316L stainless steel wire
UNS S31603 (EN/ISO W19 12 3 L)
Key Characteristics
- Excellent corrosion resistance in chloride and acidic environments
- Low carbon content for improved weldability
- Good mechanical strength and ductility
- Suitable for all DED processes such as WAAM and laser deposition
316L Stainless Steel wire is a high-quality feedstock used in wire-based additive manufacturing. This austenitic stainless steel alloy is characterized by its low carbon content, which enhances its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications. This stainless steel can be work hardened.
316L stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, especially pitting corrosion resistance, due to the addition of 2~3% Mo element. It also offers good high-temperature strength. This stainless steel is excellent for all forms of WAAM, and both laser and electron beam DED technologies, offering consistent deposition, stable arc behaviour, and high-quality part production.
🏭 Industry Sectors
- Marine and offshore structures
- Chemical and petrochemical processing vessels
- Food and beverage equipment
- Aerospace structures
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Fe | Bal. |
| Cr | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Ni | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Mo | 2.0 – 3.0 |
| Si | ≤ 1.0 |
| C | ≤ 0.03 |
| Mn | ≤ 2.0 |
| P | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 |
| N | ≤ 0.1 |
Wire sizes
| Size Distribution | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| 0.8 – 1.2 | Precision WAAM and LW-DED of small components |
| 1.2 – 2.0 | General WAAM, LW-DED, and EBW-DED applications |
| 2.2 – 3.2 | High-deposition DED, large structures |
Heat Treatment
- Stress Relief: 650–800 °C for 1–2 hours
- Solution Annealing: 1010–1120 °C followed by rapid cooling
- HIP (optional): Improves density and fatigue properties
Note: 316L cannot be hardened by heat treatment; only stress relief and solution annealing are used.
Key Materials Properties
| Property Type | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Yield Strength | 200 – 310 MPa |
| Mechanical | Ultimate Tensile Strength | 520 – 620 MPa |
| Mechanical | Elongation to break | >25 % |
| Mechanical | Hardness | ~220 Hv |
| Mechanical | High Cycle Fatigue limit | 150–200 MPa typical |
| Mechanical | Young’s Modulus | ~195 GPa |
| Mechanical | Fracture toughness | 110 – 270 MPa√m |
| Thermal | Conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Thermal | Linear Expansion (20–100°C) | 16.6 µm/m·°C |
| Electrical | Resistivity @ 20°C | 0.75 µΩ·m |
Corrosion Resistance
316L offers excellent resistance to corrosion in chloride-containing environments and acidic conditions. It is widely used in marine and chemical processing applications due to its superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance compared to 304 stainless steel.
Heat Resistance
Good oxidation resistance up to 870 °C in intermittent service and 925 °C in continuous service. Not recommended for long-term use at high temperatures due to risk of carbide precipitation.
Welding
316L exhibits excellent weldability with all standard fusion and resistance welding processes. Low carbon content minimizes the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding.
Machining
Machinability is similar to other austenitic stainless steels. Use sharp tools, adequate lubrication, and slower speeds to minimize work hardening.