316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is one of the most commonly used stainless steel grades in 3D printing. Thanks to the extremely high temperature gradient and extremely fast solidification rate during the printing process, the material's mechanical properties after molding are better than traditional castings (although some printers also support printing in 17-4 PH stainless steel). 316L is a metal with strong mechanical properties. The printed surface is usually rough and has pitting (melt pool marks). The material can provide a variety of polished or matte post-processing effects and is widely used in jewelry, functional parts, small sculptures and other fields.
Dimensional Stability
Toughness
Rigidity
Heat Resistance
Weather Resistance
Lead Time
5~9 days
Tolerance
± 0.3% (minimum of ± 0.3mm)
Min. Order
1
Reference Unit Price Range
0.30 - 0.66
Advantages
- Corrosion Resistance
- Toughness
- Biocompatibility
Disadvantages
- Higher weight
- Lower surface quality
Performance Snapshot
Material Characteristics at a Glance
Relative performance profile across key engineering parameters. Values are contextual — not absolute stress ratings.
Heat Resistance
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Corrosion Resistance
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Dimensional Stability
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Toughness
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Rigidity
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Weather Resistance
HighSource score: 4/5
Cost Efficient
MediumSource score: 3/5
Thermal Conductivity
MediumSource score: 3/5
ESD Safe
MediumSource score: 3/5
Surface Finish Options
Surface Finish Options
Available finish options for 316L Stainless Steel.
As Printed
Color
Silvery-gray
Surface
Ra 15-35 μm (as-built SLM)
Accuracy
± 0.3% (minimum of ± 0.3mm)
Polishing
Surface result
Smoother, glossier visible surfaces where geometry allows
Best for
Improving smoothness and gloss on 316L Stainless Steel parts used for end-use metal parts, where geometry permits.
Note
Confirm edge retention and dimensional impact on 316L Stainless Steel; fine features may soften during polishing.
Sand Blasting
Surface result
Uniform matte texture
Best for
Creating a uniform matte texture on 316L Stainless Steel parts used for end-use metal parts and display or functional prototypes.
Note
Confirm masking and feature retention on 316L Stainless Steel; abrasive blasting can change texture and soften fine details.
Laser Engraving
Marking result
Permanent text, logo, or identification marking
Best for
Adding permanent text, logos, or identification to 316L Stainless Steel parts used for end-use metal parts.
Note
Confirm contrast, marking depth, and heat sensitivity on 316L Stainless Steel before production.
Shot Peening
Surface effect
Compressive surface treatment for metal parts
Best for
Improving the surface condition of 316L Stainless Steel metal parts used for end-use metal parts and load-bearing applications.
Note
Confirm alloy response, dimensional tolerance, and surface coverage on 316L Stainless Steel; process settings affect the final surface condition.
Heat Treatment
Mechanical result
Adjusted strength, hardness, or stress-relief depending on the alloy
Best for
Adjusting the strength, hardness, or stress state of 316L Stainless Steel parts for end-use metal parts and demanding functional use.
Note
Confirm alloy-specific cycle, dimensional change, and post-treatment requirements for 316L Stainless Steel before production.
Industries & Applications
Where 316L Stainless Steel Delivers
Industrial Manufacturing
- End-use metal parts
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Mounting brackets
Equipment
- End-use metal parts
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Energy equipment parts
- Mounting brackets
Automotive
- Prototype and fit-check components
- Interior and non-safety-critical parts
- Custom fixtures and production aids
- Low-volume validation builds
Jewelry
- Design concept models
- Pattern and master-model development
- Display and presentation pieces
- Low-volume custom accessories
Fine Jewelry & Accessories
- Fine accessory concept models
- Pattern and master-model development
- Display and presentation pieces
- Low-volume custom accessories
Robotics
- Prototype end-effectors and brackets
- Custom assembly and test fixtures
- Low-volume functional validation builds
- Integration and fit-check components
Industrial Automation
- End-use metal parts
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
Shipbuilding
- Prototype marine equipment components
- Custom fixtures and maintenance aids
- Low-volume engineering validation builds
- Functional fit-check parts
Marine
- End-use metal parts
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Marine applications
- Corrosion-resistant equipment parts
Technical Specifications
Design Guidelines
Material Properties
Process & Dimensional Specs
Ready to Order?
Upload your 3D file and receive a quote for 316L Stainless Steel parts. Typical turnaround is 5~9 days from order confirmation.
Every order includes: Dimensional inspection report · NDA-ready file handling · Pre-shipment QC photography · DDP door-to-door logistics · Engineering review on request
Talk to a Process Engineer
Have a tight-tolerance or complex geometry requirement? Our engineers review your drawing before quoting to flag potential issues.
Compare & Decide
Related & Alternative Materials
SLM · Metals
17-4PH Stainless Steel
SLM · Silvery-gray
17-4 PH stainless steel is a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel. The material is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and extremely high strength and hardness, especially after heat treatment. 17-4 PH can be adjusted to different hardness and toughness levels through heat treatment, allowing users to tailor the properties of the alloy after sintering to suit a wide range of application scenarios, including: mechanical equipment, chemical processing, food processing, pump components, valves, fasteners, jigs and fixtures.
MBJ · Metals
SS316L
MBJ · Gray-Black
In the MBJ process, 316L stainless steel usually appears silver gray to dark gray after sintering due to its excellent corrosion resistance and toughness, making it an ideal choice for preparing fluid parts with complex structures.
MBJ · Metals
SS17-4PH
MBJ · Gray-Black
The strength and hardness of 17-4PH precipitation hardened stainless steel can be significantly improved through heat treatment after sintering. The color of its printed parts is dark gray to black gray in the sintered state. It has good mechanical properties and moderate corrosion resistance, and is suitable for structural parts that require both strength and precision.
Unionfab is China's Largest 3D Printing Manufacturing Company for Rapid Prototyping and On-Demand Production Parts.
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