Stainless Steel Grade 317L

Stainless steel is a very commonly used material available in various grades. The varying chemical composition of different grades of stainless steel provide them different features making one grade different from others and providing them unique characteristics. One such unique stainless steel grade is 317L. 

Let us uncover various Properties and applications of the stainless steel grade 317.

About Grade 317L Stainless Steel

Grade 317L is a low-carbon stainless steel. It is highly corrosion-resistant and austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel. The presence of these elements in SS 317L provides it with superior chloride pitting. This makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring high corrosion resistance. It has higher stress-to-rupture, tensile strength and creep at elevated temperatures. It is also highly weldable and offers excellent formability. SS 317L is also resistant to thermal shock and oxidation.

AISI 317L Chemical Composition

Different grades of stainless steel are characterized by their chemical composition. Elements and their % composition can greatly influence their properties. Before discovering various properties of SS 317L, let us look at the chemical composition of Stainless Steel 317L: 

Iron, Fe

Balance

Chromium, Cr

18-20%

Manganese, Mn

3-4%

Nickel, Ni

11-15%

Silicon, Si

1%

Phosphorous, P

0.045%

Carbon, C

0.03%

Sulfur, S

0.03%

Molybdenum, Mo

3-4%

Physical Properties of Stainless Steel 317L

Knowledge of the physical properties of stainless steel is very important when considering its various applications. Here are the physical properties of SS 317L to help you know its feasibility for your application.

Density

7.89gm/cm3

Electrical Resistivity

85.1 Microhm-cm at 20°C

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 317L

Apart from the physical properties of stainless steel 317L, knowledge of its mechanical properties is equally important to decide its suitability for your application.

Tensile strength

595 MPa

Yield strength 

260 MPa

Modulus of elasticity

200 GPa

Poisson's ratio

0.27-0.30

Elongation at break (in 50 mm)

55%

Hardness, Rockwell

B85

Thermal Properties of Stainless Steel 317L

The temperature range of stainless steel 317L varies between 20 to 100 degrees Celsius. Many applications require high-temperature adaptability, hence before selecting any grade of stainless steel have a keen look at its thermal properties. 

Thermal Conductivity (20 degree Celsius)

14 W/(m x K)

Melting range

1390 -1440 degrees Celsius

Specific Heat 

502 J/kg-°K (0 – 100°C

 

Applications of Stainless Steel 317L

Grade 317L is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel alloy with high corrosion resistance and good formability. It is suited for various applications including:

 

1. Chemical Industry

2. Petrochemical Industry

3. Fertilizer Production

4. Power Generation

5. Food Processing

6. Water Supply Systems

7. Medical Devices

8. Sulfuric Acid Environments

9. Weldability and Structural Applications

10. Aerospace

 

These diverse industries call for the versatility and reliability of stainless steel 317L in demanding industrial and specialised environments.