316L Stainless Steel (1.4404)

316L stainless steel is a low-carbon alloy offering outstanding corrosion resistance, excellent strength, and biocompatibility, ideal for medical, marine, and chemical processing environments.

316L Stainless Steel

316L (1.4404) is a low-carbon variant of the 316 grade, widely valued for its superior resistance to corrosion and excellent performance in harsh or chemically aggressive environments. Known for its reliability and strength, 316L is used in everything from marine structures and medical devices to food processing and chemical plant equipment.

One of the key features of 316L steel is its reduced carbon content, which minimises the risk of intergranular corrosion, particularly after welding or prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. This makes it a popular choice for manufacturing 316L stainless steel pipe, 316L tube, and 316L flange products, where consistent durability and corrosion protection are essential.

The alloy’s inclusion of molybdenum (2–3%) enhances its resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and chloride attack, making stainless steel 316L an ideal solution for saltwater, acidic, and industrial applications. It is also used for 316L stainless steel sheet, plate, coil, and strip products across sectors that demand hygienic, long-lasting materials.

316L's strength and versatility allow it to be fabricated into a wide range of forms including 316L stainless steel flat bar, round bar, and custom-finished components for advanced engineering and construction projects.

CUT TO LENGTH

Tell us the lengths you need and we will cut to length!

FORM

Special shapes that require forming or pressing? Yep - we do that too!

BEND

Need a specific bend or radius? No problem!

POLISH

From a satin finish, all the way up to super mirror. Let's make it sparkle!

AVAILABLE FORMS

Intamet offers 316L in a wide range of forms, including the below:

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FAQs: 316L Stainless Steel

What are the Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel?

In its annealed state, 316L stainless steel typically exhibits:

Tensile Strength: 515 MPa (75 ksi)

Yield Strength: 205 MPa (30 ksi)

Elongation: 40%

Hardness (Brinell): 217

Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa (28 x 10⁶ psi)

These mechanical characteristics, alongside excellent formability and weldability, make 316L suitable for complex fabrication, including the production of 316L stainless steel sheets & plates, coil, and tube components used in corrosive or high-stress conditions.

What are the Physical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel?

Are There Variants of 316 Stainless Steel?

Multiple variants exist to meet specialist requirements:

316L: Low carbon for improved weldability and corrosion resistance

316Ti: Titanium-stabilised for enhanced high-temperature corrosion resistance

316H: Higher carbon version for increased strength and hardness

316LN: Nitrogen-enhanced for extra strength in demanding environments

316F: Free-machining variant with added sulfur

316L Mod: Modified for better machinability in precision applications

316L-Si: Silicon-enhanced for improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures

316L-Mo / 316L-Cu: Custom-modified for better pitting and stress corrosion performance

These options make 316L steel a highly flexible material solution, whether you’re sourcing 316L steel round bar, tube, or plate for marine fabrication or precision-engineered components.

What is the Chemical Composition of 1.4404 Stainless Steel?

Typical composition of 1.4404 stainless steel includes:

Carbon (C): 0.03% max

Manganese (Mn): 2.00% max

Silicon (Si): 1.00% max

Chromium (Cr): 16.00–18.00%

Nickel (Ni): 10.00–14.00%

Molybdenum (Mo): 2.00–3.00%

Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max

Sulfur (S): 0.030% max

Nitrogen (N): 0.1% max

Iron (Fe): Balance

This chemical structure ensures excellent corrosion protection, especially in chloride and acidic environments. The alloy's versatility allows for reliable manufacturing of 316L stainless steel strip, pipe, and round bar forms.

Where is 316L Stainless Steel Used?

Thanks to its exceptional performance characteristics, 316L stainless steel is found in industries such as:

Medical & surgical: Implants, tools, and devices

Marine & offshore: Piping, fasteners, and underwater components

Chemical & pharmaceutical: Processing equipment, tanks, and reactors

Food processing: Hygienic surfaces and structural parts

Architecture: Exterior cladding in coastal environments

Common product formats include 316L stainless steel pipe, plate, sheet, coil, and flat bar, all prized for their strength, corrosion resistance, and adaptability to specific industrial requirements.

316L Stainless Steel (1.4404)