Stainless Steel E317L
UNS W31713
E317L is the low-carbon version of the high-molybdenum austenitic stainless electrode (UNS W31713), offered in -15, -16 and -17 coating classes and in as-welded and PWHT solution-annealed conditions.
Reference datasheet — E317L is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the AW condition
E317L tempers and conditions
E317L is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. AW is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed weld metal | Used when a full solution anneal of the fabrication is specified: strength drops, ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance are maximised and ferrite is partly dissolved. | 330 | 550 | 45 | 165 HB | 2.3 % IACS |
Basic (lime) coating, DCEP only, all positions | Pick when maximum weld-metal toughness and lowest hydrogen/inclusion level are needed, e.g. thick multipass joints and restrained welds. | 435 | 585 | 40 | 188 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Silica–titania coating, AC or DCEP, high-silica fluid slag | Choose for the smoothest, flattest bead and easiest handling in flat/horizontal fillet welding; slightly more fluid slag than -16. | 435 | 585 | 36 | 192 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition for filler metal properties: undiluted all-weld-metal tested per AWS A5.4 without post-weld heat treatment. | 440 | 590 | 38 | 190 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
Rutile (titania) coating, AC or DCEP, all positions | Most widely stocked coating type: easy striking on AC or DC, good slag release and bead appearance for general vessel and pipe work. | 440 | 590 | 37 | 190 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
What is E317L?
E317L is the low-carbon version of the high-molybdenum austenitic stainless electrode (UNS W31713), offered in -15, -16 and -17 coating classes and in as-welded and PWHT solution-annealed conditions. Low carbon improves intergranular corrosion resistance in as-welded high-Mo fabrication, with deposits near 440 MPa yield, 590 MPa tensile, 38% elongation and 190 HB, service to 400 °C and a corrosion rating of 78. It is more expensive and less commonly stocked than E316L, which remains the default unless chloride pitting or crevice attack drives the specification. E317L 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). E317L has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
What is E317L used for?
- FGD equipment
- chemical process vessels
- high-chloride service piping
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 91% of stainless steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 84% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 80% of stainless steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 400°C (752 °F), worse than 78% of stainless steel grades
E317L properties
Typical room-temperature values for E317L-AW; bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
E317L 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).
Mechanical16
E317L has a yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 38% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
E317L is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 14 W/m·K (8.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of stainless steel grades. Thermal expansion is 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
E317L conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 84% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of E317L takes about 62 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — more than 75% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 50%.
Manufacturability6
E317L's machinability is poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (45/100).
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. E317L is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with E317L
Is E317L easy to machine?
Weld deposit machines like 317L: gummy, work-hardening austenite — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed and flood coolant; expect ~35% of AISI 1212 rates.
Can E317L be welded?
SMAW filler itself — redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1–2 h, short arc, stringer beads, interpass below ~150 °C and no preheat; keep heat input low to preserve ferrite balance and avoid hot cracking.
Can E317L be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit is ductile (≈38% elongation) and tolerates weld-joint straightening or light peening without cracking.
E317L 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 | ≤ 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Cr | 18.5 – 21 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 12 – 14 | 13 |
| Mopitting/crevice resistance | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.3 |
| Si | ≤ 0.9 | 0.5 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on E317L?
Grind/brush with stainless-only abrasives, then pickle and passivate the weld and heat tint to restore the Cr–Mo passive film; electropolishing gives best crevice-corrosion performance.
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).
Passivation
Organic Coating
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Stainless Steel E317L in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- W31713
- Also called
- AWS A5.4 E317L
How much does E317L cost?
E317L is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
E317L — frequently asked
What is E317L used for?
E317L is typically used for FGD equipment, chemical process vessels and high-chloride service piping. In short: low-carbon high-Mo electrode; corrosion score 78; chloride pitting upgrade over E316L.
What is the yield strength of E317L?
E317L has a typical yield strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 68% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is E317L easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (33/100, worse than 57% of stainless steel grades). Weld deposit machines like 317L: gummy, work-hardening austenite — use rigid setups, sharp positive-rake carbide, heavy feed and flood coolant; expect ~35% of AISI 1212 rates.
Can E317L be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). SMAW filler itself — redry electrodes 250–300 °C/1–2 h, short arc, stringer beads, interpass below ~150 °C and no preheat; keep heat input low to preserve ferrite balance and avoid hot cracking.
What surface finishes work on E317L?
Grind/brush with stainless-only abrasives, then pickle and passivate the weld and heat tint to restore the Cr–Mo passive film; electropolishing gives best crevice-corrosion performance.
Can E317L be formed, bent or molded?
Not a wrought product; deposit is ductile (≈38% elongation) and tolerates weld-joint straightening or light peening without cracking.
What is the maximum service temperature of E317L?
E317L is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between E317L-AW and E317L PWHT-SA?
AW is the default condition — default condition for filler metal properties: undiluted all-weld-metal tested per AWS A5.4 without post-weld heat treatment. PWHT-SA: used when a full solution anneal of the fabrication is specified: strength drops, ductility and intergranular corrosion resistance are maximised and ferrite is partly dissolved. Yield strength is 440 MPa in AW versus 330 MPa in PWHT-SA.
How much does E317L cost?
E317L is a high-cost stainless steel ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- AWS A5.4/A5.4M — Specification for Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering — ASM International (1993)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Stainless SMAW electrode datasheets (317L type) — Böhler Welding / ESAB / Lincoln Electric (2023)
- 317L austenitic stainless steel physical property data — Outokumpu (2022)
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.