DIN EN 1.4408 material equivalent

SUS316L Stainless Steel: Composition, Properties & Industry Applications

 

1. What is SUS316L Stainless Steel?

SUS316L is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel grade defined under the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). It corresponds to ASTM 316L (USA) and EN 1.4404 (Europe). Compared to 304 stainless steel, SUS316L contains 2–3% molybdenum (Mo) and has a reduced carbon content (≤0.03%), giving it excellent corrosion resistance, workability, and weldability-making it a preferred choice for harsh and corrosive industrial environments.

 

2. Chemical Composition of SUS316L

Element	C	Cr	Ni	Mo	Mn	Si	S	P
Content	≤0.03%	16–18%	10–14%	2–3%	≤2.0%	≤1.0%	≤0.03%	≤0.045%

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3. Key Properties

SUS316L Corrosion Resistance

Chloride Resistance: Significantly more resistant than 304/304L due to the presence of molybdenum. Ideal for environments involving seawater, salt spray, bleach, and dilute hydrochloric acid.

Acid & Alkali Resistance: Performs well in moderate concentrations of sulfuric and phosphoric acid, as well as organic acids like formic and acetic acid-commonly used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Intergranular Corrosion Resistance: The low-carbon design ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion even after welding, without the need for post-weld heat treatment.

SUS316L Formability & Weldability

Easily cold-formed through bending or drawing processes with low work hardening rates, suitable for complex structures.

Excellent weldability; use molybdenum-containing filler metals (e.g., ER316L) to maintain corrosion resistance after welding.

SUS316L High Temperature & Oxidation Resistance

Withstands short-term exposure up to 800°C and long-term service around 650°C, outperforming 304 stainless steel (long-term resistance ~600°C).

Maintains mechanical strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for boilers, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems.

SUS316L Surface Finishing

Can be mirror-polished (e.g., 8K), matte-finished (BA), or brushed to meet sanitary requirements for food contact (e.g., NSF-compliant) and medical equipment.

 

4. Applications of SUS316L Stainless Steel

Chemical & Petrochemical Industries

Used in the manufacturing of reactors, storage tanks, pipelines, and valves exposed to hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and halide-containing environments.
Example: Chlorine-containing solution tanks in fertilizer production, acid reactors in pharmaceutical plants.

Marine & Offshore Engineering

Applied in seawater desalination systems, ship hardware (bolts, deck fittings), and coastal architectural structures due to excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion.

 

5. SUS316L vs SUS304L Stainless Steel

Property	SUS316L	SUS304L
Molybdenum	2–3% (Mo present)	0% (No Mo)
Chloride Resistance	Excellent (suitable for seawater/salt)	Moderate (suitable for general atmospheres/freshwater)
Cost	Higher (due to Mo content)	Lower
Typical Use	Harsh environments (chemical, marine, medical)	Standard environments (kitchen, light industry)

 

6. SUS316L Standards & Certifications

SUS316L complies with the following standards:

JIS G4303 (Japan)

ASTM A240 / ASTM A276 (USA)

EN 10088-2 (Europe, equivalent to 1.4404)

It is also eligible for:

Food contact certifications: NSF/ANSI 61, EU 10/2011

Medical-grade compliance: ISO 13485