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3D printing in Stainless steel 316
Stainless steel 316 is a proven choice for 3d printing: pitting resistance equivalent number (pren) of about 24, versus about 19 for 304. On a representative housing at 25 pieces it estimates at about $274 per part, with a lead time of 8–14 days. Typical tolerance is SLS/MJF ±0.3% (±0.012 in / ±0.3 mm minimum); SLA about ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm) over the first inch; FDM about ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm).
- Per part
- $274
- Tooling
- None
- Lead time
- 8–14 days
Price it in 316 SS
Housing · 3D printing
Order total $6,972
- Tooling
- None
- no hard tooling
- Piece price
- $274
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 8–14 days
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Length140140 mm
Width90.090.0 mm
Wall2.202.20 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity2525 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
316 SS vs other 3d printing materials
The same housing at 25 pieces, priced in every material the process runs. ABS is the lowest all-in cost.
| Material | Per part | All-in | Weight | Tensile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | $37.50 | $37.50 | 76 g | 43 MPa |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 87 g | 65 MPa |
| PC/ABS blend | $37.50 | $37.50 | 83 g | 55 MPa |
| Polypropylene (PP) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 66 g | 33 MPa |
| PEEK (polyether ether ketone) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 94 g | 98 MPa |
| TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) | $37.50 | $37.50 | 72 g | 7 MPa |
| Nylon 12 (PA12) for 3D printing | $37.50 | $37.50 | 73 g | 48 MPa |
| Stainless steel 316 | $274 | $279 | 580 g | 580 MPa |
| Stainless steel 17-4 PH (H900) | $286 | $291 | 564 g | 1379 MPa |
| Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | $328 | $333 | 321 g | 950 MPa |
316 SS at a glance
- Tensile strength
- 580 MPa82th pct
- Yield strength
- 290 MPa55th pct
- Density
- 8 g/cm³89th pct
- Max service temp
- 925 °C97th pct
- Elongation
- 50 %70th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
Strengths
- Pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) of about 24, versus about 19 for 304
- Standard for marine hardware, pharmaceutical and food processing equipment
- 316L variant welds without sensitization
- Better strength and creep resistance than 304 at high temperature
Watch for
- Still pits in warm seawater and tight crevices; use duplex 2205 or super-austenitic grades
- About 36% machinability; work-hardens
- Costs about one-third more than 304
- Galls in threaded and sliding contact
Finishes for this combination
3D printing design rules
About 0.030 in (0.8 mm) for SLS/MJF; 0.020 in (0.5 mm) for SLA
Minimum wall thickness
At least two holes, about 0.2 in (5 mm) for powder or 0.14 in (3.5 mm) for resin
Add escape holes to hollow parts
About 0.020 in (0.5 mm) for printed-in-place SLS/MJF assemblies
Leave clearance between mating parts
At least 45° from horizontal for FDM, SLA, and metal
Design self-supporting overhangs
Holes and pins at least 0.060 in (1.5 mm) diameter
Size holes and pins
Load FDM parts in the X–Y plane where possible
Orient for load
Questions
How much does 3d printing in 316 SS cost?
For a representative part (open housing 140 mm × 90 mm × 36 mm, 2.2 mm wall, 1° draft, 4 bosses, 2 ribs), SSG's estimator gives about $274 per part at 25 pieces. All-in with tooling and setup that is $279 per part. It is budgetary; principals quote firm prices from your drawing.
Is 316 SS a good material for 3d printing?
It is when you need pitting resistance equivalent number (pren) of about 24, versus about 19 for 304 and standard for marine hardware, pharmaceutical and food processing equipment. Watch for still pits in warm seawater and tight crevices; use duplex 2205 or super-austenitic grades. Of 10 materials run in 3d printing, it ranks 8 on all-in cost for the same part.
What finishes work on 316 SS 3d printing parts?
Common options are bead blasted, vibratory deburr (tumbling), passivation, laser marking. The builder adds each finish's lot charge, per-part cost and days to the estimate.
What tolerance can 3d printing hold in 316 SS?
Typical capability is SLS/MJF ±0.3% (±0.012 in / ±0.3 mm minimum); SLA about ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm) over the first inch; FDM about ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm). Tighter tolerances are possible on called-out features at added cost; specify them on the drawing rather than as a blanket note.
Quote 3d printing in 316 SS.
Upload your CAD or start from a template. The DFM check applies the rules above to your geometry.