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Powder metal SS-316L (stainless)
SS-316L is the MPIF Standard 35 powder metal version of 316L austenitic stainless steel. Pressed and sintered to about 6.6–6.9 g/cm³, it reaches roughly 40–57 ksi (280–390 MPa) tensile, is non-magnetic, and resists corrosion well when sintered in hydrogen or vacuum. It suits small hardware, fittings and wet-environment parts. Metal injection molding reaches about 97% density for higher strength.
- MPIF Standard 35
- SS-316L (press and sinter)
- MPIF Standard 35
- MIM-316L (metal injection molding)
- Wrought equivalent
- UNS S31603
How does it compare?
Typical room-temperature values for PM 316L, against all 48 materials in the library.
- Tensile strength
- 330 MPa56th pct
- Density
- 6.7 g/cm³62th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
- Density
- 6.7 g/cm³ · 0.2421 lb/in³
- Tensile strength
- 330 MPa · 47.9 ksi
- Hardness
- Rockwell B20–45 (apparent)
When should you use PM 316L?
Strengths
- Non-magnetic austenitic structure
- Good corrosion resistance when sintered in hydrogen or vacuum
- Near net shape for small, complex stainless parts
- Controlled-porosity versions serve as filters and flow restrictors
Watch for
- Lower strength and corrosion resistance than wrought 316L because of porosity
- Nitrogen-sintered grades (SS-316N1, N2) gain strength but lose corrosion resistance
- Powder costs several times iron-based PM
- Needs passivation and clean handling to avoid iron contamination
Typical parts
- Lock and latch parts for wet environments
- Sensor housings and fittings
- Filters and flow restrictors
- Marine and plumbing hardware
- Medical device components (MIM 316L)
- Consumer hardware and watch parts (MIM 316L)
How PM 316L is made into parts
Cost, finishes and design rules for each process in this material.
What does a part in PM 316L cost?
A representative part, powdered metal. Raw material at about $12.00/kg is one line of it; process time and tooling usually matter more.
Spur gear · Powdered metal
Order total $39,486
- Tooling
- $7,938
- one-time, spread over the order
- Piece price
- $1.24
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Teeth2424
Module1.501.50
Face width10.010.0 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity2500025000 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
PM 316L questions
Press-and-sinter vs MIM 316L?
Press-and-sinter 316L reaches about 84–87% of wrought density and 40–57 ksi (280–390 MPa) tensile at the lowest cost for simple, prismatic shapes. MIM 316L reaches about 97% density and roughly 75 ksi (520 MPa) tensile with complex 3D geometry, at higher cost, and suits small parts under about 100 g.
Is PM 316L stainless corrosion resistant?
Yes, if sintered in hydrogen or vacuum and handled clean. Pores trap contaminants, and nitrogen-bearing atmospheres form chromium nitrides that reduce resistance. Specify the sintering atmosphere and a salt spray or immersion test for critical parts.
Is PM 316L magnetic?
Not when sintered correctly; it is austenitic. Iron contamination or improper sintering can raise magnetic permeability, so test if magnetism matters.
Similar materials
Quote it in PM 316L.
Upload CAD or start from a template. The builder prices it in this material and the alternatives.