The main difference between 316L and 317L stainless steel lies in their chemical composition and applications:

1.Chemical Composition:

• 316L: It is a low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel, with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. It contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and small amounts of other elements.
• 317L: It is a higher molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. It contains 18-20% chromium, 11-15% nickel, 3-4% molybdenum, and small amounts of other elements.
• Corrosion Resistance:

Both grades offer excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. However, 317L provides enhanced resistance to more aggressive chemical environments, including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride-containing solutions.

2.Applications:

• 316L: It is commonly used in general-purpose applications, such as marine environments, food processing equipment, and chemical processing plants.
• 317L: Due to its higher molybdenum content, it is well-suited for applications involving harsh chemical environments, such as pulp and paper processing, petrochemical processing, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Weldability:

Both grades have good weldability, but 317L may require more care during welding due to its higher molybdenum content.
In summary, while both 316L and 317L offer excellent corrosion resistance, 317L is preferred in more corrosive and aggressive environments, making it suitable for specific industrial applications.

Using 317L stainless steel offers several advantages over other stainless steel grades:

• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: 317L provides superior resistance to corrosion, especially in aggressive environments containing sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and chloride-containing solutions. It outperforms many other stainless steel grades in these challenging conditions.
• High Temperature Performance: With its high chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content, 317L exhibits excellent performance at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments.
• Weldability: 317L has good weldability and can be easily welded using common welding techniques. It is an advantage when fabricating complex structures or components.
• Low Carbon Content: The low carbon content in 317L helps prevent sensitization and intergranular corrosion, even when used in elevated temperature applications.
• Non-Magnetic: Like other austenitic stainless steels, 317L is non-magnetic, making it suitable for applications where magnetic interference is a concern.
• Formability: 317L offers good formability, allowing it to be shaped and fabricated into various products with ease.
• Versatility: Due to its excellent combination of properties, 317L finds application in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, petrochemical, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, and food processing.

In summary, the advantages of using 317L stainless steel stem from its unique chemical composition, providing superior corrosion resistance, high-temperature performance, weldability, and versatility in various demanding applications.

Yes, custom sizes and lengths are often available for 317L stainless steel tubes. Many stainless steel tube suppliers and manufacturers offer the flexibility to produce tubes according to specific requirements and dimensions. This allows customers to obtain the exact size and length of tubes needed for their particular applications, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance. If you have specific size or length requirements for your 317L stainless steel tubes, you can inquire with the suppliers to check their customization options.

The welding procedure recommended for joining 317L stainless steel tubes is typically similar to that used for other austenitic stainless steels. It is essential to use low heat input and slow cooling to minimize the risk of sensitization and intergranular corrosion.

The most common welding methods for 317L tubes include TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. These methods provide precise control over the welding process, ensuring a clean and strong weld. It is crucial to use filler materials with matching or higher alloy content to maintain the corrosion resistance of the 317L stainless steel.

Before welding, the tubes should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants, and the welding equipment should be calibrated to the appropriate settings. Additionally, post-weld heat treatment may be necessary to restore the corrosion resistance of the weld and the adjacent area.

Always follow the welding guidelines provided by the stainless steel tube suppliers or consult with qualified welding professionals to ensure proper welding procedures and a high-quality welded joint.

The availability of 317L stainless steel welded tubes can vary depending on the stainless steel tube suppliers and the specific dimensions and specifications required. However, as a widely used stainless steel grade, 317L tubes are generally readily available in the market.

Regarding the lead time, it again depends on the supplier’s stock and production capacity. For standard sizes and common configurations, the lead time is usually relatively short, and the tubes can be delivered promptly. However, for custom sizes or large quantities, the lead time may be longer as it might require additional production time.

To get an accurate estimate of the availability and lead time for 317L stainless steel welded tubes, it is recommended to contact reputable stainless steel tube suppliers directly and inquire about their current inventory and production schedule.