JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel: Low-Carbon Cu-Mo Alloy for Superior Corrosion Resistance

In-depth technical data for SUS316J1L stainless steel to JIS G4304/G4305 standards, including chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, plus global equivalents and applications.

Cold Rolling, Hot Rolling, Deep Drawing, Bending, Stretch Forming, Welding, Machining

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Introduction

SUS316J1L is a Japanese industrial standard (JIS) low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, specifically designed for enhanced corrosion resistance in sulfuric acid and chloride environments. The controlled addition of copper (Cu: 1.00-3.00%) and molybdenum (Mo: 1.00-4.00%) significantly improves resistance to non-oxidizing acids and pitting, while the low carbon content (C ≤ 0.030%) minimizes susceptibility to intergranular corrosion after welding.
Primarily supplied as hot-rolled or cold-rolled plate, sheet, and coil under JIS G4304 and JIS G4305, this grade offers excellent formability, weldability, and toughness, even at cryogenic temperatures. Its unique chemical balance makes it a superior choice over standard SUS316L in aggressive chemical processing and marine environments, providing extended service life and structural integrity in critical industrial components.

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SUS316J1L is defined by JIS G4304 and JIS G4305 standards. The alloy features a precisely controlled low carbon content to prevent sensitization during welding. Key alloying elements are nickel (Ni) for austenitic structure stability, and synergistic additions of copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) which significantly enhance resistance to sulfuric and other reducing acids, surpassing the performance of standard SUS316L grades.

ElementStandard Value (wt%)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.030Low carbon for enhanced weldability and intergranular corrosion resistance
Silicon (Si)≤ 1.00General deoxidizing element
Manganese (Mn)≤ 2.00Austenite stabilizer and deoxidizer
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.045Controlled for optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.030Improved machinability compared to low-sulfur grades
Nickel (Ni)12.00 - 16.00Primary austenite former, providing ductility and toughness
Chromium (Cr)16.00 - 19.00Essential for passive film formation and oxidation resistance
Molybdenum (Mo)1.00 - 4.00Key element for pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chlorides
Copper (Cu)1.00 - 3.00Improves resistance to non-oxidizing acids like sulfuric acid

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Physical properties are crucial for design in thermal processing equipment. The typical data represents annealed SUS316J1L. The material exhibits a moderate thermal expansion coefficient necessary for an austenitic stainless steel, and its thermal conductivity is lower than carbon steels, a factor considered in heat exchanger design. The copper and molybdenum additions can slightly influence the austenitic structure's physical constants compared to standard SUS304 or SUS316L. These values are typical and may vary slightly with specific product form and processing history.

Property ItemStandard Required ValueUnitTest Conditions
Density (ρ)8.0g/cm³Room Temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)193GPaRoom Temperature
Shear Modulus (G)74GPaRoom Temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.31Room Temperature
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)16.010⁻⁶/K0 to 100°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)16.510⁻⁶/K0 to 200°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)17.010⁻⁶/K0 to 300°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)17.510⁻⁶/K0 to 400°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (α)18.010⁻⁶/K0 to 500°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)13.0W/(m·K)at 20°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)16.3W/(m·K)at 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)21.5W/(m·K)at 500°C
Specific Heat Capacity (c)500J/(kg·K)at 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.74Ω·mm²/mRoom Temperature

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties for solution-annealed SUS316J1L plate/coil are specified per JIS G4304 and G4305. The low carbon and high Ni content contribute to excellent ductility, deep drawability, and high work hardening capacity. The tensile strength and yield strength are balanced to provide good formability while maintaining structural integrity in fabricated equipment. The impact toughness is exceptionally high, even at sub-zero temperatures, making it suitable for cryogenic applications.

