ASTM A312 TP316L Pipe Specification
Leave a message
What is the specification of A312 pipe?
ASTM A312 standard specification covers seamless, straight-seam welded, and heavily cold-worked austenitic stainless steel pipes, with TP316L being one of the commonly used corrosion-resistant grades. The latest revision of this specification, ASTM A312/A312M-22a, defines the material's chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, and heat treatment requirements.
What is ASTM A312 TP316L cold-worked piping?
ASTM A312 TP316L piping is a chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy pipe, commonly referred to as AISI 316L, 1.4404 SS, SUS 316L, and UNS S31603. It is characterized by an extremely low carbon content (≤0.03%), which significantly enhances its corrosion resistance and weldability. Possessing excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion, it is well-suited for applications in fields such as chemical processing, marine engineering, and pharmaceuticals, with an applicable operating temperature range extending up to 850°C.
Manufacturing Processes:
Including Seamless (SMLS), Automated Welded (WLD without filler metal), and Heavy Cold-Rolled Welded (HCW with a cold-working reduction rate of no less than 35%).
Size Range:Covers NPS 1/8" to NPS 24" (some sources cite NPS 30 or larger), with wall thicknesses ranging from SCH 5S to SCH 80S.
Heat Treatment:
All tubing must undergo heat treatment. The heat treatment temperature for TP304L and TP316L shall be no lower than 1900°F (1040°C), followed by water quenching or rapid cooling.
ASTM A312 TP316L seamless pipe Chemical Composition (Mass %)
The "L" in TP316L stands for "Low Carbon" (max 0.035% or 0.030%), which minimizes carbide precipitation during welding.
| Element | Symbol | Content (%) |
| Carbon (Max) | C | 0.035* |
| Manganese (Max) | Mn | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (Max) | P | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (Max) | S | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Max) | Si | 1.00 |
| Chromium | Cr | 16.0 – 18.0 |
| Nickel | Ni | 10.0 – 14.0 |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 2.00 – 3.00 |
| Nitrogen (Max) | N | 0.10 |
ASTM A312 TP316L annealed and pickled pipe Mechanical Properties
TP316L has slightly lower strength than standard TP316 but offers superior weldability and corrosion resistance.
| Property | Value (Metric) | Value (Imperial) |
| Tensile Strength (Min) | 485 MPa | 70 ksi |
| Yield Strength (Min 0.2%) | 170 MPa | 25 ksi |
| Elongation (Min) | 35% | 35% |
| Hardness (Max) | 192 HBW / 90 HRB | 192 HBW / 90 HRB |
ASTM A312 TP316L Pipe Physical Properties (Reference)
| Property | Value |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 1370 – 1400 °C (2500 – 2550 °F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa (28.0 x 10⁶ psi) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m·K (at 100°C) |
ASTM A312 TP316L Pipe Dimensions & Weight Chart
| NPS (Inches) | DN (mm) | Outside Diameter (mm) | Sch 5S (WT mm) | Sch 10S (WT mm) | Sch 40S (STD) (WT mm) | Sch 80S (XS) (WT mm) |
| 1/8" | 6 | 10.29 | 0.89 | 1.24 | 1.73 | 2.41 |
| 1/4" | 8 | 13.72 | 1.24 | 1.65 | 2.24 | 3.02 |
| 3/8" | 10 | 17.15 | 1.24 | 1.65 | 2.31 | 3.20 |
| 1/2" | 15 | 21.34 | 1.65 | 2.11 | 2.77 | 3.73 |
| 3/4" | 20 | 26.67 | 1.65 | 2.11 | 2.87 | 3.91 |
| 1" | 25 | 33.40 | 1.65 | 2.77 | 3.38 | 4.55 |
| 1-1/4" | 32 | 42.16 | 1.65 | 2.77 | 3.56 | 4.85 |
| 1-1/2" | 40 | 48.26 | 1.65 | 2.77 | 3.68 | 5.08 |
| 2" | 50 | 60.33 | 1.65 | 2.77 | 3.91 | 5.54 |
| 2-1/2" | 65 | 73.03 | 2.11 | 3.05 | 5.16 | 7.01 |
| 3" | 80 | 88.90 | 2.11 | 3.05 | 5.49 | 7.62 |
| 4" | 100 | 114.30 | 2.11 | 3.05 | 6.02 | 8.56 |
| 5" | 125 | 141.30 | 2.77 | 3.40 | 6.55 | 9.53 |
| 6" | 150 | 168.28 | 2.77 | 3.40 | 7.11 | 10.97 |
| 8" | 200 | 219.08 | 2.77 | 3.76 | 8.18 | 12.70 |
| 10" | 250 | 273.05 | 3.40 | 4.19 | 9.27 | 12.70* |
| 12" | 300 | 323.85 | 3.96 | 4.57 | 9.53 | 12.70* |
*Note: For Sch 80S in sizes NPS 10 and larger, the wall thickness may differ between ASME B36.19 and B36.10. 12.70mm is often referred to as "XS" (Extra Strong).
