Stainless Steel 317L
AISI/SAE 317L · UNS S31703 · EN 1.4438, X2CrNiMo18-15-4 · JIS SUS317L · GB 022Cr19Ni13Mo3
317L is the low-carbon version of the high-molybdenum 317 austenitic stainless (S31703, 1.4438, SUS317L, 022Cr19Ni13Mo3), combining higher Mo than 316L with carbon low enough to resist weld-zone sensitization.
Values for the Solution Annealed condition
317L tempers and conditions
317L is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. Solution Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hot Rolled, Annealed and Pickled (plate, 1D/No.1 finish) | Heavy plate condition for tanks, scrubbers and pressure vessels. | 255 | 565 | 48 | 160 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
mill annealed sheet/strip/bar | Generic annealed stock condition; mechanically equivalent to solution annealed for this L-grade. | 260 | 575 | 50 | 150 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Solution AnnealedDefault 1040–1120 °C, rapid quench | Standard supply condition for plate, sheet, pipe and bar — maximum corrosion resistance and ductility. | 265 | 580 | 50 | 155 HB | — |
Cold Rolled, Annealed, 2B finish | Smooth 2B sheet for fabricated equipment and deep-drawn parts. | 275 | 590 | 50 | 165 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Cold Drawn bar (annealed then drawn to size) | Choose for close-tolerance bar and higher yield strength in machined fittings and shafts. | 450 | 690 | 30 | 16 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Light temper rolling when moderate extra strength is needed with usable bend ductility. | 515 | 860 | 15 | 24 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Half hard | Higher-strength strip for springs, clamps and structural strapping where forming is minimal. | 760 | 1,035 | 10 | 32 HRC | 2.2 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways 317L is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Welded Tube As-Welded Annealed | Welded pipe/tube, solution annealed after welding | Supply form |
What is 317L?
317L is the low-carbon version of the high-molybdenum 317 austenitic stainless (S31703, 1.4438, SUS317L, 022Cr19Ni13Mo3), combining higher Mo than 316L with carbon low enough to resist weld-zone sensitization. Annealed properties are about 265 MPa yield, 580 MPa tensile, 50 % elongation and 155 HB, with service to 870 °C, and it is available as hot-rolled and cold-rolled 2B sheet, plate, cold-drawn bar, quarter/half-hard product and annealed welded tube. It is the default for welded equipment in chloride and acid service where 316L pits; cost and lead time are above 316L, and duplex or 904L are the next steps up. 317L has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F). 317L has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
What is 317L used for?
- Welded bleaching tanks and washers
- FGD scrubber vessels and spray headers
- Chemical and pharmaceutical process piping
- Heat exchanger tube bundles
- Seawater and brine handling equipment
- Acid storage tanks
- Pollution control ductwork
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 95% of stainless steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 82/100, better than 94% of stainless steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 90% of stainless steel grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 80/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 265 MPa (38.4 ksi), worse than 81% of stainless steel grades
317L properties
Typical room-temperature values for 317L-Solution Annealed; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
317L has a density of 7.98 g/cm³ (0.288 lb/in³), heavier than 85% of stainless steel grades. It melts at 1,375°C (2,507 °F).
Mechanical15
317L has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 200 GPa (29 Msi).
Thermal6
317L is rated for continuous service to 870°C (1,598 °F). It conducts heat at 14.2 W/m·K (8.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16 µm/m·K (8.89 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
317L conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 88% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 317L takes about 62 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 75% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
317L's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (82/100).
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. 317L is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 317L
Is 317L easy to machine?
Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; roughly 45 % of AISI 1212 speeds.
Can 317L be welded?
Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW with 317L or overmatched 317L/Mo-rich filler; keep interpass below ~150 °C, no preheat and no PWHT required, back-purge for full corrosion resistance.
Can 317L be formed, bent or molded?
Deep drawable and readily roll-formed, but springback and press loads are higher than carbon steel; anneal between severe cold-forming steps.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 317L. Every 317L 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 | Excellent82 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent90 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
317L 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clow carbon for weld sensitization resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 2 | 1.5 |
| Si | ≤ 1 | 0.5 |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | 0.03 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 18.5 |
| Ni | 11 – 15 | 13 |
| Mo | 3 – 4 | 3.4 |
| N | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 317L?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish after fabrication to restore the passive film; not anodizable, takes mechanical No.4 or mirror No.8 finishes well.
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 317L in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- S31703
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 1.4438X2CrNiMo18-15-4
- GB (China)
- 022Cr19Ni13Mo3
- JIS
- SUS317L
How much does 317L cost?
317L is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
317L — frequently asked
What is 317L used for?
317L is typically used for welded bleaching tanks and washers, FGD scrubber vessels and spray headers, chemical and pharmaceutical process piping, heat exchanger tube bundles, seawater and brine handling equipment and acid storage tanks. In short: pitting-resistant low-carbon stainless.
What is the yield strength of 317L?
317L has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 580 MPa (84.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 317L easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Gummy and strongly work-hardening — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy positive feed, no dwell, and flood coolant; roughly 45 % of AISI 1212 speeds.
Can 317L be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent by GTAW/GMAW/SMAW with 317L or overmatched 317L/Mo-rich filler; keep interpass below ~150 °C, no preheat and no PWHT required, back-purge for full corrosion resistance.
What surface finishes work on 317L?
Pickle and passivate (ASTM A967) or electropolish after fabrication to restore the passive film; not anodizable, takes mechanical No.4 or mirror No.8 finishes well.
Can 317L be formed, bent or molded?
Deep drawable and readily roll-formed, but springback and press loads are higher than carbon steel; anneal between severe cold-forming steps.
What is the maximum service temperature of 317L?
317L is rated for continuous use to about 870°C (1,598 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 317L cost?
317L is a premium-cost stainless steel ($$$), 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 317L?
Yes — 317L 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 — Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A312/A312M — Seamless, Welded and Heavily Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM A666 — Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate and Flat Bar — ASTM International (2015)
- EN 10088-2 (1.4438 / X2CrNiMo18-15-4) — CEN (2014)
- JIS G 4304 / G 4305 (SUS317L) — JSA (2021)
- GB/T 4237 / GB/T 3280 (022Cr19Ni13Mo3) — SAC (2015)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Outokumpu / Sandvik austenitic stainless steel datasheets (4438 / 317L) — Outokumpu, Alleima (2023)
- SMM / Mysteel — SMM / Mysteel (2025)
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.