What is UNS S31603 Stainless steel plate Material Equivalent?

 

When choosing materials for projects in corrosive environments, understanding material equivalencies across global standards is crucial for ensuring performance and compliance.

UNS S31603, widely known as 316L stainless steel, is a low-carbon, molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel celebrated for its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.

But what are its equivalent materials in other standards?

As a trusted supplier with extensive experience, Gangsteel provides ASME SA240 Gr 316L in sheets, plates, coils, and custom components, all compliant with ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 standards, ensuring quality for global clients.

Gangsteel explores the equivalent materials for UNS S31603, its chemical composition, mechanical properties, applications, and pricing, offering practical insights for engineers and procurement specialists. Whether you're working on marine equipment or chemical processing systems, knowing these equivalents can simplify sourcing and enhance project success. Let’s get started.


 

UNS S31603 and Its Equivalents

 

UNS S31603, or 316L stainless steel, is a low-carbon variant of 316 stainless steel, designed for superior weldability and corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich environments. The "L" stands for low carbon, which minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring the material retains its corrosion-resistant properties. At Gangsteel, we’ve seen UNS S31603 excel in projects where standard 304 stainless steel falls short, such as in marine or acidic conditions.

Its equivalent materials across international standards include:

Standard

Grade

UNS

S31603

W.Nr.

1.4404

EN

X2CrNiMo17-12-2

JIS

SUS 316L

GB

00Cr17Ni14Mo2

ASTM

A240 316l

ASME

SA240 316l

These equivalents ensure seamless compatibility with standards like ASTM A240 stainless steel sheet or JIS G4304 stainless steel sheet, allowing you to specify ASME SA240 Gr 316L and get the same performance as EN 1.4404 or JIS SUS 316L. This cross-standard flexibility is a lifesaver for global projects.

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Chemical Composition of UNS S31603

 

The chemistry of UNS S31603 is engineered for excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride and acidic environments, with enhanced weldability. Here’s the typical composition:

Element

Percentage (%)

Chromium (Cr)

16.0 – 18.0

Nickel (Ni)

10.0 – 14.0

Molybdenum (Mo)

2.0 – 3.0

Carbon (C)

≤ 0.03

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 2.0

Silicon (Si)

≤ 0.75

Phosphorus (P)

≤ 0.045

Sulfur (S)

≤ 0.03

Iron (Fe)

Balance (~65%)

The molybdenum content enhances pitting and crevice corrosion resistance (PREN ~ 24-28), while the ultra-low carbon content prevents sensitization during welding. This makes UNS S31603 a superior choice over ASME SA240 Gr 304L for applications requiring chloride resistance.

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Mechanical Properties of UNS S31603

 

UNS S31603 offers a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, ideal for demanding applications:

Property

Value at 20°C

Value at 540°C (1000°F)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

≥ 485 (70 ksi)

≥ 350 (51 ksi)

Yield Strength (MPa)

≥ 170 (25 ksi)

≥ 140 (20 ksi)

Elongation (%)

≥ 40

≥ 45

Hardness (HRB)

≤ 95

-

Density

8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³)

-

The low carbon content ensures excellent weldability, while the alloy’s strength supports structural applications. At Gangsteel, we’ve seen clients use UNS S31603 in marine piping where its corrosion resistance and toughness significantly extend service life compared to ASME SA240 Gr 304.

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Specifications and Forms Available

 

Gangsteel offers UNS S31603 in various forms to meet diverse project requirements:

  • Plate and Sheet: Thickness from 0.5 mm to 100 mm (plate), 0.1 mm to 6 mm (sheet), widths up to 4200 mm, lengths up to 12000 mm.
  • Coil: Thickness 0.1 mm to 6 mm, widths up to 2000 mm.
  • Bar: Diameter 6 mm to 500 mm, lengths up to 12000 mm.
  • Custom Components: Flanges, fittings, and stainless cutting sheet part with tolerances of ±0.05 mm.

