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Stainless SteelS31603

316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, enhanced with molybdenum for superior resistance to corrosion, particularly in chloride-rich and aggressive chemical environments. Its low carbon content minimizes the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance and structural integrity. Widely used in marine equipment, chemical processing, medical devices, food processing, and pharmaceutical applications, 316L offers exceptional durability, formability, and mechanical performance across a broad range of temperatures. It is supplied in sheet, channel and angle bar forms under standards such as ASTM A240/A240M and A276/A479. 316L's low carbon content makes it the preferred 316-series option for welded medical, surgical, and pharmaceutical-grade equipment, where post-weld corrosion resistance is critical to passing validation.

Material Profile

Overview

Family
Stainless Steel
Type
Austenitic
UNS
S31603

Features

Material Advantages

Low-Carbon Welded Corrosion Resistance

Low carbon content reduces carbide precipitation during welding, helping preserve corrosion resistance in welded assemblies.

Chloride Corrosion Resistance

Molybdenum-bearing chemistry improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments.

Clean-Service Applications

Commonly used in pharmaceutical, food, medical and sanitary equipment where cleanability and corrosion resistance are important.

Fabrication-Friendly Austenitic Grade

Provides good formability and toughness across many product forms, supporting tanks, piping, fittings and fabricated components.

Supply Forms

Available Product Forms

Select a product form to review size ranges, specifications and sourcing details.

Technical Data

Material Technical Data

Chemistry shown per ASTM A240/A240M (HR / CR). Switch the standard above to compare other editions.

CCrNiMoMnSiFeNPS
≤0.0316.0-18.010.0-14.02.0-3.0≤2.0≤0.75Bal.0.1≤0.045≤0.030

Applications

Typical Equipment Applications

Heat Exchanger

Heat Exchanger

Pressure Vessel

Pressure Vessel

Seawater Piping System

Seawater Piping System

Processing Equipment

Processing Equipment

Sterile Tank System

Sterile Tank System

Building Facade System

Building Facade System