Stainless steel 3D printing
in 316L.
Corrosion-resistant, tough metal parts made by laser powder bed fusion (SLM), from a single piece. Upload a CAD file and get price and delivery date in seconds.
Material properties.
Typical values in the as-built condition, measured to ISO 6892-1. The lower value applies in the build direction, the higher value perpendicular to it.
Datasheet (PDF)
Material
316L (1.4404), molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel, composition to ASTM F138Tensile strength
540–640 MPaYield strength
470–530 MPaElongation at break
40–54%Density
≥ 7.97 g/cm³Thermal expansion
15.7 × 10⁻⁶/K (25–100 °C)
Applications for stainless steel.
For parts that have to withstand moisture, chemicals or impact and have a shape that is difficult to mill.
Corrosive environment
Thanks to molybdenum, more resistant to chlorides than standard stainless steel: for salt water, cleaning agents and many chemicals.Process engineering
Nozzles, mixers, manifolds and pump parts with internal channels that can only be produced additively.Tooling and fixtures
Robust grippers, clamping jaws and gauges that must not wear in operation.Tough functional parts
Up to 54% elongation at break: the part deforms before it breaks. Springs and flexure hinges are also possible.
When another process is a better fit.
Lightweight design
Stainless steel is around three times as heavy as aluminium. Where weight matters, AlSi10Mg is the better choice.Strength-to-weight ratio
Titanium Ti6Al4V is almost twice as strong at just over half the density.Simple geometry
Plates, flanges and turned parts are cheaper and more accurate when milled or turned.High continuous temperatures
Where stainless steel loses strength in continuous high-temperature service, nickel alloys such as Inconel 718 are suitable.
Design rules.
Follow these values and the part will fit on the first print.
Wall thickness
At least 0.4 mm for supported walls, 0.5 mm for unsupported walls.Holes
From 0.5 mm diameter. Through channels need an opening so that the powder can be removed.Details
Embossed and engraved details from 0.2 mm.Overhangs
Surfaces flatter than 45° need supports and are rougher on the underside. Steep surfaces stay smooth.Accuracy
±0.3% of the dimension. Machine fits and sealing surfaces after printing.Layer and build volume
0.04 mm layer thickness, parts up to 350 × 400 × 360 mm.
Surface and post-processing.
As printed
Matt, slightly rough surface with a visible layer structure.Sandblasted
Uniformly matt, satin-finish surface.Threads and fits
Thread cutting and machining of functional surfaces, on request.
Frequently asked questions.
- Usually within 7–10 working days of ordering, depending on size and post-processing. After upload, the online quoting tool shows the exact delivery date.
- The price depends mainly on volume, build height and the supports required. Upload your CAD file and the price appears in seconds. From a single piece, with no tooling costs.
- Yes. Printed 316L reaches a tensile strength of 540–640 MPa, above the typical values of around 500 MPa for rolled, solution-annealed 316L, while retaining high toughness.
- Thanks to molybdenum, 316L is more resistant to chlorides than standard stainless steel. As with machined 316L, resistance also depends on the surface: smoother surfaces are more resistant.
- STEP and STL. STEP is preferable because dimensions and holes are transferred exactly.
- Yes, threads are cut after printing. Specify them in your inquiry or write to us.
Price your stainless steel part.
Upload a CAD file and get price and delivery date in seconds. For series production and special requirements, send us an inquiry.