Aperam, a global stainless steel producer, launches a new grade called 316A. The company positions it as a direct and cost-optimised replacement for 316L. The Aperam Innovation Lab develops this new alloy to help manufacturers cut costs without losing performance.

The new 316A grade keeps corrosion resistance and mechanical strength at the same level as 316L. However, it reduces the alloy surcharge by up to 25 per cent. The cut comes from a major drop in molybdenum, which Aperam reduces by more than 75 per cent. Engineers add more silicon to balance the composition. As a result, the material keeps full reliability in demanding applications.

Moreover, the new grade allows a plug-and-play transition. Factories can switch to 316A without changing tools or production lines. Even complex forming operations continue smoothly. Therefore, manufacturers avoid hidden costs and downtime during adoption.

The company offers 316A in a wide range of dimensions. Thickness starts at 0.06 mm and goes up to 13 mm. Width goes up to 2,000 mm. Aperam also provides all standard and polished finishes under EN 10088-2. Additionally, its high recycled content helps companies meet EU taxonomy rules and Scope 3 decarbonisation targets.

Aperam validates 316A through corrosion, mechanical and industrial testing. The material supports many high-demand sectors. These include HVAC equipment, food and cosmetics machinery, architectural structures, transport tanks, mobility systems, water treatment plants, and CCUS pressure vessels. It also fits electrolysers, heat exchangers and bipolar plates.

Aperam credits its Innovation Lab for this breakthrough. Over 150 specialists work across three sites to test and verify new alloys. They use full-scale simulations, welding trials and corrosion studies to speed up development.

The company operates sixteen production facilities across Brazil, Belgium, France, the United States, India and China. It holds a flat stainless steel and electrical Steel capacity of 2.5 million tonnes and remains a leader in alloys and high-value specialty products. Aperam also runs an integrated distribution and processing network that focuses on low-carbon stainless steel and specialty steels.