316L Stainless Steel Sheet
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316L (1.4404) sheet – molybdenum-bearing stainless steel
316L stainless sheet (1.4404) is made from an austenitic chromium-nickel steel with 2–2.5% molybdenum. Molybdenum is what lets it withstand environments where ordinary stainless steel starts to pit: salt solutions, seawater, chloride-based cleaners and many organic and dilute inorganic acids. Low carbon (max. 0.030%) means even heavy plate can be welded without post-weld heat treatment and without losing resistance to intergranular corrosion. That is why 316L sheet is the first choice for chemical and food processing equipment.
What do 1.4404 / 316L and 316 mean in product names?
Our sheet names mainly use the designation 1.4404. Most mills, however, produce sheet whose chemistry falls within both 316 and 316L and dual-certify it. For you, that means a low-carbon material you can use wherever the design calls for either 1.4401 or 1.4404. The actual composition of each lot is confirmed by an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.
Chemical composition and equivalents
| Grade | C | Cr | Ni | Mo | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4404 / 316L | ≤ 0.030 | 16.5–18.5 | 10.0–13.0 | 2.0–2.5 | ≤ 0.10 |
| 1.4401 / 316 | ≤ 0.07 | 16.5–18.5 | 10.0–13.0 | 2.0–2.5 | ≤ 0.10 |
Composition per EN 10088 (% by mass). Equivalents: 1.4404 = X2CrNiMo17-12-2 = AISI 316L = UNS S31603 · 1.4401 = X5CrNiMo17-12-2 = AISI 316 = UNS S31600.
Pitting resistance is compared using the PREN index – for 316L it is typically about 24, versus about 18–20 for 304.
Thicknesses, finishes and cutting
We stock 316L sheet from 0.5 to 35 mm thick. Thin gauges, such as the popular 2 mm 316L sheet, usually have a 2B finish – cold rolled, annealed and pickled, with a smooth matte surface. Heavier plate comes in a 1D finish, hot rolled and pickled. Sheets are available in standard sizes, including 1000×2000, 1250×2500 and 1500×3000 mm, and we cut to size on request. Typical product standards are EN 10088-2 and EN 10028-7 (pressure equipment). The price of 316L sheet depends on thickness, finish, size and current nickel and molybdenum prices.
Where is 316L sheet used?
1.4404 sheet is used for tanks and reactors in the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, for equipment in dairies, fish processing plants and brine production, for wastewater treatment components, marine hardware and cladding in coastal areas. On welded structures, removing heat tint after welding helps preserve corrosion resistance.
316L or 304 sheet?
If the sheet will see dry conditions or clean water only, the molybdenum surcharge usually does not pay off and a lower-cost stainless grade without molybdenum is enough. When chlorides, acids or frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals are involved, 316L offers a much bigger safety margin. You will find the lower-cost grade in our 304 / 1.4301 stainless sheet subcategory.
See also: the same steel is available as 316L / 1.4404 seamless tube and 316L / 1.4404 round bar. Sheet in all other grades is in our stainless sheet category.