Stainless Steel 316 / 316L Seamless Pipes & Tubes Manufacturer & Supplier
SS 316 / 316L (UNS S31600 / S31603) are molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steels with 2-3% Mo, providing significantly improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. 316L is the low-carbon variant (C: 0.030% max) preferred for welded fabrication, eliminating the risk of intergranular corrosion.
UNS: S31600 / S31603 | Category: Austenitic Stainless Steel | Werkstoff Nr: 1.4401 / 1.4404 | EN Name: X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2
SS 316 / 316L — Also Known As
SS 316 / 316L is also commonly known as SS 316 / 316L, Stainless Steel 316 / 316L Seamless Pipes & Tubes, S31600 / S31603, UNS S31600 / S31603, 1.4401 / 1.4404, Werkstoff 1.4401 / 1.4404, W.Nr 1.4401 / 1.4404, X5CrNiMo17-12-2 / X2CrNiMo17-12-2, 316 stainless steel, 316l stainless steel, aisi 316, aisi 316l, ss316, ss316l.
SS 316 / 316L — Applicable Standards & Specifications
SS 316 / 316L is commonly supplied to ASTM A312, ASME SA312, ASTM A213, ASME SA213, ASME SA269, ASTM A249, ASME SA249, EN 10216-5.
Size Range
Outer Diameter: 1/4" NPS to 10" NPS (6.35mm to 273.1mm OD)
Wall Thickness: SCH 5S to SCH 160, XXS
Chemical Composition (%)
| C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | Mo | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.08 / 0.030 max | 2.00 max | 0.75 max | 16.0-18.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 2.0-3.0 | 0.045 max | 0.030 max |
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength
- 515 / 485 MPa min
- Yield Strength
- 205 / 170 MPa min
- Elongation
- 35% min
- Hardness
- 95 HRB max
Physical Properties
- Density
- 7.98 g/cm3
- Melting Range
- 1375-1400 C
- Thermal Conductivity
- 16.3 W/m-K
- Electrical Resistivity
- 740 nOhm-m
- Specific Heat
- 500 J/kg-K
- Coeff. of Thermal Expansion
- 15.9 um/m-C
Corrosion Resistance
- Pitting Resistance (PREN)
- ~24
- Max Service Temp (Oxidizing)
- 870 C
- Intergranular Corrosion
- 316: Susceptible if sensitized / 316L: Resistant (low carbon)
- Stress Corrosion Cracking
- Better than 304 in chlorides
- General Corrosion Rate
- <0.05 mm/yr in most acids
- Seawater Resistance
- Moderate - better than 304
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A312 / ASME SA312
- ASTM A213 / ASME SA213
- ASTM A269
- DIN EN 10216-5
Applications
- Marine environments and coastal installations
- Chemical processing with chloride exposure
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment
- Offshore oil & gas piping systems
- Pulp and paper industry
- Nuclear fuel reprocessing (316L)
- Medical implants and surgical instruments
- Semiconductor sub-fab PCW, DI water and CMP slurry piping (316L)
Industries Served
- Marine
- Chemical Processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Oil & Gas
- Pulp & Paper
- Nuclear
- Medical
- Semiconductor & Electronics
Key Advantages
- Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance vs 304
- Excellent resistance to chloride environments
- 316L: Best combination of weldability and chloride corrosion resistance
- 316L: No post-weld heat treatment required
- Industry standard for pharmaceutical & biotech
- Good resistance to sulfuric acid solutions
Equivalent Grades
- ASTM
- TP316 / TP316L
- JIS
- SUS 316 / SUS 316L
- BS
- 316S31 / 316S11
- GOST
- 08Kh17N13M2 / 03Kh17N14M2
Frequently Asked Questions
Ss 316l seamless pipes 6mm to 273mm — what should buyers know?
SS 316L seamless pipes are supplied in 6 mm to 273 mm OD in ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 TP316L, with low carbon content for improved weldability and corrosion resistance. Common schedules include SCH 5S to SCH XXS, with dimensions and tolerances typically as per ASME B36.19M, ASTM A999, and ASTM A530.
What is the difference between SS 316 and 316L seamless pipes?
SS 316L is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, typically with carbon limited to 0.03% max. This reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making 316L preferable for welded and corrosion-critical service. Both grades offer molybdenum-bearing corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and chemicals.
What standards and dimensions apply to 316L seamless pipes from 6 mm to 273 mm?
For this size range, 316L seamless pipes are commonly produced to ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 TP316L. Outside diameter and wall thickness are generally selected by NPS or metric OD, with schedules such as 5S to XXS. Dimensional standards typically reference ASME B36.19M, while manufacturing and tolerance requirements follow ASTM A999 and ASTM A530.
What does 6 mm to 273 mm mean for SS 316L seamless pipes?
It usually refers to the outside diameter range of the seamless pipe. In this range, manufacturers supply multiple wall thicknesses based on standard pipe schedules such as 5S, 10S, 40S, and 80S. Exact inside diameter and pressure rating depend on the selected OD, schedule, and the ASTM or ASME specification.
Which standards are used for 316L seamless stainless steel pipes and tubes?
For pipe, the most common standard is ASTM A312 / ASME SA312 for TP316L seamless stainless steel pipe. For tube applications, ASTM A213 and ASTM A269 are also widely referenced, depending on whether the requirement is heat-exchanger tubing, instrumentation tubing, or general corrosion-resistant stainless steel tubing.
Which specifications are typically used for SS 316L seamless pipes in this size range?
The usual product specification is ASTM A312 or ASME SA312 for TP316L seamless stainless steel pipe. Dimensional series are commonly taken from ASME B36.19M, while general manufacturing, testing, and tolerance requirements are covered by ASTM A999/A999M. Material is normally supplied in solution-annealed condition with pickled or plain finish, depending on order requirements.
What is the standard size range for SS 316L seamless pipes?
For stainless steel 316L seamless pipes, a common supply range is 6 mm to 273 mm outside diameter. Depending on whether the product is ordered as pipe or tube, wall thickness can be supplied in standard schedules such as 5S to 80S or in metric thicknesses, subject to the applicable ASTM specification and mill capability.
Which specifications apply to 316L seamless pipes and tubes?
SS 316L seamless pipe is typically produced to ASTM A312, while seamless heat-exchanger or instrumentation tubes are commonly supplied to ASTM A213 or ASTM A269. Dimensions are generally referenced to ASME B36.19M for stainless steel pipe schedules, and tolerances, testing, and marking are governed by the respective ASTM standard.