317L Stainless Steel (1.4449)

317L stainless steel offers outstanding corrosion resistance and strength for demanding industrial and marine applications.

317L Stainless Steel

317L is a low-carbon, high-molybdenum austenitic stainless steel developed for superior performance in highly corrosive environments. Its enhanced chemical composition improves resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and general attack, especially in chloride-rich and chemical processing conditions.

Engineered with added molybdenum and a reduced carbon content, 317L offers improved weldability and reduced risk of intergranular corrosion after welding. This makes it ideal for fabrications exposed to aggressive environments and high temperatures.

It is commonly used in marine environments, chemical and petrochemical plants, food and beverage processing, power generation, and high-temperature equipment where long-term durability is essential.

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BEND

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POLISH

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AVAILABLE FORMS

Intamet offers 317L in a wide range of forms, including the below:

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What are the Mechanical Properties of 317L Stainless Steel?

317L stainless steel offers an excellent combination of tensile strength, elongation, and hardness, which makes it suitable for demanding structural and corrosive environments. Typical mechanical properties include:

Tensile Strength: 515–760 MPa, this provides robust performance in load-bearing applications.
Yield Strength: Minimum of 205 MPa, meaning it can withstand significant stress before permanent deformation.
Elongation: 40% minimum, which gives it excellent ductility and formability, particularly valuable during fabrication.
Hardness: Rockwell B95 max, allowing for machinability while maintaining wear resistance.

These mechanical attributes make 317L a dependable material for pressure vessels, chemical plants, and marine components that must withstand both mechanical and corrosive stress.

What is the chemical composition of 317L stainless steel?

The alloy’s corrosion resistance and performance stem from its carefully balanced chemical makeup:

Chromium (18.0–20.0%) enhances general corrosion resistance and helps form a protective oxide layer.
Nickel (11.0–15.0%) improves toughness and increases resistance to both oxidising and reducing agents.
Molybdenum (3.0–4.0%) significantly boosts resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride environments.
Low Carbon (≤ 0.03%) minimises the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, helping to prevent intergranular corrosion.

Other elements such as manganese, silicon, and nitrogen contribute to structural integrity and corrosion resistance, while iron remains the base metal.

This combination makes 317L an ideal material for use in high-chloride and acidic environments, such as chemical processing and offshore industries.

Are there variants of 317 stainless steel?

Yes, there are several related grades designed for specific performance enhancements:

317L: The low-carbon version offering superior resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, making it suitable for fabricated components.
317LMN: A nitrogen- and molybdenum-enhanced grade offering improved pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Used where chloride exposure is extreme or in highly acidic environments.
317: The standard version of the alloy, which contains a slightly higher carbon content and is suitable for general use when welding is not required.

Each variant is tailored for specific operational conditions, allowing manufacturers to select the ideal alloy for their corrosion, strength, or fabrication requirements.

What are the physical properties of 317L stainless steel?

317L’s physical characteristics make it particularly suited for use in fluctuating temperatures and corrosive service conditions:

Density: 8.0 g/cm³, standard for austenitic stainless steels, contributing to its structural reliability.

Melting Point: 1370–1398 °C, making it suitable for high-heat applications like heat exchangers and evaporators.

Thermal Conductivity: 13.0 W/m·K, provides moderate heat transfer capacity, useful in industrial processing.

Thermal Expansion: 15.9 × 10⁻⁶/K, ensures material dimensional stability in varying thermal environments.

Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa, provides structural stiffness and load-bearing capacity.

These properties allow 317L to perform well in elevated temperatures without warping, cracking, or losing mechanical strength.

Where is 317L stainless steel used?

317L is trusted in a wide range of industries due to its superior resistance to aggressive environments:

Chemical and Petrochemical Processing: Used in evaporators, condensers, and tanks where exposure to sulphuric, acetic, and other aggressive acids is common.

Marine Applications: Excellent resistance to chloride-induced corrosion makes it a preferred material for ship components, coastal facilities, and offshore platforms.

Pulp and Paper Industry: Withstands acidic bleaching and chemical pulping processes without degradation.

Food and Beverage Processing: Its non-reactive surface and high cleanliness make it suitable for sanitary environments.

Pharmaceutical Equipment: Ensures contamination-free processing and withstands harsh cleaning agents.

Its durability, hygiene properties, and formability make 317L a flexible solution for both critical infrastructure and precision equipment.

317L Stainless Steel (1.4449)