HS Code Table for ASTM A312 TP316L Stainless Steel Pipe
| Pipe Type | HS Code (First 6 Digits) | China HS Code (Example) | English Description |
| Seamless (SMLS) | 7304.41 | 7304.4110.00 | Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of stainless steel, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced). |
| Seamless (SMLS) | 7304.49 | 7304.4990.00 | Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of stainless steel, other (hot-rolled/hot-extruded). |
| Welded (WLD) | 7306.40 | 7306.4000.00 | Other tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, welded, of circular cross-section, of stainless steel. |
| Welded (Large OD) | 7305.11 | 7305.1100.00 | Other tubes and pipes (for example, welded), having circular cross-sections, the external diameter of which exceeds 406.4 mm, of iron or steel. |
ASTM A312 TP316L Stainless Steel Pipe Price Reference
| Product Type | Manufacturing Process | Size Range (NPS) | Surface Finish | Estimated Price Range (USD/Metric Ton) |
| Seamless (SMLS) | Cold Drawn / Cold Rolled | 1/2" – 8" | Annealed & Pickled | $3,800 – $5,200 |
| Seamless (SMLS) | Hot Rolled / Extruded | 8" – 24" | Annealed & Pickled | $3,600 – $4,800 |
| Welded (WLD) | ERW / EFW (Longitudinal) | 1/2" – 12" | Annealed & Pickled | $2,900 – $3,900 |
| Welded (WLD) | Large Diameter (EFW) | 14" – 48" | Annealed & Pickled | $3,100 – $4,200 |
If you have project-specific requirements for 316L stainless steel tubing, we invite you to place an order. GNEE maintains a substantial inventory of our best-selling products for you to choose from. Available in both seamless and welded forms, our tubing can be customized to your specifications. For detailed chemical composition data and free samples, please contact us immediately to obtain the latest pricing!
We fully understand the high costs associated with project delays. Thanks to our stock of standard-specification materials (NPS 1/2" to 12"), we are able to complete shipments within 3 to 7 days. For custom manufacturing orders, our lead times are 15% to 25% faster than the industry average.
Every pipe is accompanied by a detailed EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificate (MTC), which includes a precise chemical composition analysis (ensuring a Mo content of ≥ 2.0%). Please refer to the material certificates attached below representing materials we have exported to European countries to verify the Mo content.
EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificate (MTC)
Mandatory Inspection & Testing
To comply with ASTM A312, Gnee ensures the following tests are performed:
| Test Name | Purpose |
| Hydrostatic Test | To ensure the pipe is leak-proof at high pressure. |
| Nondestructive (NDT) | Eddy Current or Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal/surface flaws. |
| Flattening Test | To check for ductility and weld integrity (for welded pipes). |
| Flaring Test | To ensure the pipe can be expanded without cracking (for seamless). |
| IGC Test | Intergranular Corrosion Test (ASTM A262 Practice E) to verify "L" grade performance. |
| PMI Test | Positive Material Identification to verify chemical alloy content. |
All our stainless steel seamless tubes are packaged in accordance with international standards to prevent any potential damage or loss. By default, we bundle the finished tubes in batches using thick woven plastic bags. For specialized tubes that are particularly susceptible to dirt, scratches, compression, or damage during handling, we recommend the use of wooden crates for protection.
