Stainless Steel 316L

Grade 316L — EN 1.4404, AISI 316L, SS 2348 — is the molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel for chloride-rich and demanding environments. Supplied as sheet, strip, coil, and tube, with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates as standard.

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One grade, three designations.

EN 1.4404, AISI 316L, and SS 2348 all refer to the same material. Whichever standard your drawings follow, you are ordering the same grade.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4404 in Europe, AISI 316L internationally, and SS 2348 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same low-carbon molybdenum-bearing stainless steel.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4404 in Europe, AISI 316L internationally, and SS 2348 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same low-carbon molybdenum-bearing stainless steel.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4404 in Europe, AISI 316L internationally, and SS 2348 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same low-carbon molybdenum-bearing stainless steel.

Molybdenum-bearing

Around 17% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The added molybdenum sharply improves resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion.

Molybdenum-bearing

Around 17% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The added molybdenum sharply improves resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion.

Molybdenum-bearing

Around 17% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The added molybdenum sharply improves resistance to chlorides and pitting corrosion.

Low carbon, certified

The ‘L’ denotes low carbon, reducing carbide precipitation during welding. Every delivery includes an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate as standard.

Low carbon, certified

The ‘L’ denotes low carbon, reducing carbide precipitation during welding. Every delivery includes an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate as standard.

Low carbon, certified

The ‘L’ denotes low carbon, reducing carbide precipitation during welding. Every delivery includes an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate as standard.

Stock forms and surface finishes

Grade 316L is held in the forms and finishes most fabricators need. Bespoke dimensions can be sourced to order.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Available finishes

2B — mill finish

N4 — brushed

N5 — satin

N8 — mirror

320–900 grit polished

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Where grade 316L is used

Superior chloride resistance makes 316L the grade of choice for marine, medical, and chemical environments.

Marine and coastal

Fittings, rails, and fixtures exposed to salt air and spray where 304 would stain or pit.

Marine and coastal

Fittings, rails, and fixtures exposed to salt air and spray where 304 would stain or pit.

Marine and coastal

Fittings, rails, and fixtures exposed to salt air and spray where 304 would stain or pit.

Swimming pools

Pool halls and fixtures exposed to chlorinated atmospheres and aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Swimming pools

Pool halls and fixtures exposed to chlorinated atmospheres and aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Swimming pools

Pool halls and fixtures exposed to chlorinated atmospheres and aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Chemical processing

Tanks, piping, and vessels handling aggressive process media, acids, and brines.

Chemical processing

Tanks, piping, and vessels handling aggressive process media, acids, and brines.

Chemical processing

Tanks, piping, and vessels handling aggressive process media, acids, and brines.

Pharmaceutical and medical

Clean, corrosion-resistant surfaces for process equipment and surgical applications.

Pharmaceutical and medical

Clean, corrosion-resistant surfaces for process equipment and surgical applications.

Pharmaceutical and medical

Clean, corrosion-resistant surfaces for process equipment and surgical applications.

Food and brewing

Contact surfaces where salt, brine, or acidic products would challenge standard grades.

Food and brewing

Contact surfaces where salt, brine, or acidic products would challenge standard grades.

Food and brewing

Contact surfaces where salt, brine, or acidic products would challenge standard grades.

Exterior architecture

Facades and structures in coastal or polluted urban environments needing long-term durability.

Exterior architecture

Facades and structures in coastal or polluted urban environments needing long-term durability.

Exterior architecture

Facades and structures in coastal or polluted urban environments needing long-term durability.

316L or 304?

Where chlorides are present, 316L is the right choice. For standard, dry environments, 304 is the more economical option.

Choose 316L for aggressive environments

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Choose 316L for aggressive environments

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Choose 316L for aggressive environments

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

View Grade 304

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about grade 316L — finishes, forms, certificates, and how to order.

What is the difference between 316L and 304?

Why the ‘L’ in 316L?

What forms do you stock 316L in?

Do you supply mill certificates?

How do I order grade 316L?