Stainless Steel Coils Supplier | Manufacturer
Thickness: 0.03 mm to 45 mm, or as customers’ demands.
Sizes: 1000/1219/1500/1800/2000, etc. Or as your requirement.
Finish: No.1, 2B, No.4, BA, Embossed, Etch, etc.
Manufacturers: TISCO, BAOSTEEL, JISCO, etc.
Types: stainless steel hot rolled coils and cold rolled stainless steel coils, color coated ss coil, etc.
Standard: AISI 316/316L, ASTM A240, ASTM A276,GB/T 1220 / GB/T 3280, JIS G4303 / G4304 etc.
Overview of 316L Stainless Steel Coil
316L stainless steel coil, (a widely used austenitic stainless steel) with Titanium TA9 (Ti-0.2Pd) (a palladium-stabilized titanium alloy). While both materials excel in corrosion resistance, they cater to different industrial needs based on cost, performance, and environmental conditions.
316L Stainless Steel Features
316/316L stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy renowned for its superior corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and high-temperature stability. It is widely used in industries requiring resistance to chlorides, acids, and marine environments.
Key Highlights:
✔ Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (vs. 304/304L) due to 2-3% Molybdenum (Mo).
✔ Low Carbon (L Grade) for improved weldability and reduced carbide precipitation.
✔ Versatile Applications – Chemical processing, marine, medical, and food industries.
Chemical Composition of 316L Stainless Steel Coil
| Element | 316 (%) | 316L (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 | Corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0-14.0 | 10.0-14.0 | Austenite stabilization |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-3.0 | 2.0-3.0 | Pitting/crevice resistance |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 | ≤0.03 | Weldability (L grade = lower carbon) |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 | Strength & work hardening |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 | Deoxidizer |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 | Machinability |
Key Difference:
316L has lower carbon (≤0.03%), making it better for welding and high-temperature applications.
Physical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Coil
| Property | 316 | 316L | 304 (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Melting Range (°C) | 1370-1400 | 1370-1400 | 1400-1450 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.3 | 16.3 | 16.2 |
| Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·m) | 0.74 | 0.74 | 0.72 |
| CTE (10⁻⁶/°C, 20-100°C) | 16.0 | 16.0 | 17.2 |
Mechanical Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Coil
| Property | 316 | 316L | 304 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 515-690 | 485-620 | 515-720 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205-310 | 170-310 | 205-310 |
| Elongation (% in 50mm) | 40-50 | 40-50 | 40-60 |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 80-95 | 80-95 | 70-90 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa, 10⁷ cycles) | 240 | 240 | 210 |
Key Takeaway:
316/316L has slightly lower strength but better corrosion resistance than 304.
316L is preferred for welding (no carbide precipitation risk).
Benefits of Using 316L Stainless Steel Coil
✔ Superior Corrosion Resistance
Resists pitting & crevice corrosion in chlorides (seawater, bleach).
Better than 304 in sulfuric & phosphoric acids.
✔ Excellent Weldability & Formability
316L stainless steel coil avoids sensitization (no carbide precipitation in welds).
Deep drawing, bending, and machining are all feasible.
✔ High-Temperature Performance
Continuous service up to 870°C (1600°F).
Oxidation resistance in exhaust systems & boilers.
✔ Hygienic & Non-Magnetic
FDA-compliant for food & pharmaceutical use.
Low magnetic permeability (after cold working, slightly magnetic).
Tips for Procurement and Cost-Effectiveness
- Supplier Selection: Choose reputable suppliers with a track record of quality control and timely delivery. Look for suppliers that offer certifications such as ISO 9001 and ASTM compliance.
- Material Grade: Ensure the material grade matches the required specifications (e.g., AISI 304, ASTM A240).
- Surface Finish: Select the appropriate surface finish based on the application (e.g., 2B, #4, #8 mirror).
- Quantity and Size: Consider the required quantity and sheet size to optimize material usage and reduce waste.
| Product Form | Thickness (mm) | Price (USD/ton) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-Rolled Coil | 0.3-6.0 | $3,500-5,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Hot-Rolled Coil | 3.0-12.0 | $3,000-4,500 | 3-5 weeks |
| Polished Finish (No. 4/BA) | 0.5-3.0 | $4,500-6,500 | 4-6 weeks |
Cost Comparison:
316 vs. 316L: ~5-10% premium for 316L (better welding).
316 vs. 304: ~20-30% higher due to Mo content.
Applications of 316L Stainless Steel Coil in Various Industries
| Industry | Applications | Why 316/316L? |
|---|---|---|
| Marine | Boat fittings, desalination plants | Chloride resistance |
| Chemical | Reactors, piping | Acid & alkali resistance |
| Medical | Surgical instruments, implants | Biocompatibility |
| Food Processing | Brewery tanks, conveyor belts | Hygienic & easy to clean |
| Architecture | Coastal building facades | Aesthetic + corrosion resistance |
Comparison with Competing Alloys
| Parameter | 304/304L | 316 | 430 (Ferritic) | Duplex 2205 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent (Mo-added) | Moderate | Outstanding |
| Strength (MPa) | 485-515 | 515 | 450 | 620 |
| Cost Factor | $$ | $$$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good | Poor | Fair |
| Best For | General-purpose | Marine/chemical | Decorative | High chloride |
In Conclusion
316/316L stainless steel coil is the premium choice when:
- Corrosion resistance is critical (marine, chemical, medical).
- Weldability & formability are required (316L for welding).
- Long-term durability outweighs initial cost.
316L stainless steel coil stands out as a premier material for industrial applications due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, versatility, and cost-efficiency. Its low-carbon content (≤0.03%) minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring superior corrosion resistance in welded structures—a critical advantage in harsh environments like marine, chemical processing, and food production. The alloy’s molybdenum addition (2–3%) enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich media, making it ideal for seawater exposure, chemical reactors, and medical devices.