Stainless steel is a material that has excellent corrosion resistance, aesthetics, non-fading and easy to clean, and also has a long life. Stainless steel castings are widely used in various industries, such as chemical processing, food processing, petroleum refining, waste heat recovery, etc.

Stainless steel has many different grades, which can be divided into different types according to their chemical composition and performance characteristics. One of the most common types is austenitic stainless steel, which contains a minimum of 16% chromium and 6% nickel. It has excellent corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, non-magnetic properties, and good hygienic qualities.

SUS316L is a grade of austenitic stainless steel that belongs to the Japanese standard (JIS). It also has corresponding international standards (ISO) and American standards (AISI). It is a low carbon version of SUS316, which is a popular grade of stainless steel for marine or coastal applications.

What is the Chemical Composition of SUS316L?

The chemical composition of SUS316L is shown in the following table:

ElementSUS316L
Carbon ©≤0.03%
Manganese (Mn)≤2.00%
Silicon (Si)≤1.00%
Phosphorus (P)≤0.045%
Sulfur (S)≤0.03%
Nickel (Ni)12.00-15.00%
Chromium (Cr)16.00-18.00%
Molybdenum (Mo)2.00-3.00%

From the table, it can be seen that SUS316L has a lower carbon content than SUS316, which gives it better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding or high-temperature exposure. It also has a higher nickel content than SUS316, which gives it better corrosion resistance in acidic or alkaline environments.

What are the Mechanical Properties of SUS316L?

The mechanical properties of SUS316L are shown in the following table:

Performance IndexSUS316L
Yield Strength (MPa)≥175
Tensile Strength (MPa)≥480
Elongation (%)≥40
Hardness (HB)≤187

From the table, it can be seen that SUS316L has high strength and ductility, and low hardness. It can be easily formed and welded by various methods.

What are the Physical Properties of SUS316L?

The physical properties of SUS316L are shown in the following table:

Performance IndexSUS316L
Density (g/cm3)8.03
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (10-6/K)16.5
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)16.3
Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K)500
Elastic Modulus (GPa)193

From the table, it can be seen that SUS316L has moderate density and thermal expansion coefficient, and low thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. It also has high elastic modulus, which means it can resist deformation under stress.

What are the Characteristics of SUS316L?

SUS316L has some distinctive characteristics that make it suitable for various applications, such as:

Excellent corrosion resistance: SUS316L can resist corrosion from various sources, such as chloride ions, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, tartaric acid, etc. It also has good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in seawater or other marine environments.

Excellent high-temperature resistance: SUS316L can maintain its strength and corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 870°C (1598°F). It also has good oxidation resistance and creep resistance at high temperatures.

Excellent low-temperature resistance: SUS316L can retain its toughness and ductility at temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F). It also has good cryogenic properties for applications that require low-temperature service.

Excellent weldability: SUS316L can be welded by various methods without preheating or post-weld heat treatment. It also has good resistance to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in the welds.

What is the Application of SUS316L?

SUS316L is widely used for various applications that require corrosion resistance and high-temperature service, such as:

Chemical processing equipment: SUS316L can handle corrosive chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, etc. It also can withstand high temperatures and pressures in reactors, heat exchangers, tanks, pipes, etc.

Food processing equipment: SUS316L can provide hygienic and sanitary conditions for food production and storage. It also can resist corrosion from food acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid, etc. It also can be used for cooking utensils, cutlery, containers, etc.

Pharmaceutical equipment: SUS316L can meet the strict standards of cleanliness and sterility for pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging. It also can resist corrosion from various drugs and solvents. It also can be used for surgical instruments, implants, catheters, etc.

Marine equipment: SUS316L can resist corrosion from seawater and marine organisms. It also can withstand high temperatures and pressures in offshore oil and gas installations, desalination plants, shipbuilding, etc.

Other applications: SUS316L can also be used for other applications that require corrosion resistance and high-temperature service, such as aerospace, nuclear power, textile, pulp and paper, etc.

Conclusion

This blog has introduced what is stainless steel SUS316L in terms of its chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, characteristics and application. It has shown that SUS316L is a low carbon version of SUS316, which is a popular grade of austenitic stainless steel for marine or coastal applications. It has excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance in various environments. It also has good weldability and formability for various fabrication methods.