ASTM A240 316L Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 316L Sheet and Strip
ASTM A240 / A240M 316L stainless steel plate is a low-carbon molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel plate designed for pressure vessels, chemical processing, marine environments and general corrosion-resistant applications.
Compared with 304 stainless steel, ASTM A240 316L plate offers better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-containing environments. The low carbon content improves weldability and reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding.
We are a professional supplier and exporter of:
- ASTM A240 316L Plate
- ASME SA240 316L Plate
- ASTM A240 316L Sheet
- SA240 316L Strip
- Hot Rolled 316L Stainless Steel Plate
- Cold Rolled 316L Stainless Steel Sheet
in China.
What is ASTM A240 316L Plate?
ASTM A240 TP316L Plate for pressure vessel is a chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel plate used for pressure vessels and general industrial applications.
316L is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel. The lower carbon content improves welding performance and helps prevent carbide precipitation in heavy welded components.
ASTM A240 316L stainless steel plate is widely used in:
- pressure vessels
- heat exchangers
- chemical tanks
- marine equipment
- welded pipe and fittings
- food processing equipment
ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 Standard
ASTM A240 / A240M is the standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet and strip for:
- pressure vessels
- general applications
- architectural applications
- construction applications
ASME SA240 is technically equivalent to ASTM A240 and is commonly used for ASME pressure vessel and boiler projects.
ASTM A240 316L Plate Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Stainless Steel Plate / Sheet / Strip |
| Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
| Grade | 316L |
| UNS Number | S31603 |
| Material Type | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Delivery Condition | Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled |
| Thickness | 0.6 mm – 80 mm |
| Width | 1000 / 1219 / 1250 / 1500 / 2000 mm |
| Length | 1000 mm – 6000 mm or customized |
| Tolerance Standard | ASTM A480 / A480M |
ASTM A240 316 vs 316L Stainless Steel Plate
| Property | 316 Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Number | S31600 | S31603 |
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.030% |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
| Intergranular Corrosion Resistance | Good | Better |
| Heavy Welded Components | Suitable | Preferred |
| Pressure Vessel Use | Common | Common |
316L is preferred for welded tanks, pressure vessels and heavy gauge welded structures.
Chemical Composition of ASTM A240 316L Plate
| Element | 316L Requirement (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
Molybdenum improves resistance to:
- chloride corrosion
- pitting corrosion
- crevice corrosion
Mechanical Properties of ASTM A240 316L Plate
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | ≥ 25 ksi [170 MPa] |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 70 ksi [485 MPa] |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 95 HRB |
These mechanical properties make ASTM A240 316L plate suitable for forming, welding and pressure vessel fabrication.
Corrosion Resistance of 316L Stainless Steel Plate
ASTM A240 316L stainless steel plate provides excellent resistance to:
- seawater atmosphere
- chloride environments
- chemical processing media
- food-grade fluids
- pharmaceutical environments
Compared with 304 stainless steel, 316L provides significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion due to its molybdenum content.
Welding Performance of ASTM A240 316L Plate
316L stainless steel plate has excellent welding characteristics and can be welded using common stainless steel welding methods.
The low carbon content reduces:
- carbide precipitation
- weld decay
- intergranular corrosion risk
This makes 316L suitable for:
- welded pressure vessels
- welded tanks
- heat exchanger shells
- fabricated piping components
Available Surface Finishes
ASTM A240 316L stainless steel plates and sheets can be supplied with:
| Finish | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot rolled, heat treated and pickled | Chemical tanks, piping |
| 2D | Cold rolled, heat treated and pickled | Heat exchangers, drain pipes |
| 2B | Cold rolled, bright smooth finish | Food equipment, medical equipment |
| BA | Bright annealed finish | Electrical appliances, decoration |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | Kitchen equipment, medical equipment |
| No.8 | Mirror finish | Decorative panels |
| HL | Hairline finish | Architectural decoration |
ASTM A240 316L Plate Tolerance
ASTM A240 316L stainless steel plate dimensional tolerances are generally controlled according to ASTM A480 / A480M.
ASTM A480 covers:
- thickness tolerance
- width tolerance
- length tolerance
- flatness tolerance
- general requirements for stainless steel plate, sheet and strip
Tolerance requirements may vary depending on:
- plate thickness
- width
- rolling method
- cut size requirements
Intergranular Corrosion Testing
ASTM A240 316L plates can be supplied with intergranular corrosion testing according to:
- ASTM A262 Practice E
Optional requirements may include:
- NACE MR0175
- mercury-free certification
- PMI testing
- ultrasonic testing
Applications of ASTM A240 316L Stainless Steel Plate
Pressure Vessels
Used for:
- pressure vessel shells
- storage tanks
- process vessels
Marine and Offshore Structures
Suitable for:
- marine equipment
- seawater systems
- offshore platforms
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry
Applied in:
- reactors
- chemical tanks
- processing pipelines
Heat Exchangers
Used for:
- heat exchanger shells
- tube sheets
- thermal processing equipment
Food and Medical Equipment
Suitable for:
- hygienic equipment
- food processing systems
- medical devices
Architectural and Structural Use
Used for:
- decorative panels
- building facades
- structural components
ASTM A240 316L Plate vs 304 Stainless Steel Plate
| Property | 316L Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Content | Yes | No |
| Chloride Resistance | Better | Standard |
| Marine Use | Preferred | Limited |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Typical Application | Marine / Chemical | General Purpose |
316L is preferred when corrosion resistance is more important than material cost.
Available Stainless Steel Grades
We can supply ASTM A240 stainless steel plates in:
- 304 / 304L
- 309 / 309S
- 310 / 310S
- 316 / 316L
- 317L
- 321 / 321H
- 347 / 347H
- 904L
Inspection and Testing
ASTM A240 316L plates can be supplied with:
- chemical composition analysis
- mechanical testing
- hardness testing
- PMI testing
- ultrasonic testing
- intergranular corrosion testing
- dimensional inspection
- surface inspection
Certificates available:
- EN 10204 3.1
- EN 10204 3.2 upon request
Example Ordering Information
Product: ASTM A240 316L Sheet / SA240 316L Plate
Size: 16 mm × 1500 mm × 6000 mm
Surface: No.1 Finish
Quantity: 16 PCS
Standard: ASTM A240 / ASME SA240
Certificate: EN 10204 3.1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASTM A240 316L plate?
ASTM A240 316L plate is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel plate used for pressure vessels and corrosion-resistant applications.
What is the difference between 316 and 316L?
316L has lower carbon content than 316, giving it better weldability and improved resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
Is ASTM A240 316L suitable for marine applications?
Yes. 316L stainless steel offers good resistance to marine atmosphere and chloride-containing environments.
What is ASME SA240 316L?
ASME SA240 316L is the ASME equivalent specification for stainless steel plate, sheet and strip used in pressure vessel applications.
What surface finishes are available for 316L plate?
Common finishes include No.1, 2B, 2D, BA, No.4, No.8 mirror and hairline finish.
Related Products
Stainless Steel Plates
- ASTM A240 304L Plate
- ASTM A240 321 Plate
- ASTM A240 347 Plate
- ASTM A240 904L Plate
Stainless Steel Pipes
- ASTM A312 TP316L Pipe
- ASTM A312 TP304L Pipe
Stainless Steel Fittings
- ASTM A403 WP316L Fittings
- ASTM A182 F316L Flanges
