Why Choose 316L Stainless Steel?
316L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel offering exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly against chlorides and acids, combined with excellent biocompatibility and weldability for demanding environments.
Corrosion Resistance
Superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments, marine atmospheres, and chemical processing applications.
Biocompatible
Excellent biocompatibility makes 316L ideal for medical implants, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical equipment.
Weldable
Low carbon content prevents carbide precipitation during welding, eliminating need for post-weld heat treatment.
316L Stainless Steel Manufacturing Gallery
Material Specifications
| Property | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | C: ≤0.030%, Cr: 16-18%, Ni: 10-14%, Mo: 2-3% | Low carbon austenitic stainless steel |
| Tensile Strength | 485 MPa minimum | Excellent mechanical properties |
| Yield Strength | 170 MPa minimum | Good ductility and formability |
| Elongation | 40% minimum | Superior ductility for complex parts |
| Hardness | 95 HRB maximum | Rockwell B scale hardness |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in chloride environments | Molybdenum enhances pitting resistance |
Key Technical Advantages
Marine Grade Durability
Outstanding resistance to saltwater and marine environments
Low Maintenance
Passive chromium oxide layer provides self-healing protection
Temperature Stable
Maintains properties from cryogenic to elevated temperatures
Hygienic
Easy to clean and sterilize for medical and food applications
Primary Applications & Industries
Medical & Healthcare
Surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, dental equipment, and medical device components requiring biocompatibility and sterilization resistance.
- Surgical instruments and tools
- Orthopedic implants and screws
- Medical imaging equipment parts
Marine & Offshore
Boat fittings, offshore platform components, desalination equipment, and marine hardware exposed to harsh saltwater environments.
- Marine hardware and fittings
- Offshore platform components
- Desalination plant equipment
Chemical Processing
Reactor vessels, piping systems, valves, and process equipment handling corrosive chemicals and acids in pharmaceutical and chemical plants.
- Chemical reactor components
- Pharmaceutical processing equipment
- Acid-resistant piping systems
Food & Beverage
Processing equipment, storage tanks, brewery components, and food-contact surfaces requiring hygiene and corrosion resistance.
- Food processing machinery
- Brewery and dairy equipment
- Storage tanks and vessels
Our 316L Manufacturing Capabilities
Years Experience
Specialized stainless steel machining expertise
Quality Control
CMM inspection and material certification
Surface Finishing
Polishing, passivation, and electropolishing
Certified Materials
Full traceability with mill certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel?
316L contains lower carbon content (≤0.030% vs ≤0.080% in 316), which prevents carbide precipitation during welding and heat exposure. This makes 316L superior for welded applications and eliminates the need for post-weld heat treatment while maintaining equivalent corrosion resistance.
Can 316L stainless steel be used in medical implants?
Yes, 316L is widely used for medical implants due to excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance in body fluids. It’s commonly used for orthopedic screws, plates, and temporary implants. However, for permanent implants, materials like titanium or cobalt-chromium may be preferred for long-term applications.
What surface finishes are available for 316L parts?
We offer comprehensive surface finishing including mechanical polishing (from 2B to mirror finish), electropolishing for enhanced corrosion resistance and cleanability, passivation to enhance the natural oxide layer, and various industrial finishes. Selection depends on your application requirements.
How does 316L perform in marine environments?
316L offers excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in saltwater and marine atmospheres due to its molybdenum content. It’s suitable for most marine applications including boat fittings, offshore equipment, and coastal structures. For more aggressive environments, duplex stainless steels may be recommended.
What machining tolerances can you achieve with 316L?
Our precision CNC machining centers can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm for critical dimensions on 316L stainless steel parts. We use specialized tooling and cutting parameters optimized for stainless steel, with CMM inspection for verification. Tighter tolerances may be achievable through grinding operations.
Do you provide material certificates for 316L parts?
Yes, we provide complete material traceability including mill certificates with chemical composition analysis (showing carbon content verification), mechanical property test reports, heat lot numbers for full traceability, and dimensional inspection reports. All documentation meets ASTM A240/A276 and international standards.
Request Your 316L Stainless Steel Quote
Connect with Rapidaccu
Leading Chinese CNC manufacturer with 15 years of expertise in precision stainless steel machining. We deliver quality, precision, and reliability for your corrosion-resistant components.
Production Facility
Rongli Industrial Park, Dalang, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
Email Us
info@rapidaccu.comOur Specialization
15+ years precision CNC machining of 316L stainless steel with complete finishing services