Choosing to use 317L stainless steel for your various works should not be done blindly. You need to know their pros, cons, properties, their unique forms, applications, and more.
What is 317L SS?
317L (or UNS S31703) is an austenitic alloy or SS with chromium-nickel-molybdenum content. Besides, 317L is famous for its low carbon corrosion resisting features.
Due to its makeup content, it has high chloride pitting which makes its use in various industries perfect.
The other names 317L is identified by in the industry include:
- ASTM A240
- UNS S31703-317L
- ASTM A182
- ASME SA 240
- ASTM A167
Advantages of 317L Stainless Steel
There are many reasons why you should consider 317L SS for your applications:
- 317L is able to resist corrosion to very high levels which includes pitting and crevice. This is due to its content makeup.
- Unique mechanical qualities. It comes with very strong tensile capacity. This makes it very strong.
- 317L alloy is used for different productions or metal fabrication methods.
- It comes with the finest formability features.
- This alloy has very good weldability features.
- 317L SS is non-magnetic.
- Due to its low carbon, it is protected from sensitization that comes from welding.
- They are very easy to handle and use.
- High durability levels are assured with this SS.
- Very easy to maintain and to clean as well.
- Resistant to oxidation.
- Has low weight.
Cons of 317L Stainless Steel
Although stainless steel grade 317L offer many benefits, there are certain limitations making unsuitable for most applications. So, even as you invest in this stainless steel grade, you should consider:
- The cost of 317L can be quite high.
- It cannot be used for applications where magnetic features are required.
Chemical Properties
With 20% chromium, 11 – 15% nickel, 3 – 4% molybdenum, including iron (balanced level), and more, the chemical composition of 317L is indeed a strong one.
Other elements found in 317L include manganese 2%, 0.03% sulfur and carbon mixture, 1% silicon, and 0.045% phosphorus.
Due to the above details, they come with these chemical features:
- Rusting and corrosion. Since it has high quantities of molybdenum, it doesn’t corrode or rust easily.
- Resistant to various acidic environments. To many chemicals, 317L alloy is resistant. These include acidic chlorine, sulfuric acid, and phosphorus acid.
- Pitting and crevice corrosion. 317L alloy even with pitting and crevice doesn’t corrode at all.
- It also comes with the very best welding features. However, oxyacetylene welding method needs to be prevented.
Physical Properties
- 317L is not magnetic.
- It has a very elegant and smooth look.
- Heat resistance. 317L alloy doesn’t respond to heat treating.
- Performing conventional hot working methods is possible. However, the right measurements should be followed. 317L shouldn’t be heated below 1700° To ensure corrosion is resisted, annealing is advised.
- Heat treatment does not harden this SS
- Cold working is possible
Mechanical Properties
371L SS comes with 595 MPa tensile strength, 260 mpa yield strength, with 200 GPa modulus of elasticity. Other properties include 55% elongation and 217 Brinell hardness.
Due to the mechanical properties of this stainless steel, it is able to hold pressure on a high level.
What is 317L Stainless Steel Designation Equivalent?
When it comes to choosing stainless steel grade 317L, at times you may encounter these name variations:
- AISI 317L
- ASTM A167
- ASTM A182
- ASTM A213
What Are The Different Forms of 317L Stainless Steel?
After stainless steel manufacturing process, there are usually sold in different forms. Even the 317L grade stainless steel is not exempted from this classification. The most common available forms include:
- Plates
- Tubes
- Sheet
- Pipe
- Tube
- Bar
- Rolls
317L vs 316L Stainless Steel
Knowing the differences between 317L and 316L is important.
You are able to know where each stands individually to make better choices when you choose to use them.
Chemical Composition
- 317L has some quantities more where the chemical composition percentages of the two are compared.
- For instance, while 317L has between 18-20% of chromium, 316L has from 16-18% chromium.
Physical Properties
- Both SS come with almost the same physical properties.
- The density of 317L is 7.89 g/cm3 with 316 coming with density of 7.90 g/cm3.
- 317L electrical resistivity is 85.1 microhm-cm at 20°C while 316 stands at 74 microhm-cm at the same degree Celsius.
Mechanical Properties
- 317L comes with a minimum tensile strength of about 595 MPa and 260 MPa minimum yield strength.
- 316 comes with a tensile strength of about 485 MPa and 170 MPa minimum yield strength.
Both can handle pressure levels. However, 317L is able to handle higher levels of pressure.
317L Stainless Steel Applications
The stainless steel composition makes it suitable for many applications in various industries. From industrial to domestic applications, this stainless steel grade finds use in:
- Paper industry
- Beverage and food industry
- Perfect for fossil fuel plant desulfurization.
- Used in textiles industry
- Die making industry
- Power generation plans in condenser systems
- Petrochemical processing.
- Used for chemical processing.
Conclusion
317L is that ideal stainless steel if you need an alloy that is easy to weld, form, and comes with the best corrosion resistance features.
Not all stainless-steel work perfectly for all purposes. Being in the known of these details helps you make better decisions.
More Resources:
317L – Source: AZO Materials
Types of Stainless Steel – Source: Thomas Net
317 Stainless Steel – Source: AZO Materials