Stainless Steel 316LVM
AISI/SAE 316LVM · UNS S31673 · ASTM F138
316LVM is a vacuum-melted (VIM/VAR or VIM+ESR) ultra-low-carbon 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo austenitic stainless steel supplied to ASTM F138/F139 (UNS S31673) for surgical implants, needles, guidewires and electrode wire.
Values for the Annealed condition
316LVM tempers and conditions
316LVM is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault solution annealed (1010–1120 °C, rapid quench) | Standard stock condition: maximum ductility and corrosion resistance for machining, forming, forging or subsequent cold drawing. | 290 | 590 | 55 | 150 HB | — |
Solution annealed then electropolished/passivated surface | Specified for implants and fluid-contact parts where a smooth, chromium-enriched passive surface maximises pitting resistance and biocompatibility. | 290 | 590 | 55 | 148 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Intermediate temper for parts needing extra stiffness but still requiring bending or coiling. | 520 | 760 | 28 | 24 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
cold drawn/rolled to ASTM F138 cold-worked strength level | Choose when higher strength is needed for bone screws, plates, pins and cannulae; ductility and magnetic neutrality are reduced. | 760 | 930 | 18 | 30 HRC | — |
Half hard | Common wire temper for guidewire cores, mandrels and orthodontic components. | 830 | 1,000 | 14 | 32 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
heavily cold drawn wire/strip | For springs, needle tubing and stiff wire where high strength outranks ductility. | 1,100 | 1,250 | 6 | 40 HRC | 2.3 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 316LVM is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Extra Hard Wire | ASTM F138 extra-hard wire condition | Supply form |
What is 316LVM?
316LVM is a vacuum-melted (VIM/VAR or VIM+ESR) ultra-low-carbon 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo austenitic stainless steel supplied to ASTM F138/F139 (UNS S31673) for surgical implants, needles, guidewires and electrode wire. Vacuum refining gives very low sulphur and inclusion content, which raises pitting/crevice resistance, fatigue life and polishability compared with commercial 316L. It is non-hardenable by heat treatment (strength comes only from cold work), work-hardens quickly during machining, and is not suitable for long-term load-bearing implants where Ti or CoCr alloys are preferred. 316LVM has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F). 316LVM has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 55% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
What is 316LVM used for?
- Hip implants
- Surgical pins
- Bone screws and plates
- Hypodermic needle and cannula tubing
- Guidewires and springs
- Electrode and suture wire
- Orthodontic and dental components
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 95/100, better than 100% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 98% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 55%, better than 97% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 87% of stainless steel grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 200 MPa·√m (182 ksi·√in), better than 86% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 5.8 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 86% of stainless steel grades
316LVM properties
Typical room-temperature values for 316LVM-Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
316LVM has a density of 7.95 g/cm³ (0.287 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,390°C (2,534 °F).
Mechanical16
316LVM has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 55% and the elastic modulus is 193 GPa (28 Msi).
Thermal6
316LVM is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 15 W/m·K (8.67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
316LVM 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 316LVM takes about 85 MJ of energy and emits 5.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 92% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability6
316LVM's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability excellent (90/100).
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. 316LVM is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 316LVM
Is 316LVM easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, heavy constant feed, no dwelling, and flood coolant; expect ~40 % of 1212 free-machining rate.
Can 316LVM be welded?
Readily GTAW/laser/resistance welded without pre- or post-heat; use 316L/ER316LSi filler or autogenous laser welds, keep heat input low and back-purge with argon.
Can 316LVM be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability and deep-drawability but high work-hardening rate; interstage solution anneal at 1050 °C with rapid quench for severe draws.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 316LVM. Every 316LVM part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair35 / 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 | Excellent90 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent85 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
316LVM 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cultra-low carbon | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.6 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Svery low S from vacuum melting | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Si | ≤ 0.75 | 0.5 |
| Cr | 17 – 19 | 17.8 |
| Ni | 13 – 15 | 14 |
| Mo | 2.25 – 3 | 2.7 |
| N | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 316LVM?
Cannot be anodised; specify passivation (ASTM A967) or electropolishing for implant-grade surfaces, and mechanical/mirror polishing benefits from the inclusion-free vacuum melt.
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 316LVM in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S31673
- ASTM
- F138
How much does 316LVM cost?
316LVM is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
316LVM — frequently asked
What is 316LVM used for?
316LVM is typically used for hip implants, surgical pins, bone screws and plates, hypodermic needle and cannula tubing, guidewires and springs and electrode and suture wire. In short: vacuum-melted medical 316.
What is the yield strength of 316LVM?
316LVM has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — weaker than 72% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 316LVM easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setup, heavy constant feed, no dwelling, and flood coolant; expect ~40 % of 1212 free-machining rate.
Can 316LVM be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily GTAW/laser/resistance welded without pre- or post-heat; use 316L/ER316LSi filler or autogenous laser welds, keep heat input low and back-purge with argon.
What surface finishes work on 316LVM?
Cannot be anodised; specify passivation (ASTM A967) or electropolishing for implant-grade surfaces, and mechanical/mirror polishing benefits from the inclusion-free vacuum melt.
Can 316LVM be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability and deep-drawability but high work-hardening rate; interstage solution anneal at 1050 °C with rapid quench for severe draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of 316LVM?
316LVM is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 316LVM cost?
316LVM is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% 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 316LVM?
Yes — 316LVM 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 F138 — Wrought 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo Stainless Steel Bar and Wire for Surgical Implants (UNS S31673) — ASTM International (2019)
- ASTM F139 — Wrought 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip for Surgical Implants — ASTM International (2019)
- ISO 5832-1 — Implants for surgery, metallic materials, Part 1: Wrought stainless steel — ISO (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Medical-grade 316LVM bar and wire datasheets (Sandvik / Carpenter / Fort Wayne Metals) — various producers (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.