AMS Specification 316L Stainless Steel 316 Series

AMS 5653

316L Stainless Steel – Corrosion and Heat Resistant

Steel, Corrosion and Heat Resistant, Bars, Wire, Forgings, Tubing, and Rings
18Cr – 11Ni – 0.60Cb | Solution Heat Treated

AS9100D / ISO 9001

Mill Test Reports

2–4 Week Delivery

877-237-6822

Quick Specification Facts

Spec Number AMS 5653 (AMS5653)

Material 316L Stainless Steel

Spec Type AMS (Aerospace Material Specification)

Category 316 Series Stainless Steel

Composition 18Cr – 11Ni – 0.60Cb

Condition Solution Heat Treated

Product Forms Bars, Wire, Forgings, Tubing, Rings

Certification AS9100D / ISO 9001 with full MTR traceability

Specification Overview

AMS 5653 (also referenced as AMS5653) covers 316L stainless steel in the form of bars, wire, forgings, tubing, and rings in the solution heat treated condition. This specification is issued by SAE International and is widely used in aerospace, defense, and high-performance industrial applications requiring excellent corrosion resistance and moderate strength at elevated temperatures.

The nominal composition of 18% Chromium, 11% Nickel, and 0.60% Columbium (Niobium) provides outstanding resistance to intergranular corrosion—particularly after welding or exposure to elevated temperatures. The low carbon content (hence the "L" designation) minimizes carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, making AMS 5653 an excellent choice for welded assemblies and parts that will be used in corrosive environments without post-weld heat treatment.

Available Product Forms

Bars

Wire

Forgings

Tubing

Rings

All product forms are supplied in the Solution Heat Treated condition per AMS 5653 requirements. Custom sizes, lengths, and pre-machined forms are available upon request. Contact our materials specialists for non-standard dimensions.

Nominal Chemical Composition

Element	Symbol	Nominal %	Notes
Chromium	Cr	18%	Primary corrosion resistance
Nickel	Ni	11%	Austenite stabilizer
Columbium (Niobium)	Cb (Nb)	0.60%	Stabilizes against intergranular corrosion
Iron	Fe	Balance	Base metal
Carbon	C	0.03% max	Low carbon "L" grade – minimizes carbide precipitation
Molybdenum	Mo	2.0–3.0%	Enhanced pitting/crevice corrosion resistance

Chemical composition ranges are nominal. Consult the current issue of AMS 5653 for precise minimum/maximum requirements. Aero-Vac provides full mill test reports (MTRs) with certified chemistry for every order.

Key Properties & Specification Details

Property / Attribute	Details
Specification Number	AMS 5653 (AMS5653)
Issuing Organization	SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers)
Material Type	Corrosion and Heat Resistant Stainless Steel
Steel Grade	316L (AISI / UNS S31603)
Nominal Composition	18Cr – 11Ni – 0.60Cb
Condition	Solution Heat Treated (Annealed)
Available Forms	Bars, Wire, Forgings, Tubing, Rings
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent – suitable for marine, chemical, and food-grade environments
Weldability	Excellent – low carbon minimizes sensitization risk
Heat Resistance	Good – continuous service up to approximately 870°C (1600°F)
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic in annealed condition
Certification Available	AS9100D / ISO 9001, Certificate of Conformance, MTR

Typical Applications

Aerospace & Defense: Aircraft fasteners, structural fittings, hydraulic system components, brackets, and welded assemblies requiring corrosion resistance in high-humidity and salt-spray environments.

Industrial & Chemical Processing: Pump shafts, valve bodies, heat exchangers, piping components, and fittings exposed to corrosive chemicals, acids, and process fluids.

Marine Applications: Propeller shafts, marine hardware, and offshore equipment requiring resistance to seawater and chloride-rich environments.

Medical & Pharmaceutical: Surgical instruments, medical device components, and food/pharmaceutical processing equipment requiring high purity and biocompatibility.

High-Temperature Applications: Components requiring oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, including furnace parts, heat treatment fixtures, and exhaust system components.

Frequently Asked Questions – AMS 5653

What is AMS 5653 and what does it cover?

AMS 5653 (also written AMS5653) is an SAE International aerospace material specification covering 316L stainless steel in the form of bars, wire, forgings, tubing, and rings supplied in the solution heat treated condition. The nominal chemistry of 18% Chromium, 11% Nickel, and 0.60% Columbium (Niobium) delivers excellent corrosion and heat resistance. The low carbon "L" grade minimizes sensitization and intergranular corrosion, making it ideal for welded assemblies. It is widely used in aerospace, defense, marine, and high-performance industrial applications.

What is the difference between AMS 5653 and AMS 5648?

AMS 5648 covers standard 316 stainless steel, while AMS 5653 covers 316L – a low-carbon variant stabilized with Columbium (Niobium). The key differences are: (1) AMS 5653 / 316L has a maximum carbon content of approximately 0.03%, significantly lower than standard 316, which greatly reduces carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during and after welding; (2) AMS 5653 includes Columbium as a stabilizing element (0.60%), which further combats sensitization; (3) 316L per AMS 5653 is preferred for welded assemblies and parts that cannot receive post-weld heat treatment. For non-welded applications, either grade may be suitable depending on mechanical requirements.

Does Aero-Vac supply AMS 5653 with full mill test reports and certifications?

Yes. All AMS 5653 material supplied by Aero-Vac is fully traceable to mill test reports (MTRs) confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties per the specification. We are AS9100D/ISO 9001 certified with a 99.6% quality rating. Every order ships with certificates of conformance, material certifications, and chemical/mechanical test reports. Electronic delivery of all documentation is available for fast turnaround. If your program requires additional special process certifications, our quality team can coordinate as needed.

What forms and sizes of AMS 5653 does Aero-Vac stock?

Aero-Vac maintains inventory of AMS 5653 in multiple product forms including bars (round, flat, and hex), wire, tubing (seamless and welded), forgings, and rings. We carry a range of standard sizes and can provide custom-cut lengths, discs, and blocks from our in-house processing facility at the Port of Kalama. For non-standard dimensions, our team can source from our global supplier network. Contact us with your specific size requirements and we will provide a prompt quote with availability and lead time.

What are the typical lead times for AMS 5653 material?

In-stock AMS 5653 material is typically available for same-day or next-day shipment. For custom-cut or specially processed orders, our standard lead time is 2–4 weeks—significantly faster than the industry average of 8–12 weeks. Specialty forgings or items requiring mill production may require 4–8 weeks depending on quantity and form. We prioritize urgent aerospace and defense requirements and will always provide honest, upfront delivery estimates. Rush processing is available on select items.

Can Aero-Vac provide value-added processing for AMS 5653 material?

Yes. Aero-Vac operates a complete in-house processing facility at our Port of Kalama location. For AMS 5653 stainless steel, we offer precision saw cutting (including disc and ring cutting), surface grinding, trepanning, turning, milling, and heat treatment. We also provide comprehensive mechanical and non-destructive testing services in-house. Having all capabilities under one roof allows for faster turnaround, tighter quality control, and reduced overall cost compared to using multiple vendors. Contact us to discuss your specific processing requirements.

Need AMS 5653 material or a custom quote?

Our stainless steel specialists can provide fast pricing, availability, and technical guidance for your AMS 5653 requirements.