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316L

1.4404
Stainless SteelAustenitic
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Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.

International equivalents

FlagStandardCountryGradeNumberMatch
🇺🇸AISIUSAAISI 316LS31603REF
🇪🇺ENEuropeX2CrNiMo17-12-21.4404100%
🇯🇵JISJapanSUS316L—99%
🇬🇧BSUnited Kingdom316S11—98%
🇨🇳GBChina00Cr17Ni14Mo2—96%

Sources: ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, JIS G4303, BS EN 10088-2, GB/T 1220

Chemical composition comparison (wt%)

Side-by-side: 316L (EN) (EN 10088-2) vs AISI 316L (AISI) (ASTM A240)

Element316L (EN)AISI 316L (AISI)Overlap
C0–0.03%0–0.03%OK
Si0–1%0–0.75%OK
Mn0–2%0–2%OK
P0–0.045%0–0.045%OK
S0–0.015%0–0.03%OK
Cr16.5–18.5%16–18%Partial ⚠️

AISI upper limit 0.5% lower

Mo2–2.5%2–3%OK
Ni10–13%10–14%OK
N0–0.11%0–0.1%OK

Mechanical properties

Solution Treated

PropertyValueUnit
Tensile Strength520–680MPa
Yield Strength≥ 220MPa
Elongation≥ 40%
Hardness HB≤ 215HB
Elastic Modulus≥ 200GPa
Density≥ 7.98g/cm3

Heat treatment

ProcessTemperatureMediumHolding TimeNotes
solution_treating1020–1100 °CwaterRapid cooling requiredFull solution anneal. Do not slow cool — risk of sensitization
stress_relief400–450 °Cair1-2 hoursLow-temperature stress relief only

Compatibility verdict

316L and AISI 316L: 99% composition match

Close equivalents but NOT identical. Critical differences: Si range (0–1 vs 0–0.75), S range (0–0.015 vs 0–0.03), Cr range (16.5–18.5 vs 16–18), Mo range (2–2.5 vs 2–3).

For dual certification, melt must hit: Si 0–0.75, S 0–0.015, Cr 16.5–18, Mo 2–2.5

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All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.