316L PH Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is a molybdenum - bearing austenitic steel. This material has excellent corrosion resistance, and great mechanical properties at high and low temperatures. Characteristics include high creep resistance, excellent formability, rupture and tensile strength at high temperatures, and resistance to corrosion and pitting.
3D Printing Process
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Bound Metal Deposition (BMD)
Common Applications
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Chemical and petrochemical processing
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Food processing
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Laboratory equipment
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Medical devices
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Structural components (eg. housings & frames)
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Marine
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Fluid transfer components (e. manifolds)
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Jewelry & decorative items
About 316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is a chromium - nickel austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum. The molybdenum enhances the corrosion resistance in halide environments as well as in reducing acids such as sulfuric and phosphoric acid.
316L stainless steel resists atmospheric corrosion, including marine atmospheres and moderately oxidizing environments. 316L has excellent strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures.
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200 µm magnification
Bound Metal Deposition 3D Printing Process
Bound Metal Deposition extrudes metal rods into complex shapes layer-by-layer. Once printed, parts are sintered in a furnace for final densification and removal of binder. This process achieves 98% density, similar to cast parts. Layer lines are typically visible and part surfaces are similar to cast part surfaces. This printing process can have closed-cell infill for lightweight strength.
Best for for all-purpose use, including:
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prototypes and end-use parts
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form-, fit- and function- testing
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Grades
Balace performance and affordability with your choice of Standard or High resolution 3D printing for Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) 3D printed metals.
Standard Resolution
Ideal for all-purpose use, including:
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prototypes and end-use parts
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form-, fit- and function- testing
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strength and density similar to cast metal
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industry-standard quality requirements
High Resolution
Ideal for specialty production, including:
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complex metal parts
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parts designed for demanding environments
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series production
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higher strength and density than cast metal
Finishing Options
Bead Blasting
Parts are blasted with fine glass bead to smooth surfaces and give a matte appearance. Recommended for consumer-facing parts.
Standard
All parts are cleaned and ready for use when shipped. There may be layer lines and residual marks from support structures.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
Property | Standard | As-Sintered (actual) | As-Sintered (ASTM B883 / MPF 35) |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultimate tensile strength 1 (MPa) | ASTM E8 | 590 ± 4 | 450 - 520 |
Yield strength 1 (MPa) | ASTM E8 | 220 ± 4 | 140 - 175 |
Elongation at break (%) | ASTM E8 | 75 ± 3 | 40 - 50 |
Young’s modulus 2 (GPa) | ASTM E8 | – | 190 |
Hardness (HRB) | ASTM E18 | 72 ± 1.0 | 67 |
Charpy Impact Strength (J) | ASTM E23 | 231 ± 5 | – |
Density | g/cm3 | 7.89 | 7.6 |
Surface finish (μm Ra) | ISO 4287 | 3 - 8 | – |
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Cr | 16.0 - 18.0 |
Mn | 2.0 (max) |
Ni | 10.0 - 14.0 |
C | 0.03 (max) |
Si | 1.0 (max) |
Si | 1.0 (max) |
N | 0.078 |
Fe | Balance |
Mo | 2.0 - 3.0 |
Composition %
Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
EN | 1.4404 |
UNS | S31673 |
Other Standard Designations
Design Guidelines
Maximum part size
Standard Resolution High Resolution
X 240 mm 9.4 in X 60 mm 2.4 in
Y 240 mm 9.4 in Y 60 mm 2.4 in
Z 240 mm 9.4 in Z 60 mm 2.4 in
To optimize for fabrication success, the recommended maximum part size is 150 x 150 x 110 mm (6.0 x 6.0 x 4.3 in).
Minimum part size
Standard Resolution High Resolution
X 6mm 0.24in X 3mm 0.14in
Y 6mm 0.24in Y 3mm 0.14in
Z 6mm 0.24in Z 3mm 0.14in
The minimum part size considers the minimum number of bottom layers, top layers, and toolpaths within a wall required to produce a successful part.
Minimum wall thickness
Standard Resolution High Resolution
1.0 mm 0.6 mm
The minimum wall thickness considers structural integrity during sintering. Wall thickness must be at least two toolpaths wide, or approximately 1mm. When printing a wall greater than 8mm tall, the ratio of height to width must not exceed 8:1.
Minimum pin diameter
Standard Resolution High Resolution
3.0mm 0.12in 1.5mm 0.06in
Pins should obey the aspect ratio guideline of 8:1.
Minimum embossed feature
Standard Resolution High Resolution
X/Y W 0.45mm 0.018in W 0.30mm 0.012in
H 0.50mm 0.020in H 0.30mm 0.012in
Z W 0.25mm 0.010in W 0.15mm 0.006in
H 0.50mm 0.020in H 0.30mm 0.012in
Embossed features are proud of the surface of the model. If an embossed feature is too thin, it likely will not print.
Minimum debossed feature
Standard Resolution High Resolution
X/Y W 0.45mm 0.018in W 0.30mm 0.012in
H 0.50mm 0.020in H 0.30mm 0.012in
Z W 0.25mm 0.010in W 0.15mm 0.006in
H 0.50mm 0.020in H 0.30mm 0.012in
Debossed features are typically used for surface detailing and text on the surface of the model. If a debossed feature is too thin, it risks over-extrusions that fill in the engraved feature.
Minimum unsupported overhang angle
Standard Resolution High Resolution
40 degrees 40 degrees
Overhangs greater than 40° from planar will require supports.
Minimum clearance
Standard Resolution High Resolution
0.3mm 0.0012in 0.3mm 0.0012in
The additive nature of 3D printing enables the fabrication of multiple parts as printed in-place assemblies with moving or embedded parts. Interlocking components should have 0.300mm (0.011in) of clearance.
Aspect ratio
Standard Resolution High Resolution
8:1 8:1
Unsupported tall, thin features are challenging for debind and sintering processes and should be limited when possible. The ratio of height to width for tall walls or pillars should not exceed 8:1. Tall cylinders and walls are the least stable geometries.
Use Case Examples
UHT Atomizer
This Ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) nozzle is an atomizer, usually used with water or air. 316L Stainless Steel is an excellent material choice for this application because of it’s high corrosion resistance and excellent performance at high temperatures.
This nozzle design has complex internal channels that optimize particle distribution, in order to achieve the most effective combustion reaction. These channels are impossible to create with traditional manufacturing methods. Extrusion-based 3D printing methods are the ideal method to produce these parts.
Impeller
Impellers are geometrically complex parts, and are custom-designed for specific applications. 316L stainless steel is an excellent material choice for impellers used in harsh environments, where they are required to resist corrosion and exposure to a range of temperature extremes.
Additive manufacturing is an excellent choice for prototyping and manufacturing impellers due to the ability to rapidly produce and test functional prototypes, and the low cost of production of the final parts.
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Splints are commonly made to immobilize injured limbs. Splints are usually manufactured with plastic, but they can be prone to bending or breaking. 316L stainless steel is an excellent choice for splints because of it's excellent mechancial properties, stain resistance, and biocompatibility.
3D scanning and 3D printing allows quick and affordable manufacturingof splints and other medical accessories which are customized to the patient, giving greater comfort and better fit.
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