Material comparison
Corrosion resistant, ductile and weldable; food, medical and marine. Metal parts with FDM: 316L stainless steel. So which one is right for your project? Compare the values, strengths and weaknesses side by side.
316L by laser powder bed fusion
316L is a molybdenum-alloyed austenitic stainless steel. 316L parts printed with LPBF offer high corrosion resistance and ductility, making them suitable for food equipment, medical instruments and parts in marine environments.
BASF Ultrafuse® 316L metal composite filament
Ultrafuse® 316L is a stainless steel composite filament developed by BASF. Grade 316L is preferred in industrial applications and prototyping for its durability, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. It makes it possible to produce complex metal parts with FDM.
Values
| Property | Stainless steel 316L | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 600 MPa | 530 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 38 % | 50 % |
| Modulus (stiffness) | 190 GPa | 190 GPa |
| Heat deflection (0.45 MPa) | — | — |
Decision
Good to know
Stainless steel 316L has higher tensile strength: 600 MPa, versus 530 MPa for Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel stretches further before breaking: 50 %, versus 38 % for Stainless steel 316L.
Stainless steel 316L is usually easier to produce; it needs less special equipment and tuning.
Price levels are similar; the exact price depends on the part and quantity.
Tell us the operating conditions; let's decide together which of the two fits, or find a better alternative.