Stainless Steel 316LN
AISI/SAE 316LN · UNS S31653 · EN 1.4406, X2CrNiMoN17-11-2 · JIS SUS316LN · GB 022Cr17Ni12Mo2N
316LN is a nitrogen-strengthened, low-carbon austenitic stainless in the 316 family (S31653, 1.4429 / 1.4406, SUS316LN).
Values for the Solution Annealed condition
316LN tempers and conditions
316LN is supplied in 8 conditions, soft to hard. Solution Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mill-annealed bar / sheet (softest commercial condition) | Pick for maximum ductility in deep drawing, bending or when re-heat-treatment after forming is not planned. | 300 | 590 | 50 | 155 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
hot rolled/forged then solution annealed and descaled bar or plate | Economical condition for heavy bar, flanges and forgings where surface finish and tight tolerance are not critical. | 310 | 600 | 45 | 170 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Solution AnnealedDefault 1020–1120 °C, rapid cooled (AT / condition A) | Default supply condition for plate, pipe, forgings and pressure parts; maximum corrosion resistance and toughness. | 320 | 610 | 48 | 165 HB | — |
Cold Worked 1/16 Hard | Lightly temper-rolled strip/sheet for slightly higher yield with almost full formability. | 350 | 650 | 40 | 195 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Cold Worked 1/8 Hard | Modest cold work for springy sheet parts and structural panels still needing bending. | 420 | 720 | 32 | 215 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
cold-finished bar/wire (light cold work, as-drawn) | Choose for straight, close-tolerance bar with ~50 % higher yield strength and better machined finish than annealed. | 520 | 720 | 28 | 220 HB | — |
Cold Worked 1/4 Hard | Use where a high yield strength sheet is needed and forming is limited to gentle radii. | 570 | 900 | 15 | 25 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Cold Worked 1/2 Hard | Highest standard cold-rolled level: for flat springs, clamps and load-bearing strip with no significant forming. | 810 | 1,080 | 10 | 32 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 316LN is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Cold Worked Tube | Cold Worked | Supply form |
What is 316LN?
316LN is a nitrogen-strengthened, low-carbon austenitic stainless in the 316 family (S31653, 1.4429 / 1.4406, SUS316LN). Nitrogen raises annealed yield strength to about 320 MPa with 610 MPa tensile and 48 % elongation, while the low carbon prevents weld sensitization, allowing thinner pressure-retaining sections than 316L. It is supplied as plate, sheet, bar, cold-drawn bar and cold-worked tube in annealed, solution-annealed and 1/16 to 1/2 hard tempers, with service to 800 °C and good toughness at cryogenic temperatures. It costs more than 316L and cuts slowly; move to 317L when pitting resistance rather than strength is the limiting factor. 316LN has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). 316LN has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
What is 316LN used for?
- Cryogenic pressure vessels
- LNG terminal piping and storage tanks
- Chemical process pressure vessel shells
- Heat exchanger and condenser tubing
- Marine and offshore structural fittings
- Pump and valve bodies for corrosive duty
- Nuclear plant piping and internals
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 82/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 78/100, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 86% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 48%, better than 85% of stainless steel grades
316LN properties
Typical room-temperature values for 316LN-Solution Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
316LN has a density of 8 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), heavier than 92% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
316LN has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 48% and the elastic modulus is 196 GPa (28.4 Msi).
Thermal6
316LN is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 14.5 W/m·K (8.38 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
316LN conducts electricity at 2.3 % IACS, better than 55% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 73% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 316LN takes about 78 MJ of energy and emits 5.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 87% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability6
316LN's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (78/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the stainless steel family
Yield strength against density for every stainless steel grade FabDigit runs. 316LN is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 316LN
Is 316LN easy to machine?
Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp coated carbide, heavy constant feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~30 % of 1212 speeds.
Can 316LN be welded?
Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW with 316L or 316LMn filler; no pre- or post-weld heat treatment needed, keep heat input moderate and interpass low to avoid ferrite/sigma issues, back-purge with argon.
Can 316LN be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but work-hardens fast — allow ~30–40 % higher press loads than 316L, generous radii, and interstage annealing at 1050 °C for severe draws; hot work 1150–900 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 316LN. Every 316LN part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair38 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | M.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 150 / 180 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 4× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent78 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent90 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
316LN chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cextra-low carbon, resists sensitisation | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Si1.00 max in some EN product forms | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 16 – 18 | 17 |
| Ni | 10 – 14 | 12 |
| Mo | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Nthe defining addition; EN 1.4406 spec 0.12–0.22 % | 0.1 – 0.16 | 0.14 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 316LN?
Pickle and passivate after welding or heavy grinding to restore the passive film; takes fine mechanical and electropolished finishes readily (No.4, 2B, BA); not anodizable, plating rarely needed.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on stainless steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
Organic Coating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel 316LN in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S31653
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4406X2CrNiMoN17-11-2
- GB (China)
- 022Cr17Ni12Mo2N
- JIS
- SUS316LN
- Trade names
- high-Mo
- Similar grades
- 1.4429X2CrNiMoN17-13-3
How much does 316LN cost?
316LN is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
316LN — frequently asked
What is 316LN used for?
316LN is typically used for cryogenic pressure vessels, LNG terminal piping and storage tanks, chemical process pressure vessel shells, heat exchanger and condenser tubing, marine and offshore structural fittings and pump and valve bodies for corrosive duty. In short: nitrogen-strengthened 316L.
What is the yield strength of 316LN?
316LN has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) — weaker than 60% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 316LN easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and work-hardening: use rigid setups, positive-rake sharp coated carbide, heavy constant feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; expect ~30 % of 1212 speeds.
Can 316LN be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW with 316L or 316LMn filler; no pre- or post-weld heat treatment needed, keep heat input moderate and interpass low to avoid ferrite/sigma issues, back-purge with argon.
What surface finishes work on 316LN?
Pickle and passivate after welding or heavy grinding to restore the passive film; takes fine mechanical and electropolished finishes readily (No.4, 2B, BA); not anodizable, plating rarely needed.
Can 316LN be formed, bent or molded?
Cold forms well but work-hardens fast — allow ~30–40 % higher press loads than 316L, generous radii, and interstage annealing at 1050 °C for severe draws; hot work 1150–900 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of 316LN?
316LN is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 316LN cost?
316LN is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 316LN?
Yes — 316LN is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A240/A240M — Cr and Cr-Ni Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip (S31653) — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A479/A479M and A276 — Stainless Steel Bars for Boiler and Pressure Vessel Use — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- EN 10088-1/-2/-3 — Stainless steels, grade 1.4406 (X2CrNiMoN17-11-2) — CEN (2014)
- GB/T 24511 / GB/T 1220 — (022Cr17Ni12Mo2N) — SAC (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Outokumpu Supra 316L/4404 & 4406 data sheet — Outokumpu (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.