AISI316L/1.4404/S31603 Stainless Steel Plate Laser Cutting Round Square and

1. Overview of 316L Stainless Steel Plates

1.1 Key Parameters

• Chemical Composition: Cr (16-18%), Ni (10-14%), Mo (2-3%), C (≤0.03%), Si (≤1%), Mn (≤2%), P (≤0.045%), S (≤0.03%). The addition of molybdenum enhances resistance to chloride-induced corrosion (e.g., seawater, brines).
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Tensile strength: 485-650 MPa
  • Yield strength: ≥170 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥40%
  • Hardness: ≤217 HBW

1.2 Common Sizes

• Thickness: Typically 0.3 mm to 100 mm (custom thicknesses available for specific applications).
• Width & Length: Common sizes include 1220×2440 mm, 1500×3000 mm, 2000×6000 mm, etc. Non-standard sizes can be tailored via cutting.

1.3 Standards

• ASTM A240/A240M (USA)
• EN 10088-2 (Europe)
• JIS G4305 (Japan)
• GB/T 3280 (China)

1.4 Key Characteristics

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Outperforms 304 stainless steel, especially in chloride-rich environments (e.g., marine, chemical processing).
• Weldability: Low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, reducing intergranular corrosion risk.
• High Temperature Resistance: Maintains strength at elevated temperatures (up to ~800°C in oxidizing environments).
• Formability: Easily fabricated via bending, rolling, or cutting without compromising integrity.

1.5 Applications

• Marine Engineering: Ship hulls, offshore platforms, and seawater pipelines.
• Chemical Processing: Storage tanks, reactors, and piping for acids and corrosive fluids.
• Medical Devices: Surgical instruments and implants (due to biocompatibility).
• Food & Beverage: Equipment for food processing and brewing (resistant to cleaning agents).
• Architectural: Outdoor structures, cladding, and decorative elements.

2. Laser Cutting of 316L Stainless Steel Plates

2.1 Advantages of Laser Cutting

• High Precision: Achieves tight tolerances (±0.05 mm) and smooth edges (Ra ≤12.5 μm), reducing the need for secondary finishing.
• Versatility: Handles complex shapes (e.g., intricate patterns, holes, curves) that are difficult with traditional methods (e.g., sawing, shearing).
• Minimal Material Waste: Narrow kerf width (0.1-0.5 mm) reduces material loss, optimizing cost-efficiency.
• No Contact Damage: Non-mechanical cutting avoids tool wear or deformation of the 316L plate, preserving its surface and properties.
• Speed & Efficiency: Faster than conventional cutting for thin to medium thicknesses (0.3-20 mm), suitable for mass production.
• Clean Process: Produces little to no burrs or heat-affected zones (HAZ), critical for maintaining 316L’s corrosion resistance.

2.2 Processing Range

• Thickness: 0.3 mm to 25 mm (CO₂ or fiber lasers; thicker plates may require higher power lasers).
• Size: Accommodates large plates (up to 6000×2000 mm) with automated systems for continuous processing.
• Shape Complexity: Supports 2D cutting of any design, from simple circles/rectangles to complex geometries (e.g., aerospace components, custom fixtures).