Property ItemStandard Required ValueUnitTest Conditions
Yield Strength (0.2% Proof Strength)≥ 175N/mm² (MPa)Room Temperature, Longitudinal
Tensile Strength (Rm)≥ 480N/mm² (MPa)Room Temperature, Longitudinal
Elongation (A)≥ 40%Gauge Length: 50mm, Thickness ≤ 8mm
Hardness≤ 187HBWAs-delivered, solution annealed condition
Hardness≤ 90HRBAs-delivered, solution annealed condition
Hardness≤ 200HVAs-delivered, solution annealed condition
Bend Test (Bend Angle: 180°)D=4tBend DiameterThickness ≤ 10mm; No cracks on outer surface

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Recommendation of Completely Equivalent Material Standards and Replaceable Designations

Country/RegionStandardDesignationRemarks
JapanJIS G4304 / JIS G4305SUS316J1LOriginal specification; Low C, Cu-Mo alloyed stainless steel.
InternationalISO 15510X2CrNiMoCu 17-16-4Closest ISO designation for low-carbon Cu-Mo austenitic stainless steel.
EuropeEN 10088-2/-31.4435 (X2CrNiMo18-14-3)Fully equivalent in terms of corrosion resistance class, with overlapping composition.
USAASTM A240/A240MUNS S31603 (Modified)A modified S31603 with Cu addition may be used, but a direct UNS equivalent does not fully capture the Cu range.
ChinaGB/T 3280 / GB/T 4237022Cr17Ni12Mo2Cu2Chinese grade specifically developed to match the chemical composition of SUS316J1L.

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Application Introduction

SUS316J1L is the material of choice for environments where sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride-bearing solutions are encountered. Its exceptional weldability and formability allow it to be fabricated into complex, large-scale equipment for long-term, maintenance-free operations. Key application sectors leverage its superior corrosion resistance to ensure safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness over the component lifecycle.

Product Applications: Sulfuric Acid Storage Tanks and Transportation Vessels, Chemical Tanker Hulls and Cargo Piping, Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers, Petrochemical Distillation Columns and Structured Packing, Bleaching Equipment for Pulp Mills, Desalination Unit Evaporator Tubes and Flash Chambers, Flue Gas Scrubbers and Ducting

Processed into products: Reactor pressure vessel cladding, Internal agitator blades and shafts, Welded shell-and-tube heat exchanger tube sheets, Baffles, and Tie rods, Deep-drawn chemical storage vessel heads and nozzles, Bent and welded piping systems, Flanges, and Fittings for acid transport, Stamped plate heat exchanger channels and connections, Machined pump casings and valve bodies for severe service, Fabricated ducting expansion joints and dampers for FGD plants

Application industries: Chemical Processing Industry (CPI), Petrochemical and Oil & Gas, Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, Marine and Offshore Engineering, Thermal and Nuclear Power Generation, Food and Beverage Processing, Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Systems

JIS SUS316J1L Austenitic Stainless Steel Recommendation of Similar/Comparable Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardDesignationRemarks
JapanJIS G4304 / JIS G4305SUS316LStandard Mo-alloyed low-C grade. Lacks intentional Cu addition, offering lower resistance to sulfuric acid compared to SUS316J1L.
EuropeEN 10088-2/-31.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2)Standard European 316L. Suitable for general chloride environments but inferior in hot sulfuric acid service.
USAASTM A240/A240MUNS N08904 (904L)Higher alloyed austenitic containing Cu and higher Ni/Mo. Provides superior corrosion resistance but at a significantly higher cost.
ChinaGB/T 3280 / GB/T 423706Cr17Ni12Mo2 (SUS316)Higher carbon version. Sensitive to intergranular corrosion after welding without post-weld solution treatment, limiting its scope.

Notes:

Welding Considerations: SUS316J1L exhibits excellent weldability using common processes like GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and SMAW (MMA). Low heat input and interpass temperature control (max 150°C) are recommended to preserve corrosion resistance. Matching or over-alloyed filler metals (e.g., AWS A5.9 ER316CuL) should be used to maintain the weld metal's Cu and Mo content.
Heat Treatment: The recommended solution annealing treatment is a hold at 1010–1150°C followed by rapid water quenching or fast air cooling. This treatment dissolves chromium carbides and sigma phases, ensuring maximum ductility and corrosion resistance. The grade cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
Cold Forming: Excellent formability allows for severe deep drawing, spinning, and bending. Due to high work hardening, intermediate annealing may be necessary for multi-stage deep drawing operations. Martensite transformation during cold work is minimal due to the stable austenitic structure.

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