Stainless Steel 316L is a high-performance metal alloy specifically designed for 3D printing applications, particularly in Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) processes. Its density when laser-sintered makes it ideal for creating complex geometries with excellent structural integrity.
A versatile metallic alloy, Stainless Steel 316L combines iron as its primary component (66-70%) with precise amounts of chromium (16-18%), nickel (11-14%), and molybdenum (2-3%) to create a material renowned for its exceptional properties. This carefully balanced composition results in superior corrosion resistance and remarkable mechanical strength, making it a preferred choice across multiple industries.
The material exhibits a density of approximately 7.9 g/cm³ when processed through laser sintering, contributing to its robust physical characteristics and durability. Stainless Steel 316L's excellent ductility enables the creation of complex geometries and fixed mechanisms through advanced manufacturing processes like using it with Metal 3D Printings Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS).
In environments requiring strict hygiene standards or exposure to harsh conditions, Stainless Steel 316L demonstrates outstanding performance. Its ability to maintain cleanliness and resist corrosion while providing consistent structural integrity has established it as a cornerstone material in modern manufacturing and engineering applications.
Three distinctive characteristics define Stainless Steel 316L's exceptional performance: its superior corrosion resistance, remarkable mechanical strength, and outstanding ductility. The material's unique composition, featuring 16-18% chrome, 11-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum within an iron-based matrix, creates a highly resilient alloy capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
The material's resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion makes it particularly valuable in marine and chemical applications, where exposure to saline and acidic conditions is common. With a density of 7.9 g/cm³ in laser-sintered parts, Stainless Steel 316L delivers consistent performance across diverse industrial applications.
Stainless Steel 316L consistently demonstrates its versatility across multiple industries, each capitalizing on its unique combination of properties. In the medical sector, its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance make it the material of choice for surgical instruments and implants, guaranteeing patient safety and long-term reliability in critical procedures.
The energy industry relies on Stainless Steel 316L for manufacturing essential components like brackets and housings, taking advantage of its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and ability to perform under extreme conditions. Similarly, automotive manufacturers utilize this material in exhaust systems and engine parts, where its mechanical strength and oxidation resistance greatly enhance component longevity.
In food and beverage processing, Stainless Steel 316L's hygienic properties and chemical resistance make it ideal for equipment and piping systems, maintaining strict safety and quality standards. The marine industry particularly values this material for its exceptional resistance to saltwater corrosion, implementing it in various applications from pumps to fittings. This durability in harsh marine environments guarantees extended service life and reduced maintenance requirements for seafaring equipment and structures.
Understanding the technical specifications of Stainless Steel 316L helps explain its widespread industrial adoption. The material's composition consists of 66-70% iron as its base, enhanced by 16-18% chromium and 11-14% nickel, with 2-3% molybdenum added to provide superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. This carefully balanced composition results in a density of approximately 7.9 g/cm³ for laser-sintered parts, making it both durable and suitable for demanding applications.
When manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Stainless Steel 316L achieves impressive resolution accuracy between 30-40 µm, enabling the creation of complex geometries and intricate details. However, successful printing requires adherence to specific design parameters. The material demands a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm, while maintaining clearances of at least 0.2 mm between parts to guarantee effective powder removal during post-processing.
| Mechanical Properties | Conditions | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | – | % | Iron: 66- 70 Chrome: 16-18 Nickel: 11- 14 Molybdenum: 2- 3 |
| Density of laser-sintered part | EOS-Method | g/cm3 | 7.9 |
| Tensile strength (XY) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | MPa | 640 ± 50 |
| Tensile strength (Z) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | MPa | 540 ± 55 |
| Yield strength (XY) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | MPa | 530 ± 60 |
| Yield strength (Z) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | MPa | 470 ± 90 |
| Young’s modulus (XY) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | GPa | 185 |
| Young’s modulus (Z) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | GPa | 180 |
| Elongation at break (XY) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | % | 40 ± 15 |
| Elongation at break (Z) | ISO 6892 / ASTM E8M | % | 50 ± 20 |
| Melting point | – | °C | 1400 |
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