-1,32%The Plug-and-Play Alternative to 316L
Cut your stainless steel costs without changing your processes or compromising on final product quality. Sounds impossible? Aperam Innovation Lab has done it. Introducing 316A: an all-new, exclusive, certified grade by Aperam.
A perfectly plug-and-play transition, without investment: no modification of tools and processes required
Fully compatible with existing forming, welding and finishing processes.
Produced from recycled scrap, it helps reduce the CO₂ footprint of finished products.
By balancing alloys with reduced molybdenum and added silicon.
Equivalent to 316L, confirmed by our own R&D tests, validated by external organisations and customers.
Contact an expert
How could you benefit from 316A? Have a question about its corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, welding, brazing, or possible applications? Our experts are here to provide clear answers and help you meet your technical requirements.
316A: A Breakthrough in Material Innovation
Corrosion Resistance
316A was designed with corrosion resistance in mind – a design that is based on a precise balance of silicon content that compensates for the material’s lower molybdenum content. This balance enhances the grade’s passive layer properties, lifting its corrosion resistance to the level of 316L.
Costs Saving
316A was developed to provide manufacturers with the corrosion resistance of 316L at a significantly lower cost. Its innovation lies in the precise balance between silicon and other alloying elements such as molybdenum. This optimized chemistry creates a unique synergistic effect that maintains performance while reducing production costs.
A Carbon Smart Option
Manufactured using high scrap content, 316A is fully aligned with European carbon footprint requirements and contributes to EU taxonomy objectives. For producers operating under scope 3 emission constraints, 316A offers an opportunity to decarbonise without redesigning.
Designed for Complete Compatibility
Switching materials often comes at a cost. But not 316A. Designed for complete compatibility, 316A can replace 316L without any modification to forming, welding or surface treatment processes. With no downtime and no additional CAPEX, you can keep resources focused on production, not adaptation.
Just Plug, Play and Save
Because 316A is designed as a ‘plug-and-play’ solution, manufacturers can leverage its performance and cost-saving benefits with minimal need for investments or process adjustments. In fact, following successful test runs, several industrial fabricators have already seamlessly made the switch from 316L to
the new 316A without altering any of their processing parameters.