SUZHOU POLESTAR METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD
Your One-Stop Precision Metal Fabrication Solution - Cut, Shape, Weld, Assembly
Add to Cart
Pump Housings Components SUS316L Stailess Steel Casting Service Passivated
316 Stainless Steel Casting Service
316 stainless steel is an austenitic alloy known for its higher level of corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich or marine settings. Containing increased molybdenum compared to 304 stainless steel, 316 resists pitting and crevice corrosion more effectively, making it a dependable choice for chemical processing, offshore equipment, and more. At Dawang Metals, we specialize in 316 stainless steel casting—as well as its variants 316L (low carbon) and 316H (high carbon)—to deliver components that excel in harsh operating conditions and maintain structural integrity over time.
Type of SUS316 Stainless Steel
316 Stainless Steel
Added Molybdenum Content: Improves overall corrosion resistance in acidic and chloride-exposed environments.
Broad Usage: Suitable for equipment that must withstand tough conditions, such as chemical processing tanks and marine hardware.
316L Stainless Steel (Low Carbon)
Reduced Carbon Content: Lowers the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, preserving corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone.
Best for Welded Assemblies: Popular in applications that involve frequent welding or complex fabrication processes.
316H Stainless Steel (High Carbon)
Elevated Carbon Content: Enhances high-temperature strength and creep resistance.
Ideal for Elevated Temperatures: Often specified for environments where parts must remain stable under prolonged thermal stress.
316 Stainless Steel Casting Products & Applications
The enhanced corrosion resistance and reliable mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel make it a prime choice for applications in challenging sectors:
Marine & Offshore: Boat fittings, marine hardware, and rig components exposed to saltwater.
Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Tank parts, valve bodies, and piping systems exposed to acids, alkalis, or chlorides.
Food & Beverage: Equipment and machinery that demand sanitary, corrosion-resistant surfaces.
Pharmaceutical & Medical: Instruments and components requiring ease of sterilization and resistance to chemical cleaning agents.
Pulp & Paper: Pump housings, mixers, and other components in corrosive pulp processing environments.
By specifying the most suitable variant—316, 316L, or 316H—manufacturers ensure their parts are well-matched to the operational temperatures and corrosion risks of their particular industry.
Technical Comparison of Investment Casting vs. Sand Casting for Stainless Steel
| Feature | Investment Casting (Lost-Wax Process) | Sand Casting |
| Precision & Tolerances | Dimensional tolerance: ±0.5% to ±1% of part size. | Dimensional tolerance: ±2% to ±4% of part size. |
| Surface Finish | Ra (Roughness Average): 0.5 to 3.2 µm, depending on mold material. | Ra (Roughness Average): 3.2 to 12.5 µm. |
| Part Complexity | Can cast very complex geometries with fine details (e.g., aerospace turbine blades, medical implants). | Limited to less complex shapes. More difficult to cast parts with intricate internal features. |
| Material Yield | Material utilization: Up to 95-98% of the material is used (low waste). | Material utilization: Typically around 75-85%, with higher scrap due to rougher molds and gating systems. |
| Production Volume | Low to medium volume production, ideal for batches of 10 to 1,000 parts. | High volume production, ideal for 1,000+ parts per run. |
| Cycle Time | Cycle time: 2-6 hours per part, depending on complexity. | Cycle time: 15 minutes to 1 hour per part, depending on part size and mold complexity. |
| Tooling Costs | High initial tooling cost: $10,000 to $100,000 for mold creation, due to complex mold-making process. | Lower tooling cost: $500 to $10,000 depending on part size and mold complexity. |
| Material Strength | Tensile strength: Typically 550-1,200 MPa (depending on alloy). | Tensile strength: Typically 400-800 MPa (depending on alloy). |
| Mold Material | Molds made of ceramic or silica, which can withstand extreme temperatures (up to 3,000°F or 1,650°C). | Molds made from sand mixed with binders can withstand temperatures up to 1,800°F (980°C) but are not as heat-resistant as investment casting molds. |
| Casting Materials | Limited to high-performance stainless steel alloys, superalloys, and precious metals. Alloy compositions must flow easily and hold fine detail. | Suitable for a broad material range including stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and bronze. More flexible in material selection. |
| Machining Requirements | Minimal machining is required due to high precision and fine surface finish. However, post-casting processes like heat treatment may still be necessary. | Significant machining is required to achieve the desired finish, especially for complex parts, due to rougher surfaces and tolerances. |
| Heat Treatment & Post-Processing | Requires solution annealing and stress relief for improved strength. Higher uniformity in microstructure due to controlled cooling. | Typically requires additional heat treatment, such as normalizing or tempering, for strength enhancement. Post-casting processes are more labor-intensive. |
| Porosity and Defects | Low porosity and minimal defects due to a controlled environment during casting. Porosity rate: Typically < 1%. | Higher likelihood of porosity and surface defects. Porosity rate: Up to 5-10%, depending on sand and mold preparation. |
| Cost Efficiency | Higher per-part cost due to complex tooling, slower production rate, and precision required. Ideal for small, high-value components. | More cost-effective for high-volume production, especially when precision is not critical. Suitable for large parts and less complex shapes. |
Why Choose Polestar Metal for 316 Stainless Steel Casting?
At Polestar Metal, we stand out in the realm of stainless steel casting by combining expertise with advanced process controls:
In-Depth Industry Knowledge: Our experienced team is well-versed in the specific characteristics of 316, 316L, and 316H, advising on the ideal match for your project.
Complete Project Management: We handle every stage of production, from initial design consulting to final quality checks, reducing the burden on your internal resources.
Collaborative Engineering Approach: We work closely with your designers and engineers to ensure cast components align with functional and dimensional requirements.
Reliable Quality Standards: Stringent inspections, non-destructive testing, and meticulous documentation guarantee product consistency and traceability.
Worldwide Logistics Support: With a global customer base, we have robust shipping and logistics partnerships to ensure timely delivery anywhere in the world.
