances its resistance to sensitization, which can occur during welding in higher carbon grades.
• High-Temperature Resistance: While 316L is not as heat-resistant as 316H, it still performs well in environments exposed to moderate temperatures (up to around 870°C) without compromising its mechanical properties or resistance to oxidation.
• Mechanical Properties: 316L provides good tensile strength (~480 MPa) and elongation, making it suitable for structural applications. Its low carbon content also improves its resistance to stress corrosion cracking and ensures its performance in environments where stability is critical.
• Weldability and Fabricability: The low carbon content in 316L enhances its weldability and ensures strong, durable welds without the risk of carbide precipitation, which could weaken the material and lead to intergranular corrosion.

Technical Specifications:

• UNS Number: S31603
• DIN/EN Designation: 1.4404