Stainless Steel ER317L-SA (Solution annealed deposit)
Heat-treated state
UNS S31783
Pick when the fabrication is fully solution annealed after welding (e.g. sensitive service, ferrite/σ elimination); strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance are maximised.
Values for the SA condition
Other ER317L tempers and conditions
ER317L is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ER317L.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SAThis page Solution annealed deposit | Pick when the fabrication is fully solution annealed after welding (e.g. sensitive service, ferrite/σ elimination); strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance are maximised. | 250 | 545 | 50 | 160 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
AW | Choose for thick-section vessel seams and strip/wire overlay; properties depend strongly on the flux, dilution and heat input. | 380 | 570 | 35 | 172 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
AW | Choose for thin-wall pipe, root passes and cleanest deposits; inert-gas shielding gives the lowest oxygen and best toughness. | 395 | 580 | 40 | 175 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
AWDefault As-welded deposit | Default condition for filler metal: properties of the undiluted deposit in the as-welded state, no PWHT. | 400 | 590 | 38 | 180 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
AW | Choose for higher deposition on plate and vessel work with Ar+2%O2 / Ar+CO2 mixes; slightly higher strength, lower toughness than TIG. | 410 | 600 | 36 | 185 HB | 2.2 % IACS |
What is ER317L-SA?
ER317L-SA is ER317L heat treated to SA — pick when the fabrication is fully solution annealed after welding (e.g. sensitive service, ferrite/σ elimination); strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance are maximised. ER317L-SA has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi). ER317L-SA 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). AW is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SA is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 230 MPa·√m (209.3 ksi·√in), better than 100% of stainless steel grades
- Readily welded — 92/100, better than 98% 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
- Good corrosion resistance — 80/100, better than 88% of stainless steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 250 MPa (36.3 ksi), worse than 91% of stainless steel grades
ER317L-SA properties
Typical room-temperature values for ER317L-SA; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ER317L reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among stainless steel grades.
Physical3
ER317L-SA 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
ER317L-SA has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 195 GPa (28.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ER317L-SA is rated for continuous service to 425°C (797 °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 16.5 µm/m·K (9.17 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ER317L-SA conducts electricity at 2.2 % IACS, worse than 61% of stainless steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 88% of stainless steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ER317L-SA takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of stainless steel grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
ER317L-SA's machinability is fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades); weldability excellent (92/100); formability very good (82/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ER317L-SA
Is ER317L easy to machine?
Deposits machine like 317L/316L: gummy and work-hardening — use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, heavy feed, flood coolant and avoid dwelling.
Can ER317L be welded?
GTAW/GMAW/SAW with low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C, Ar or Ar+1–2 % O2 (add He for thick sections); keep ferrite ~3–10 FN, no preheat and normally no PWHT.
Can ER317L be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as drawn wire/rod; the deposit itself cold-works rapidly, so bend weldments generously and expect high springback.
What surface finishes work on ER317L?
Pickle and passivate or electropolish welds to restore the Cr-Mo passive film; remove heat tint fully, since discoloured zones pit first in chloride service.
ER317L 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 sensitisation resistance | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Cr | 18.5 – 20.5 | 19.5 |
| Ni | 13 – 15 | 14 |
| Mo | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Mn | 1 – 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Si | 0.3 – 0.65 | 0.45 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.75 | 0.2 |
| Febalance, ~59–63 % | balance | — |
ER317L-SA — frequently asked
What is ER317L-SA used for?
ER317L-SA is typically used for chemical processing vessels, flue-gas desulfurization equipment, scrubber ducting and internals, pulp and paper bleach plant piping, acid transfer piping and fittings and weld overlay on carbon steel vessel walls. In short: low-carbon high-Mo filler; more pitting resistance than 316L; resists weld sensitization.
What is the yield strength of ER317L-SA?
ER317L-SA has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) — weaker than 91% of stainless steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ER317L-SA easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, better than 63% of stainless steel grades). Deposits machine like 317L/316L: gummy and work-hardening — use rigid setups, positive-rake carbide, heavy feed, flood coolant and avoid dwelling.
Can ER317L-SA be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (92/100). GTAW/GMAW/SAW with low heat input, interpass ≤150 °C, Ar or Ar+1–2 % O2 (add He for thick sections); keep ferrite ~3–10 FN, no preheat and normally no PWHT.
What surface finishes work on ER317L-SA?
Pickle and passivate or electropolish welds to restore the Cr-Mo passive film; remove heat tint fully, since discoloured zones pit first in chloride service.
Can ER317L-SA be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as drawn wire/rod; the deposit itself cold-works rapidly, so bend weldments generously and expect high springback.
What is the maximum service temperature of ER317L-SA?
ER317L-SA is rated for continuous use to about 425°C (797 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ER317L-AW and ER317L-SA?
AW is the default condition — default condition for filler metal: properties of the undiluted deposit in the as-welded state, no PWHT. SA: pick when the fabrication is fully solution annealed after welding (e.g. sensitive service, ferrite/σ elimination); strength drops, ductility and corrosion resistance are maximised. Yield strength is 400 MPa in AW versus 250 MPa in SA.
Sources
- AWS A5.9/A5.9M — Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods — AWS (2017)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part C (SFA-5.9) — ASME (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties of Stainless Steels (Type 317L) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (austenitic stainless welding) — ASM International (1993)
- Stainless filler metal datasheets, ER317L all-weld-metal properties — Lincoln Electric / voestalpine Böhler Welding / ESAB (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.