All products comply with ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 standards, with finishes like 2B, No.1, or BA. For piping needs, we also supply ASTM A312 material or ASME SA312 material for seamless applications.

Pro Tip: For high-temperature tubing, explore our ASTM A213 material or ASME SA213 offerings for optimal performance.

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Applications of UNS S31603

 

UNS S31603 is widely used in industries requiring corrosion resistance and weldability in challenging environments:

  • Marine: Piping and fittings for seawater systems, leveraging chloride resistance.
  • Chemical Processing: Tanks and reactors for acids and chemicals.
  • Pharmaceutical: High-purity equipment for sterile manufacturing.
  • Food and Beverage: Processing equipment and storage vessels.
  • Medical: Surgical instruments and implants.

Having worked with clients globally, I’ve seen UNS S31603 outperform ASME SA240 Gr 304L in desalination plants, where its molybdenum content prevents pitting and extends equipment life.

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Comparison with Related Grades

 

Here’s how UNS S31603 compares to ASME SA240 Gr 316, ASME SA240 Gr 316LN, and ASME SA240 Gr 317L:

Property

UNS S31603 (316L)

ASME SA240 Gr 316

ASME SA240 Gr 316LN

ASME SA240 Gr 317L

UNS Number

S31603

S31600

S31653

S31703

Type

Austenitic

Austenitic

Austenitic

Austenitic

Chromium Content

16.0-18.0%

16.0-18.0%

16.0-18.0%

18.0-20.0%

Nickel Content

10.0-14.0%

10.0-14.0%

10.0-14.0%

11.0-15.0%

Molybdenum Content

2.0-3.0%

2.0-3.0%

2.0-3.0%

3.0-4.0%

Carbon Content

≤ 0.03%

≤ 0.08%

≤ 0.03%

≤ 0.03%

Nitrogen Content

-

-

0.10-0.16%

-

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent in chlorides

Good in chlorides

Excellent in chlorides

Better in acids

Strength

Moderate

Moderate

High

Moderate

Cost (USD/kg)

6-12

6-12

6-12

8-15

Applications

Marine, chemical

Marine, chemical

Cryogenic, marine

Chemical, pulp/paper

  • UNS S31603 vs ASME SA240 Gr 316: UNS S31603 offers better weldability due to lower carbon, ideal for heavy welding, while 316 is standard for general uses.
  • UNS S31603 vs ASME SA240 Gr 316LN: UNS S31603 focuses on weldability, while 316LN adds nitrogen for higher strength, suitable for cryogenic applications.
  • UNS S31603 vs ASME SA240 Gr 317L: UNS S31603 is cost-effective for chloride resistance, while 317L provides superior acid resistance with higher molybdenum.

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Pricing and Availability

 

The ASME SA 240 Gr 316L price per kg ranges from USD 6-12 per kg (FOB), influenced by:

  • Alloy Content: Molybdenum (2.0-3.0%) increases costs compared to ASME SA240 Gr 304L.
  • Market Demand: High demand in marine and chemical industries impacts pricing.
  • Product Form: Plates may cost more than sheets due to processing.
  • Global Supply Chain: Freight and raw material availability affect costs.

Gangsteel’s direct mill relationships ensure competitive pricing. Contact us for quotes or to explore related grades like ASME SA240 Gr 317L.

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Why Choose Gangsteel?

 

With extensive industry expertise, Gangsteel offers:

  • Quality Assurance: Compliance with ASTM A959 and ISO TR15510, with EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates.
  • Fast Delivery: Standard orders ship in 7-15 days, with expedited options.
  • Customization: Precision cutting and fabrication for stainless cutting sheet part.
  • Global Reach: Serving Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Europe, and beyond.

Our team’s hands-on experience ensures you get the right material, whether it’s UNS S31603 or another grade like ASME SA240 Gr 316LN.


 

Contact Us

For UNS S31603 / 316L stainless steel quotes, technical data, or custom solutions, contact Gangsteel at admin@gangsteel.com. Explore our ASME SA240 stainless steel plate portfolio for more options.


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